STRONG POSITION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26692, 11 February 1948, Page 5

STRONG POSITION

FIJIAN CRICKETERS

MATCH WITH WAIKATO P.A. d HAMILTON, Feb. 10.

A fifth-wicket partnership of 75 between McMahon and Petrie saved Waikato from a threatened collapse in their first innings against Fiji at Seddon Park, Hamilton, today. McMahon batted aggressively, compiling 73 runs in 86 minutes. He hit three 6’s and nine 4’s. Petrie, the promising young wicket-keeper, batted soundly for 27. The remaining batsmen did not stay, and the side was all out shortly after 3 p.m. for 169 runs. Viliame kept the batsmen qu'et with his off-breaks, which brought him five for 64 in 29 overs. Isoa, who was always steady, finished with a great burst to take the Jast four wickets.

Fiji scored 127 for two wickets, a feature of the innings being a stylish unbeaten 64 by the left-hander Apted, who scored with well-executed shots. Raddock ’was slow, but Bula shaped confidently. He hit two 6’s. The fielding of both sides was of a high standard. Scores: Waikato.—First innings: Aitken, lbw, b Viliame, 8: Lyon, c and b Viliame, 16; Everest, b Viliame, 32;. Higginson, run out, 3; Petrie, lbw, b Viliame. 27; McMahon, b Isoa, 73; Fullerton-Simth, b Viliame, 0; Lissette, b Isoa, 6; Gallagher, lbw, b Isoa, 0; Winger, not out, 0: Langman, b Isoa, 0: extras (byes 10, leg-byes-2), 12;—total, 169. Bowling analysis: Isoa, 20 overs, 2 maidens, 4 wickets, 62 runs; Viliame, 29, 8, 5, 64; Semi. 12, 5. 1. 16; Renn, 4,0, 0,7; Aria, 3,0, 0, 8. Fiji.—First innings: Raddock c Petrie, b Winger, 20; Anted, not out, 64; Cakobau, hit wicket, b Winger, 0; Bula, not out, 34; extras (byes 9), 9;—total, two for 127.