CRICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18761, 15 January 1923, Page 6

CRICKET.

M.C.C. v. OTACO. VISITORS LEAD OX FIRST INNINGS. SLOW RATE OF SCORING. LOCAL TEAM FAILS IN SECOND STRIKE. The rain which fell on Friday night and (he light showers on Saturday morning caused the resumption of the match between the M.C.C. and the Otago Eleven to Ire delayed from 11 a.n tdl after 1 p.m. The rain had then cleared off. but the sky was overcast. Fairly good cricket weather was in evidence till about 4 o’clock, but thereafter tho atmosphere became very cold. It was. in fact, more like football than cricket weather. There was an excellent attendance of the public, and £270 was taken at the gales. Tho wicket was easy when the not-out English batsmen went in, and the outfield

was not slow. When the Otago team commenced their second strike, however, the wicket was on the tricky side, but it was not so bail as the Otago batting would indicate Some of the local batsmen, in fact, could not curb their impatience, and lost their wickets by trying to force their scoring off good balls. Freeman got a lot cf spin on the ball, and soon worked a pronounced spot on the wicket. Calthorpe also bowled well, the ball rising at times and puzzling the batsmen. The batting of the Englishmen did not. provide many thrills. Both ’litchmarsh and Chapman played correct cricket, and! Titchmarsh was content to wait for his scoring shots. Chapman, however, is a batsman of the vigorous type. He is not frightened to lay on the wood, and on Saturday lie got most of his runs in front of the wicket. The team could do with two or three more of tho Chapman type. Chapman stated on his return to the pavilion that tho wicket was an easy one. That being so, Titchmarsh should have given an exhibition of faster scoring. To be quite candid, the batting of the Otago men who made runs in tho first, innings compared quite favourably with that of the visitors who made runs. Tho spectators on Saturday afternoon expected to see cricket with some sparkle in it, hut. apart from the halting of Chapman, there was no champagne. so lo speak, in the baiting. And the M.C.C. team developed a pronounced tail, the last seven batsmen not shaping

any better than tho first seven Otago batsmen. The visitors no doubt desire to win their matches, and it is quite a natural desire, but. no sport can thrive without the support of tho public. It was an heroic public that sat in the cold on Saturday afternoon and watched the slow batting of the Englishmen, and stuck it also while the Otago men came and quickly went. As a matter of fact the public were cu titled to expect more interesting batting from a learn which had travelled thousands of miles lo (ry to educate us in the finer points of the game. At the conclusion of Iho day's play Otago had a lead of 56 o'er the visitors’ first innings total, with three wickets to fall. The match will be continued at 2 p.m. today.

