CRICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21243, 26 January 1931, Page 5

CRICKET.

THE PLUNKET SHIELD. WON SY CANTERBURY. OTAGO BEATEN BY 279 RUNS. HOME TEAM’S POOR BATTING. i By beating Otago by 279 runs, Canterbury won the Plunket Shield for the present season at Carisbrook on Saturday with three outright wins. The days play was full of interest, but although Otago S bowling was strong, the home side again failed in batting and went down to a heavy defeat. Throughout the clay the sun shone brightly, and the wicket was in good order. A crowd of about 3000 watched the game in the afternoon, the gate takings being about £IOO. When play was resumed Otago had made 48 for the loss of seven wickets in response to Canterbury’s total of 228, but hopes of a recovery were soon shattered, Cavanagh being dismissed with the second ball of the day off Merritt. Dickinson followed at 58, and the last wicket stand, in which the batting of Coupland and Hawkesworth was as confident as at any stage of the innings, added 13, the innings closing for the small total of 71Merritt’s slows had been the chief cause of Otago’s downfall, and he secured the fine figures of four - for 14. All the bowlers, however, had secured excellent averages. Pago decided not to make Otago follow on. Canterbury’s start was no less surprising than that of Otago. Kerr and Hamilton had scored only five when Badcock dismissed the latter, and Otago supporters hopes rose as Dickinson struck deadly form, and. with the assistance of Hawkesworth behind the stumps, i dismissed Roberta at eight and Talbot without any addition to the score. When Kerr went, also a victim of the fast bowler, four wickets were down for 11 runs. Page and Cromb held the bowlers up for a time, but Badcock dismissed the latter at 2/. Jacobs partnered Grom. and the score began to improve, but the score was only 53 when the sixth wicket fell. Then came a partnership between two men who had held up the attack in the first innings, and while Lester played the rock game Cromb hit out powerfully. He played an innings distinguished by clean,_ powerful hitting, and when he was dismissed witli the total at 103. he had scored 69. whicn included no fewer than 12 fours. His was easily the outstanding batting performance of the match, and it won the warm appreciation of the crowd. The tail continued to make a fight, and Merritt attacked the bowling courageously, hitting two successive sixes off Badcock. When he was dismissed the score had been carried to 149. and Doreen stubbornly resisted the bowling until he had scored 18 but Read went without scoring with the total at 193. Lester had played a fighting knock of 34 not out, never batting attractively, but showing sound defence. He had played a big part in the visitors' recovery. The Otago bowlers again offered an accurate attack, and, as in the first inningfs, it was always dangerous. Dickinson, with three for 54, again secured good figures, bowling accurately throughout the day. With Badcock he shared the credit for the cheap dismissal of so many of the visitors’ best batsmen. The professional varied his bowling well, and ills three wickets were well deserved. Dunning bowled with his usual accuracy, and the batsmen found it more difficult to get him away than any of the others. Couplancl showed his usefulness by taking the last two wickets at a cost of only eight runs. Otago was left 351 to make for a win when its second innings began. The start was a much better one than in the hrst innings, though Shepherd went when only 11 had been scored. Dunning and Cherry then made a stand which took the totaJ to 43, but Dickinson and Blunt both went cheaply, and the innings contiued disastrously until it closed fo the same total as had been made in the hrst innings. Dunning, who msde 27, was again the top scorer, and his runs were made in good style, but the only other innings of any merit was that of Moloney, who scored 15. The Otago batsmen showed no semblance of a fight, and the last eight wickets added only 28 runs. Merritt, who secured the remarkable average of six for 23, was again the chief cause of Otago’s downfall. The batsmen had little idea of how to keep him out of their wickets, and it mattered little whether they stepped out to him or went back. Cromb again bowled well to take Page was warmly congratulated by both players and crowd on his team s success. THE PLAY. Cavanagh faced Merritt when play was resumed, and the second ball ho received he tried to pull round to leg and was skittled. 