CRICKET

Otago Witness, Issue 3853, 17 January 1928, Page 51

CRICKET

By

SLIP.

OTAGO TEAM’S TOUR.

Though the Otago team was beaten in all three of its matches it returned to Dunedin a much better side than it was thought to be when it left. Briefly, it was moderately strong in batting, weak in bowling, and keen in the field, though dropped catches cost it dear on occasions. From the beginning it had to fight against adds, tor at the last minute Zimmerman was unable to travel, and for the last two matches, after Blunt had returned home, it had only the bare eleven. Under erdinary circumstances this would not have been a, disadvantage, but Eastman’s injury proveTl to be serious, and during the batter part of the Canterbury match it began to interfere with his play, brom then on it was a serious handicap, and in the Auckland match he was unable to take his place in the team. Cricketers will regret to learn that he will have to undergo an operation. But the Otago team did not lose that fighting spirit which has characterised so many of its games, and Canterbury and Auckland had to struggle hard for victory, in the Wellington match the visitors were less than 100 runs behind on the first innings, and when the home team had lost six wickets in its second venture for 79 runs, Otago’s chances seemed bright, but then the complexion of the game suddenly changed. Otago began their. second innings fac-ng. the almost impossible task of making over 500 runs, but when the last wicket fell they were only - 163 runs behind.

Out-standing features of the tour were the success of Eastman, the consistency, of M'Mullan, and the gallant batting of Alloo. M'Mullan showed that he is as reliable as ever in representative cricket. His scores were 10, 73, 51, 131, 33 and 41. Alloo did not strike form until the latter end of the tour, but he more than made amends for his modest scores at the beginning by playing three fine fighting inr;s. As captain Alloo’s position all through the tour was a most difficult and trying one, and it is a tribute to his leadership that the side did so well. There were no outstanding performances en the part of the younger players, but the experience they have gained will be valuable. Cavanagh’s performances at the end ®f the tour were not so impressive as those at the beginning, but he has shown that he has real batting ability. Elmes made one good score of 46 at a time when runs were badly needed, but Vorath never got into his stride.

Cherry only once found form, his total being 65, and Knight was “in and out ” though he showed particularly good form when he was in the scoring mood. Veteran “Dick” Torrance came to light in the second innings against Auckland with a useful 39. It is a peculiarity of Torrance’s that he sometimes unexpectedly rattles on a tidy score. Until last year his last? wicket partnership with Cherry at Christchurch was a record. He is in his twentysecond year as a representative cricketer. It was in bowling that the weakness of the team lay, and the difficulty was accentuated by Eastman’s inability to take his full measure of the attack. The fact that Knight had to be bowled showed how real the difficulty was, but peculiarly his figures were better than those of any other bowler. Galland evidently was more than satisfactory as wicketkeeper. He took eight catches, and was responsible for stumping two batsmen.

The following are the batting and bowling averages of the team:—

BATTING.

PONSFORD’S SCORES. In his last 10 first-class games Ponsford has scored 10 centuries. They are as follow: — 102—Australia v. Western Australia, 1926. 214—Victoria v. South Australia, 1926. 151 —Victoria v. Queensland, 1926. 352—Victoria v. New South Wales, 1926. 108 —Victoria v. South Australia, 1927. 116 —Victoria v. Queensland, 1927. 131 —Australia v. The Rest, 1927. 133 —Victoria v. South Australia, 1927. 437 —Victoria v. Queensland, 1927. 336 —Victoria v. South Australia, 1927. Ponsford now has four scores of over 300 to his credit in Australian cricket. No other batsman has more than one. The only world’s record which he has not broken is R; E. Foster’s test. score of 287. In pennant games this season he has made 188, 67, 16 (on a sticky wicket), and 165 not out. For St. Kilda against Tasmania he made 105 at Hobart and ■ 121 at Launceston. DON’TS AT PRACTICE. i Don’t forget to put your name down on the order list. Don’t turn out to practise in civilian dress. You will play better and feel more comfortable in flannels. Don’t go on the ground to practise after rain unless you first inquire from someone in authority or the groundsman whether the wicket is playable. Don’t spoil it for future practice. . Don’t go out to practice with tho intention of slogging every, ball. Play' the different strokes you know and learn other strokes.

Don’t dig holes in tho wicket when playing your shots. Remember that other players will be practising after you.

Don’t keep on using a bat that is cracked. Draw the practice captain’s attention to the fact. Cricket material is expensive, and a little binding may save the crack from going further. Don’t stand round the bowling crease waiting for a bowl. You become a nuisance to the bowlers, and also to the batsmen. Do your turn in the field.

Don’t bowl in any haphazard fashion when your turn comes along. Bowl for a good length, and always Bee that the arm goes well over the shoulder and that one foot is behind the bowling crease. Don’t be annoyed if the practice captain orders you to do certain things. Do it willingly, and bo lighten his job. Don’t leave the material lying about when practice is over. It is your duty to take it in.