The Play. Maclean (6) and Titchmarch (11) resumed their innings at 1.20 p.ni.. the former opening to A. W. Alloa. Maclean scored a single, and then faced M'Boath, (wo bvos coming off the first ball. The young Worcestershire player then made an uppish stroke towards A. \V. Alloo at mid-on, and followed with a similar shot shortly alter. A clean square cut by Titchmnrsh off M'Beatb went for four, and Maclean got a fine off drive to the boundary off Alloo, and repeated the stroke olf the next ball. A. W. Alloo was applauded for well fielding a couple of hot shots by Maclean to midoff. Runs were coming slowly, the Otago men stopping a lot. of likely-scoring strokes. With the score at 77 Maclean (23) mishit M'Beath high over the stumps, but Dickinson, fielding at first slip, missed the chance. Off the last ball of Alice's last over Titchmarsh scored a four with a nice pull. M'Beath was bowling well, and Maclean was putting the balls up a bit on the on tide. Torrance replaced Alloo .at the ('argil I road end when the score was 82. Tilchmarsh scoring a single off the over. The first ball of Torrance's second over was snicked by Maclean to M'Beofh in the slips. 5 24—83. Chapman was the incomer, the tall left-hander hooked his first ball from Torrance for a single. He then pulled Torrance well for three. Duncan sating (ho boundary, and he hooked the same howler for n single. Tiichmorsh got a four with a pull to leg off Torrance's last ball of the over. Shepherd replaced M'Beath at the Glen end, the score then being 94. Nine runs were scored off the over, and 100 runs came on the board after an hour and 24 minutes’ play. Chapman got a four on (lie leg side from the last hall of Shepherd's second over. The batsmen continued to play carefully, and Torrance bowled a maiden to Titchmnrsh. Chapman made a fine off-drive to the boundary off '.I orrance, and booked the next ball lor a single, bringing his score lo 27, or five behind Titchmarsh’s total. The batsmen were placing (heir strokes with judgment, and running well between the wickets. At the end of an hour and 42 minutes’ nlay the score stood at 123, and Titchmarsh came into the pavilion for a new bat. Chapman I hen hit Shepherd to the on aide for four, got a brace for a drive past midon, and a single to cover. The last hall Titchmarsh nut up just nut of reach of a fieldsman. Dickinson replaced Torrance at the Cargill road end. and A. W. Alloo relieved Shepherd at (he other end. Chapman wa.s applauded for a beautiful square cut off Dickinson to the boundary.' and bo then off-drovc the same howler for a couple Facing Alloo Titchmnrsh banged n full toss to the boundary, the total being 150 for an hour and 57 minutes’ batting. Titchmarsh’s score was then 51. Titchmarsh put. one up in the slips clear of the field from Dickinson, ami M'Boath then came on again at the Cargill road end. Chapman brought his score to 50 with a late cut after 52 minutes’ batting. Both batsmen wore now playing with more freedom, and the score was steadily mounting. Chapman then failed to get properly on to a ball from M'Beach. and the ball went high to midon. where Torrance finished up a sharp sprint by talcing a very fine catch. 4—53 173. Wilson was the incomer, and played out (he rest of M'Beath's over. He dirt not shape too well to M'Beath’s next over, which was a maiden. Torrance then had a turn at the Glen end in place of Alloo. and Wilson gave a very difficult chance in the slips off the last ball of (he over. M‘BoaMi splitting the thumb of his right hand in an effort to gather the ball in. M'Beath went off to get his thumb tied up. and lowly fielded in his place Conradi had an over while M'Boath was off. When he had scored 73 Titchmarsh went to off-drive a diopping h.lll from Torrance, and placed it in M'Mnllan's hands at point. 5—73 —189. The Englishmen had now been at the wickets for 2hr 14min. C'allhorpe was the next man, and he was nearly stumped off (lie Inst ball of his first over from Torrance. Wilson, who had been batting 32 minutes for four singles, then played Torrance on. 6 4—190. Lowry came in. and Calthorpe was sent back to the pavilion. Conradi, at extra cover, making a fine catch oft' M'Beath’s bowling, 7—O—ISO. Hartley. the captain, followed, and faced Torrance, mid H. C. Alloo, at cover, just failed to got under a vigorous shot by the incomer. Lowry opened his score with a high hit over the wickets, off M'Beath. for four. He attempted to make another big hit off tnc next ball, and Conradi effected his second fine catch at extra cover. 8 4—196. Freeman came in, and Torrance bowled him a maiden. Freeman hit M'Beath high to the rails for four and put up another lofty one on the on side just out of reach of a fieldsman. Two hundred was the score for 3hr 4min play. Freeman then Ml to an appeal for a run out, Cecil Alloo, at cover, throwing in smartly to the bowler's end. and Torrance whipping off the bails. 97 —204. Tyldesley was the last man in. A bad throw-in saved Hartley from being run out, Gallant! having lo take jhe ball with his back to 11 1 e stumps. Tyldesley went in for hard hitting, and wn* lucky enough to gel the ball out- of the fieldsmen s reach. He finally placed one into Shopherd’s hands at nu’d-on. The innings closed at five minutes nasi 4. the Englishmen having then been batting 3hr 2Emin for 222 runs. Shepherd and 11. C. Alloo went lo Lie wickets for Ora go's second innings at halfpast 4. Bad 'nek again came lo Alloo. ns lie played the last ball of Calthorpe s over a swinger—on, being out in the same way as in his first strike and to (he same bowler. I—o—o. A. W. Alloo tame in, and Freeman sent down a, maiden to Shepherd. Alloo opened the scoring with a high flukey hit past cover, and Shepherd drove Cajthovpo past mid-on for a brace. Oalthorpe’s deliveries were commencing to rise, and Shepherd was temporarily laid out from a