48—8—6. _ Coupland joined Dickinson and drove the first ball he received to the on for a couple, sending the, next one in the same direction for a single. Read took the ball at the other end, Coupland getting him away for a well-run single. Hicn Dickinson drove him beautifully past cover for 4. He added another 2 in the same direction, and then was clean bowled with the last ball of the over. 68—9—7. Hawkesworth was the last man in. After Coupland had driven Merritt for a single Hawkesworth sent him away for a nice 2 to fine leg, bringing 60 up. Hawkesworth added 1 more and then Couplancl received a ball from Read which seemed to take his leg bail. The umpire (Mr Butler) could not see what had happened and appealed to Mr Downes. As the result of his decision Coupland remained. Hawkesworth was cheered when he sent Read to the fine-leg boundary, and two byes brought 70 up. Coupland, who was playing the right game, going out to Merritt, drove the slow bowler hard for another single. Doreen made his first mistake when he dropped Coupland behind the wickets, but in the same over the batsman skied one which was easily cauglit by Jacobs. 71—10—6. The innings had occupied 81 minutes. CANTERBURY’S SECOND VENTURE. Canterbury decided to bat again, Hamilton and Kerr opening. The former faced Dickinson, off whose third ball he appeared to be caught behind the wicket. An apepal was not upheld, the ball having apparently touched the ground. The over was a maiden. Badcock took the ball at the other end, Kerr cutting him for 4 and sending him to fine leg for another. Dickinson’s second over was also a maiden, and the second ball of Badcock s next saw Hamilton given out Ibw. s—l—o. Roberts partnered Kerr and played put thq, rest of a good over. Kerr gave Dickinson another maiden, and Roberts sent Badcock away to square leg for a single. Dickinson bad four slpis in his next over, Roberts giving him his fourth successive maiden. Kerr added a couple with a leg shot off Badcock. The second ball of the next over —a fast one on the off—was just touched by Roberts, and Hawkesworth took a brilliant catch. B—2—l. Talbot partnered Kerr, mid bad only played two balls when he put his leg in front of a straight ball, and was out. B—3—o. ■ , , , , Pago filled the vacancy, and played the last ball, Dickinson having five maidens and two wickets. Kerr brought 10 up with another couple off Badcock, and Page broke Dickinson’s succession of maidens with a single down the gully. Another sensation followed, Kerr touching one from Dickinson, which Hawkesworth threw himself forward to take beautifully. 11—4—9. Cromb was the next batsman, getting Dickinson away luckily to the on for a single. At the end of his over Dickinson had three for two. A nice square cut gave Cromb 4 off Badcock. Another square cut, this time by Page, saw Dickinson sent to the fence and brought 20 up. After Cromb had added a single. Page faced Badcock for the first time, and played him up the wicket for a well-run single. He then placed Dickinson nicely for a trio. A ball that kept low went away for two byes. Canterbury’s innings continued disastrously, Page touching an off ball from Badcock. and being well taken in the slips by Blunt. 27—5—9 Jacobs filled the vacancy, and played the rest of the over with caution. Cromb turned Dickinson nicely for 4 and 3, bringing 30 up, and reaching “doubles.'’ Cromb played an uppish shot off Badcock, the ball going out of Moloney’s reach. Coupland inisficldcd, and the ball went to the fence. Cromb sent the professional to the leg fence and drove him to the off for another boundary—l2 off the over. • With the score at 46 Blunt replaced DickI inson, sending up a maiden. Jacobs added a couple off Badcock, and Cromb drove

Blunt for 4, bringing 60 up in 57 minutes. Dunning then replaced Badcock, and Jacobs played his first ball low into the slips, where Blunt took a brilliant catch. 63—6—2. Lester partnered Cromb, and. sent Dunning to leg for a couple. Cromb added 1 off Blunt, against whom Lester used his pad. Dunning was content with one over, Dickinson taking his place. Ihe over was a maiden. Only a single came off Blunt’s next over, Cromb adding 2 more off Dickinson, to bring 60 up. Ho then connected with one which he sent to the fine leg boundary, following this up with a couple and a square cut for 4, reaching 40. In Blunt’s next over 70 appeared. Dunning then came on again in Dickinson’s stead, 1 more being added, and Lester surviving an Ibw appeal. Cameron relieved Blunt, and Cromb sent him away for 4 and 1, to reach 50 in 48 minutes. He then gave Dunning a maiden. Lester was not comfortable against Cameron and failed to score off his next over. Cromb gave Dunning another maiden. Lester added one off Cameron, whom Cromb pulled round for 4 and L The total at the adjournment Was 84 (Cromb 65, Lester 4). THE AFTERNOON PLAY.

Cromb faced Dickinson on the resumption and sent him away for a single. Lester added 1, and Cromb reached 60 with a nice 4 to fine leg. Dunning took the ball at the other end and sent up a maiden to Lester.. Three came off Dickin* son’s next over. Badcodk was applauded for good fielding and a good return. Witn the total at 07 Badcock replaced Dunning, Cromb drove him for 4 and 2, but the third ball got him Ibw. The century had been brought up in 107 minutes, 103— 7 Cromb, who had been batting for 78 minutes, was given an ovation on returning to the pavilion. Merritt partnered Lester, who gave Dickinson a maiden. Merritt got Badcock away for a single and added another off Dickinson. The ball went for four byes twice during the over, One to Lester off Badcock took him ( to 10 after 59 minutes’ batting. Merritt was hitting out at the bowling. He played an uppish shot for a couple off Badcock, and then he lifted the professional over the fence for a beautiful 6. The next ball he lifted high towards the pavilion for another 0, bringing 130 up. He added a single to get 15 off . the over. Merritt cut Dickinson for another couple and pulled him round luckily for another brace. He added one more off Dickinson, and then faced Dunnin", who replaced Badcock, Blunt taking theTiall from Dickinson at the other end'. Blunt was unlucky when Merritt drove him to Badcock at cover, the fieldsman throwing himself forward to his full length and the ball landing just in front of his hands. Merritt reached 30 in Dunnings next over, but was dropped in the slips by Moloney off the first ball of Blunts next. Three came off the next, and then Dunning clean bowled Merritt. 149 8— Merritt had been batting for 34 minutes. Dunning had taken two for eight off 10 overs. Doreen filled the vacancy and got one away, having to run hard to escape a run out. Lester then drove Dunning to the fence to reach 20 in 89 minutes. Four byes brought 160 up, and then Dickinson replaced Blunt. The scoring was now very slow, but Lester pulled Dunning round nicely to the fence for 4 to reach 30, and Doreen added another off Dickinson, ihc board showed 177 when Coupland was given a trial in Dickinson’s stead, four coming off his first over, and a 4 to Doreen was the only score off his next. In his third over Doreen put his leg in front and was given out. 193-^-9—lß. Read was the last man in, the first ball he received almost bowling him. Ihe next ball he returned to the bow er. 193 10 —0. Lester was not out with 34 after batting 121 minutes. OTAGO’S SECOND STRIKE. Cherry and Shepherd opened for Otago at 3.40. Cherry faced Read, who bowled from the workshops* end, and scored & single with a square cut off the first ball. Shepherd got another with a similar shot, only good fielding preventing a 4. Talbot took the ball at the pavilion end, Shepherd turning his second round for a brace. Cherry added one more off Read, ami Shepherd drove him nicely to the oli boundary. Cherry gave Talbot a maiden. Shepherd scored a single off Read to bring 10 up, and Cherry sent the veteran away for another. Talbot’s third over was also a maiden. The last ball of Reads next saw Shepherd well caught at point by Merritt. 11—1—8. Dunning filled the vacancy, and, utter Cherry had given Talbot his third maiden cut Read for a single. He then turned Talbot to leg for another. Further singles M'ere added, and then Dunning cut Read through the slips for 4. Another single brought 20 up. Merritt replaced Talbot, Dunning giving him a maiden. Cherry got Read luckily over the slips’ head for I, Dunning survived an appeal tor Ibw in Merritt’s next over, and then drove the slow bowler to the on for 4 to reach “doubles,” getting a single off the last ball. He brought 30 up in half an hour with a couple off Read. After a maiden from Merritt Cromb replaced Read, Cherry lifting him just short of Jacobs at mid-on —a lucky escape. Each batsman added a single in Merritt s next over. Cherry was now going out to Merritt occasionally, and he lifted him high to the off for a brace. Dunning square-cut Cromb to the fence, bringing 40 up and reaching 20. When Dunning pulled Merritt round the ball hit the umpire, and the batsman run a single. Merritt flighted the next one high, Cherry running out missing it, and being skittled. 