blow in the stomach. Shepherd shortly after tried to force, a rising ball from Calthorpe to tile on, and sate the bowler an easy catch. 2—9—17. Freeman was getting a lot of work on the ball, and Calthorpe was also turning (hem well from the oft. Conratli was the incomer, but he did not stay long, as he cooked up one from Calthorpe to Tilchmnrsh at silly mid-on. 51 —19. Galla.ni! was next in. lie drove I'rceman. low down, to Chapman at cover, but the fieldsman just failed to hold it as be ran forward Gailand then gave a bard chance to Freeman, in the slips, oft Calthorpe, ami be pul another from (be same bowler dangerously near Hill-Wood at leg. Gailand was then stumped in trying to hit a breaking ball from Freeman. 44 —24. Otago bad been playing 50 minutes for 25 rims. Freeman’s average now read —12 overs. 9 maidens, 8 runs. 1 nickel. M’Mullan was the incomer. Alloo gained applause for bitting the first four of the innings—an oft’ drive from Freeman’s bowling. He wen! for another hit off the same bowler and was easily caught by Chapman at cover. s—l 9 45. joined M’Mullan. M Mullan was Splaying carefully. He got a four to leg off Calthorpe and placed freeman to leg- for three Tyldesley relieved Calthorpe when the score was 57, and M’Mullan pulled the third ball nicely to the boundary. The fieldsmen were now clustered round the wicket and taking no chances. Duncan failed to put enough wood into an off drive from Freeman’s bowling, and was snapped up by Tyldesley fielding close in at point. 61 —61. Dickinson was the next batsman, but shaped very poorly to Freeman M"AJulian was batting steadily and got another lour with a hook off Tyldesley. Hartley came on in place of Tyldesley. When the score stood at 69 a line boundary hit to leg and a single, both off Freeman, brought M’Mullan’s score to 30. Dickinson was then out ibw. Stumps were drawn at three minutes to 6. Arrangements will probably be made to continue play till 6 p.m. to-day. Scores; — OTAGO. First innings *°* f-econd Innings. H. C. Alloo, h Calthorpe ® ,1. shepherd, 22221, c nnd b Calthorpe ... 8 A. W. Alloo, 112131111124, o Chapman, b

Freeman X. Conradi, 1, c Tilchmarsh, b Calthorpe ... 1 A. Gailand, 121, st Maclean, b Freeman ... 4 ,1. M'Mullan, 2241334411411. not out 31 H. llnnonri, 1, c Tyldesley, b Freeman ... 1 G. Dickinson, 21, Ibw, b Hartley •' Extras Total for seven rrickets Bowling Ana'lysis.—Calthorpe, 84 balls. I maidens. 28 runs, 3 wickets; Freeman, 108 balls. 11 maidens. 30 runs, 3 wickets; rvldcsley, 18 balls, 1 maiden, 8 runs; Hartley, 10 balls, 2 runs, 1 wicket. M.C.C. First Innings. W. W. Hill-Wood, 114113111, 1 • A. w. Alloo 14 A. C. Wilkinson, 1141244, c Shepherd, b Dickinson -® C. H. Titehr.iavsh. 214311414111111113124141424 231312, c M’Mullan, h Torrance 73 J. F. Maclean, 1112112154111111, c M’Bcath, I) Torrance *4 A. 11.I 1 . F. Chapman, 1112112411412411111421142 112121. c Torrance, b M’Beath S 3 <}. Wilson, 1111, b Torrance i p. s. G. Calthorpe, c Conradi, b M’Beath ... 0 t! C. Low re, 4. c Conradi, b M’Bcath ... 4 ,1. C. Hartley, 1111, not out 4 A. F. I'retanan, 1141, run out 1 J). Tvhhslev, 221211411, c Shepherd, 1> M ’Beat b ’ 1R Extras * Total F.owling Analysis.—M’Beath, 168 balls, 0 maidens. 66 runs,’ 4 wickets; Dickinson, 48 balls, 36 runs, 1 wicket; Conradi. G balls, 2 runs; A. W. Alloo, 72 balls, 44 runs. 1 wicket: Torrance, 120 halls, 6 maidens, 43 runs, 3 wickets; Shepherd, 30 balls, 27 runs.