43—2—13. Dickinson partnered his captiun, ana opened with a single off Merritt. Dunning drove him for a single. Dickinson hit out at one on the off, and an appeal for a catch behind the wickets was upheld. 45—3—1. Blunt was the next batsman, Dunning cutting Cromb nicely for 4, the hall just beating Kerr on the boundary. Blunt added a couple off Merritt to bring 50 up and Dunning gave Cromb a maiden. Blunt added one more, and then Dunning got in front of a straight one from the slow bowler. 524 —27. Moloney filled the vacancy, the batsman scoring a_ succession of singles. Blunt, however, again failed to get into his stride, a good ball from Cromb lifting hie off stump out of the ground. 56 J Cavanagh was the next batsman, Moloney turning Cromb nicely t6_ the square-leg boundary and adding a single. Moloney played Merritt well in his next, which however, was a maiden. Cavanagh added' one off Cromb, and then Moloney turned him round to square leg. The batsman went for a third run, but Jacobs returned smartly, and Doreen quickly whipped the bails off before Cavanagh could reach the crease. 65—6—1. Badcock filled the vacancy, and was clean bowled with the second ball he received. 65 —7—o. Coupland who partnered Moloney, went out to the second ball he received from Merritt, and was bowled. 668 —0. Cameron was the incomer. Moloney played one into the slips, which Merritt did not stop properly. The batsmen tried a silly run. and a smart return saw the wicket broken, Cameron walking towards the pavilion. He was called back, however, as Doreen did not have the ball in his hands when the wicket was broken. The score had just reached the first innings total when Moloney went out to Merritt, and was bowled. • 71 —9—17. Hawkesworth was the last man in, and was bowled with the first ball he received. 71 —10—0. The innings had lasted 93 minutes. Scores: — CANTERBURY. First innings 228

Fall of Wickets. —One for 5, two for 8, three for 8, I'onr for 11, five for 27, six for 53, seven for 103, eight for 149, nine for 193. 10 for 193. Bowling Analysis.

OTAGO. First Innings. J. Shepherd, 111, Ibw, b Talbot .. 3 R. Cherry, 1, c Hamilton, b Talbot .. 1 R. C. Blunt, 42, c Doreen, b Read .. 0 D. A. R. Moloney, 2, b Merritt .... 2 J. Dunning, 41121144, b Cromb .... 18 D. Cameron, 24, b Merritt ...••• 6 V. G. Cavanagh, 1311, b Merritt .. . . 6 F. T. Badcock, Ibw, b Merritt .... 0 G. R. Dickinson, 142, b Read .... 7 R. W. Coupland, 21111, c Jacobs, b Read 6 W. Hawkesworth, 21144. not out .. 8 Byes 7 Leg-bye 1 Total 71 Fall of Wickets.—One for 6, two for 11, three for 15, four for 35, five for 35, six for 45, seven for 47, eight for 47, nine for 58, 10 for 71. Bowling Analysis. O. At. R. W. R. Read 12 8 32 3 R. O. Talbot ..7 3 9 2 W. E. Merritt .. 8-2 14 4 I. B. Cromb .. 4 2 8 1 Second Innings. R. Cherry, 111114112, b Merritt .. 13 J. Shepherd, 1241, c Merritt, b Read 8 J. A. Dunning, 11414121141114, Ibw, b Merritt 27 G. R. Dickinson, 1, o Doreen, h Merritt 1 R. C, Blunt, 21111, b Cfomb .... 6 D. A. R. Moloney, 1141211112, b Merrit .. 15 V. G. Cavanagh, 1, run out 1 F. T. Badcock, b Cromb 0 R. W. Coupland, b Merritt 0 D. Cameron, not out .. .. .. .. 0 W. Hawksworth, b Merritt ...... 0 Total 71 Fall of Wickets. —One for 11 two for 43, three for 45, four for 54, five for 56, six for 65, seven for 63, eight for 66, nine for 71, ten for 71. Bowling Analysis. O. M. R. W. R. Read .. .. S 1 23 1 Talbot 5 3 4 Merritt 13.3 3 23 6 Cromb 11 3 21 2 PLUNKET SHIELD WINNERS, Auckland and Canterbury have each won the Plunket Shield on eight occasions, Wellington six, and Otago one. The shield was awarded to the province with the best performance in the 1906-07 season, and the honour fell to Canterbury, which lost the trophy on a challenge by Auckland the following season, after which period there were some splendid contests between these provinces for possession of the trophy. The following table shows the various winners of the shield: — 1906- —Canterbury. 1907- —Auckland. 1908- —Auckland. 1909- Auckland. > 1910-11 —Canterbury. 1911- —Auckland. 1912- Canterbury. 1913- Canterbury. 1914- —Canterbury. 1916-18—No matches played. 1918- Wellington and Canterbury. 1919- —Auckland. 1920- —W ellington. 1921- —Auckland. 1922- 23—Canterbury. 1923- —Wellington. 1924- Otago. 1925- —Wellington. 1926- Auckland. 1927- —Wellington. 1928- —Auckland. 1929- —Wellington. 1930- —Canterbury. WELLINGTON v. AUCKLAND. SLOW SCORING BY VISITORS. AN INTERESTING CONTEST. IPek United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, January 24. By virtue of a steady attack Auckland gained the first innings lead in the second day of the Plunket Shield match against Wellington, which was continued at Eden Park to-day. The weather was again gloriously fine, and the wicket in firstclass order. It was a _ day of slow scoring. Wellington occupied the wicket for practically the whole of the day, but, with the single exception of Lowry, the batsmen showed little initiative, and the side was dismissed for 233—64 behind Auckland’s first innings total. The home team, in the second innings, scored 30 without loss. The Auckland bowling was steady throughout, and Lowry was the only batsman who looked like mastering the attack. Cameron batted for over four hours to score 71,. but was never really comfortable. Every Auckland bowler commanded respect, in spite of the fact that Allcott did not handle the attack well. There were occasional lapses in the Auckland fielding, and Hunt behind the wickets was patchy. Dempster and Cameron continued very slowly. No liberties could be taken with the bowling of Matheson and Cleverley, halt an hour’s play realising only 14 runs. Ceverley’e first seven overs cost only three runs, but off the next Dempster made some neat scoring shots to leg, including the first four of the innings. Wensley and Anthony gave the fast bowlers a spell. Scoring was still slow, both bowlers beat the bat at times, but the batsmen were covering up well. An hour’s play realised 32 runs. With his score at 16 Cameron, who had been showing a very steady defence, gave a difficult chance to Hunt on the leg side. It would have been a magnificent catch if the wicket-keeper had taken it. Shortly after, the Rangitikei man was dropped by Finlayson at first slip, off Wensley. With the score at 45, after 92 minutes’ play, Allcott relieved Wensley, who had bowled 13 overs and six maidens for eight runs. Cameron just missed playing the Auckland captain on to the wicket in the first over. Finlayson bowled at the other end, the combination of the two left-handers being somewhat surprising. The crowd commenced to barrack Cameron for is purely defensive play. The innings had been in progress for 107 minutes when the first wicket fell. Cameron for his purely defensive play. Dempster called him for a run. Matheson picked the ball up in a flash, and an accurate return allowed Hunt to whip off the bails. 47—1—24. Janies joined Cameron, and the latter, going out to Finlayson, gave Hunt an easy stumping chance. The wicket-keeper grabbed nt the ball and missed. However, a few minutes later Allcott got James with a ball which just took the bails. 53—2—2. Allcott, after bowling eight overs for six runs and uDe wicket, gave way to Matheson. Cleverley had an over before lunch, and the adjournment was taken with two wickets down for 85 (Cameron not out 42). Cleverley and Wensley were the bowlers after lunch. Cameron reached 50, and brought the first century up after 162 minutes’ play. He was batting more vigorously now, and M’Girr was playing slowly but steadily. The batsmen were scoring practically in even time, Cameron exploiting a well-timed late cut to advantage, This shot nearly brought about his downfall, Finlayson missing a second chance in the slips off Anthony. Allcott and Anthony succeeded in putting the batsmen on the defensive again, and after batting 80 minutes for 3t runs M’Girr was badly beaten by a ball from the Auckland captain, which knocked back the off stump. M’Girr evidently thought the ball had come back off Hunt’s pads, but the square-leg umpire (Mr Cobcroft) decided in favour of the bowler. 