WELCOME TO THE VISITORS. Al. the luncheon the president of Die Otago Cricket Association (Mr J. J. Clark) took the opportunity cf welcoming the visiting team on behalf of the cricketers of the province. They appreciated highly, he said, the visit of the M.C.C. reprcsentativcG, and would do all in their power to make their stay pleasant. Though it was not possible to follow the example cf the Christchurch people and provide an earthquake, they were doing their host to demonstrate the charm of our variety in weather. The reputation of the M.C.C. team its brilliant cricketers, good sports, and gentlemen was being fully borne out. In a few years, it was hoped, they might be able to send flic first New Zealand team to England. '1 hoy hud. however, sent a team of 100.000 men to the assistance of our Mother Land, and those who had come back had invariably spoken in the highest- terms of the reception accorded them by the cricketers and people generally of England. They were glad now to express their thanks for those kindnesses, and to assure their visitors of an appreciation of the bond of kinship so displayed. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. S. Douglas), on behalf of the citizens of Dunedin, also extended a hearty welcome. The citizens of the dominion, ho said, were proud to call England their Mother Land. Colonel Hartley, in reply, thanked ihe Otago peonlc on behalf of the M.C.C., which, he said, had the fostering of cricket throughout the world always at heart. The team know they would get a big welcome in Dunedin, and were all delighted to play on a ground which Was the best they bad vet seen in New Zealand. He complimented 'Otago on the good showing they had made the "previous day. and especially mentioned thp batting of Shepherd, Oalland, and Conrndi. Others might not have done full justice to themselves, but there was a lot of cricket in them, and it was obvious that there was ns much keenness here ns anywhore in tho dominion. The team hftd come out here to do something more than play cricket. It desired to cement, (ho bond of union between this, the farthestdown British possession, and tho “funny old Mother Land.” And. said the colonel, the game of cricket did this jolly well. Englishmen knew New Zealand bv Dio exploits of tho All Blacks, by the fine play of Anthony Wilding on the tennis court, and they also had an abiding recollection of what New Zealand had done in the war. Those who had fought, there and the regiments who had had New Zealanders on their flanks knew the sense of security they felt.—(Applause.) IN SOUTH AFRICA. M.C.C. v. NATAL. Press Association—Bv Telegraph—Copyright CAPETOWN, January 12. The Marvlcbonc team commenced a match against Natal at Pietennaritz.borg. Marylebone in ibo first innings made 248 (Russell 49. Sandham 39. Woolley 45, Carr 2. Mead 48, Fender 14, Mann 0. Jupp 13, Stevens 8. Street 8 not out, Gilligan 14). Billing took 7 for 95 and Conyngham 2 for 49. . It rained all the previous day, and the wicket, which was covered with matting, was easy. The Natal side was fully representative. Play was delayed 35 minutes through the wet pitch.—A. and N.Z. Cable. (Received .fan. 14. at 5.5 p.m.) Natal in their first innings made 124 (Taylor 41, Carter 24). Woolley took 5 wickets for 24, Jupp 2 for 21, Fender 2 for 39, and Stevens 1 for 15. Marylebone in their second filings lost two wickets for 176 (Russell, not out, 76, Sandham 76. Woolley 12, Carr, not out, 10). The weather was sunny and hot, and the wicket, dead. The Natal team made a pom- showing against well-used bowling. Woolley was in particularly fine form with the ball. Tho Englishmen were out for scoring, and took chances. Sandham was lucky, being twice missed There has been unfavourable comment on Taylor introducing the leg theory on the previous day, prolonging I lie life of the last wicket, in order to save his own side from baiting. The light late in tho afternoon was poor.