135 — 3—37. Lowry joined Cameron, and there was another period of alow scoring, Cameron remaining at 66 for 25 minutes. Lowry commenced to open out, and in one over got three short-pitched deliveries from Matheson to the boundary. This brought 150 up after 227 minutes’ play. Lowry scored 36 while Cameron scored one. and wherj the latter got a single through the slips the crowd cheered ironically. Witli the score approaching the second century Vivian came on, and in the third over Hunt again missed the easiest of stumping chances. Weir made the eighth bowler tried for Auckland, but in the last over before tea Cameron’s marathon innings came to an end. He stepped in front to Vivian, and was out leg before. Cameron had been at the wickets 263 minutes, and although he had given chances he had improved the side’s prospects considerably. 187 —4—71. Lowry and Crook started slowly after the tea adjournment. The former reached 50 after 80 minutes’ batting. The second century appeared in 278 minutes, and Matheson bowled with a new ball. Vivian had been troubling both batsmen, but was replaced by Wensley. Lowry continued to bat brilliantly, and with powerful shots off any loose deliveries added steadily to the score. Then, valour get-

ting the better of discretion, he went out to hit Matheson and was clean bowled. 215—5—61. Browne did not last long. He snicked a rising ball from Matheson. and Huht took a catch, 2216 —3. Disaster followed for Wellington, Before a run was added* Crook was badly beaten by Wensley, and bowled off his pads. 221—7—14. Massey was almost Wellington’s _ last hope, and lost his wicket to a sensational catch by Hunt. j The batsman leg glandod Wensley a scoring shot, but Hunt went across to take the ball brilliantly. 222 —B—l. Newman shaped well for a while, but was clean bowled by Matheson in trying to hit a good length ball. 231—0—7. Blundell was not confident, and Lambert could only add two runs before the Cambridge “ blue ” was bowled by Matheson. 233—10—0. The innings had occupied 323 minutes. With n lead of 64 points on the first innings, Bostics and Mills opened Auckland’s second innings 25 minutes before stumps were drawn. Mills attacked the bowling in an exhilarating fashion, but Postles was more subdued. Blundell, Massey, M’Girr, Lambert, and Dempster were tried with the ball -before time was called, Auckland having scored 30 without loss. Mills’s contribution was 25, made in his best style. Scores:— AUCKLAND. First Innings 297 Second Innings. A. J. Postles, not out .. 5 J. E. Mills, not out .. .. .. .. 25 No wickets for 30. WELLINGTON, First Innings.

IN OTHER CENTRES. WELLINGTON COMPETITION. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, January 25. With the star bowlers all away at Auckland, battling for the Plunket Shield, freer scoring was witnessed in the fifth series of the senior championship matches which were commenced yesterday. A shower of rain at 3.30 p.m. interrupted play for about half an hour, and-rendered the wickets easy. The unbeaten team, Midland, ran up 332 for eight wickets against Old Boys. A feature of the innings was a sterling knock for IG6 by W. A. Baker, who was at the wickets for 196 minutes, and hit 24 fours. With this innings, Baker broke K. H. Tucker’s record of 19 centuries in senior championship matches. J. W. Hutchings made a great stand with Baker for the fifth wicket, which put on 185 runs. Hutchings was left unbeaten with 48, and H. Dustin (42) and Shepherd, the ex-Napier player (22) also batted well. The Old Boys’ bowling averages were badly battered, Duncan coming out- best with three for 90. Petone ran up 282 against Institute. E. Roberts, the one-time All Black halfback, was the hero of the innings with an exhilarating display for 149, which included two sixes and 12 fours. Hamilton, Spence, and Scott all ran into the twenties. Foley did the best of the Institute bowlers with five for 86. • Hutt made 240 for eight wickets against Wellington’. Ross, a promising ctylt, scored 92, and with Biggar (57) gave his side a splendid start by putting on 108 for the first wicket. Birch (38) and Lees (22) lent useful assistance. Symes, a well-built ex-Wanganui College youth, was the best of the Wellington bowlers, with three for 61. Ross Newman, of Nelson, played for Wellington in this game, making his first appearance in Wellington cricket,. Kilbirnie could only total 171 against University, for whom Harrison secured five wickets gor .61, and Aim four for 66. Ward, who just passed the half-century, was the only Kilbirnie batsman to get going. University made a poor showing, losing five wickets for 44 runs against good bowling by Bromley, who took two wickets for seven runs. CHRISTCHURCH GAMES. . (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 25. The seventh round of the Christchurch cricket competition was concluded yesterday in beautiful weather. Lancaster Park 296 (Smith 121, Kilpatrick not out 44) beat West Christchurch 202 and 136 for two wickets (Allen not out 67). Old Collegians 157 (Jackman 42, G. Tal. bot 48) and 186 for two wickets (Dunster not out 106, Bruges not out 54) beat St. Albans 132 and 104 for two wickets (declared) on the first innings. Thomas took six old Collegian wickets for 43. Sydenham 176 and 265 (Young not out 102, Harper 50) bbat Old Boys 175. M'Ewen secured seven wickets for 65. Riccarton 319 (Roberts 123, made on the first day, Jacobs 64, Haines 47) beat East Christchurch 94 and 186 (Davis 53). MR H. D. SWAN’S VISIT. NEW ZEALAND TEAM’S TOUR. (Special to Dailt Times.) WELLINGTON, January 25. With a view to discussing with the council details of the New Zealand cricket team’s English tour, the representative of the New Zealand Cricket Council in London (Mr H, D. Swan) arrived at Wellington by the Ruahine from Great Britain late on Saturday afternoon. By returning on the Ruahine when she makes her homeward voyage in about five weeks’ time, Mr Swan will be back in the Old Country about three or four weeks before the arrival of the team at Southampton. This will give him time to make the final arrangements for the tour. “ I have not been in New Zealand for eight years,” said Mr Swan, “ and I thought I would like to take a trip out to the Dominion and discuss final arrangements for the English tour with the New Zealand Council. It is rather unsatisfactory being so far away. I just happened to be free, and took the opportunity of coming out and discussing with the council the details of the tour and various other business matters. I am making the round trip on the Ruahine, and shall be back home about three or four weeks before the team arrives I will, therefore, be able to make final arrangements on the other side and also be in a position to meet the team when it arrives at Southampton.” Mr Swan remarked that the team would be assured of a warm welcome in the Old Country. The last New Zealand team that visited England had made itself so very popular that the forthcoming visit was being awaited with interest. Mr Swan last visited New Zealand as manager of Maclaren’s M.C.O team, which was in New Zealand in 1922 and 1923

Second Innings. I M Hamilton, Ibw, b Badcock .... 0 J, L. Kerr, 4122, e Hawkesworth, b 0 A W. Roberts, I, c Hawkesworth, b Dickinson I R. 0. Talbot, Ibw. b Dickinson ., . . 0 M L Pages, 1413, c Blunt, b Badcock ■J I B. Cromb. 14143444411242411414114 1242, Ibw, Badcock 6!) J. Jacobs, 2, c Blunt, by Dunning .. 2 S G Lester, 2111211111224112114211, 34 W E. Merritt, 11122661221111111, b Dunning 31 N Doreen, 11141211141, Ibw, b Coup18 R. Read, c and b Coupland 0 Byes .. IS Leg-bye 1 No-ball - I Total 193

0. M. R. W. G li. Dickinson 22 10 54 3 T. Badeock .. 17 2 C2 3 R. C. Blunt .... !1 i IS • R. W. Couplaiid 2.4 — 8 2 J. N. Dunning .. 14 4 20 2 D. Cameron 3 1 11 —

C. S. Dempster, run out .. .. .. 24 D. Cameron, Ibw, b Vivian ., .. K. 0. James, b Allcott .. .. 0 H. M. M'Girr, b Allcott .. .. .. 37 T. C. Lowry, b Matheson .. .. .. 61 R. Crook, b Wensley L. V. Browne, c Hunt, b Matheson .. 3 H. B. Massey, c Hunt, b Wensley .. 1 H. Lambert, not out ,T. Newman, b Matheson .. .. E. D. Blundell, b Matheson .. .. 0 Extras 9 Total .. .... .. Bowling Analysis.

Overs, Mdns. Runs. Wckts. Matheson .. ,. 20.3 6 53 4 Cleverley .. .. 15 5 31 0 W. P. Wensley 27 7 38 i Ajlcott .. .. 14 6 15 2 Finlayson .. 16 5 ■ 45 0 Anthony .. .. 25 15 25 0 Vivian ., 0 ■4 11 1 Weir ,. .. 4 1 6 0