Don't run over a match wicket under preparation when running after a ball. Always find out first if it is sufficiently dry. Don’t be lazy at practice. Lazy lads are not much use in cricket. Don’t bowl more than two men. Other players besides yourself would like a turn. NOTES. The team to represent Wellington against Otago at Carisbrook on January 20 will be a particularly strong one. Lowry, James, M'Girr, Dempster, and Bernau were all members of the team which toured England, and others who willl find a place in the side are J. 8. Taylor (the Nelson coach) and R. de R. Worker, the ex-Otago and New Zealand representative. There will be good material in the Otago side, however. Blunt, Dickinson, Shepherd, Galland, Alloo, and M'Mullan will probably form the backbone of the side.

“My advice to the youngster with cricket in him is to see as many firstclass batsmen in action as possible.”— W. H. Ponsford.

In test cricket, the bowling figures of Jack Saunders, the famous Australian lefthander, who died in Melbourne the other day, were: 1046.1 overs, 419 maidens, 1731 runs, 94 wickets, average 18.41. Saunders was invariably last man on the batting list. In 20 innings he scored 34 runs for an average of 2.26. Ponsford’s record score of 437 against Queensland was made up of 42 4’s, 12 $B, 37 2’s, and 159 singles. Considering there arc but four senior teams in Otago, that they have played but two and a-half matches, have had only four or .five nights’ practice at the nets, and that three of the leading players were unable to make the trip, the Otago eleven put up a very creditable performance against Auckland in the Plunket Shield match (says the New Zealand Herald). E. R. Neale, the Nelson all-rounder, in scoring 200 (not out) in the Neuman Snield match between Nelson and Motueka made his fifth double century. Cricketers with three or more double centuries to their credit are as follows:—

H. M. Butterworth (Wanganui)—3ll, 296, 253, 241, 216. E. R. Neale (Nelson) —215, 209*, 201*, 210, 200*.

W. C. Baker (Wellington)—2s4, 241*, 235, 226*.

R. C. Blunt (Otago)—226, 216, 204*, 200.

F. Woods (Canterbury)—234, 233, 201. •'R. Eden (Nelson) —252*, 209, 204*. “ Second Slip,” in the Cricketer, writes of K. C. James: Of the New Zealanders’ wicket-keeper, K. C. James, it has been said by some of those most qualified to know that at the present moment he is probably second to W. A. Oldfield, the Australian, as the best in the world. Having seen James on several occasions, the writer has very little hesitation in placing him in the same class as Strudwick, Lilley, Halliwell, Sherwell, Blackham, Jarvis, M'Gregor, and many others, who have all been so good.

The brightest batting display on the Canterbury side was given by the colt Merritt, who handled his bat very stylishly in running to 20 (says a Wellington writer in reviewing the Wellington-Can-terbury match). He was dismissed by a bit of strategy on Dempster’s part. Dempster let a ball from Evans’s bat go past him. When they went for a second run Dempster pounced on the ball, sent a good return to Lambert, and a bright innings was nipped in the bud. This is a lesson which the Canterbury youngster will probably remember. George Giffen used to play ’possum like this, and m w and again used to run an unwary Englishman out by the method Dempster employed on Saturday when he sent Merritt back. MARYLEBONE TEAM’S TOUR. EASTERN PROVINCES BEATEN. CAPETOWN, January 9. Eastern Provinces, in their second innings, scored 98. Peebles took four wickets for 24 and Staples three for 21 Marylebone in their second innings scored 187 for no wickets (Sutcliffe 79, Wyatt 101). Marylebone won by 10 wicke.s. WIN AGAINST BORDER. CAPETOWN, January 14. At East London, Marylebone in their first innings lost five for 362 and declared (Hammond not out 166, Dawson 59). Border in their second innings made 107 Freeman took three for 33 and Astill five for 23. Marylebone won by an innings and 109 runs.

SHEFFIELD SHIELD MATCH.

NEW SOUTH WALES v. SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

SYDNEY, January 9. New South Wales in their second innings made 368 (Jackson 122, Ratcliffe 30, Jordan 31, Bradman 73). Scott took five for 108, and Grimmett four for 137. South Australia have lost six for 189 (Schneider 54, V. Richardson 86). Th e weather was fine, but after heavy rain yesterday the wickfet was dead. The batsmen, with the exception of Bradman, did not offer much resistance to the bowlers. Both Ratcliffe and Jackson were no sooner in than they were out. Bradman played a sparkling innings, and, partnered with Jordan, completely altered the aspect of the game. Bradman’s innings was one of the best seen on the Cricket Ground for som e time. He scored at the

rate almost of a run a minute, using his feet well and making capital boundary shots all round the ground. He knocked up 18 in one over from Grimmett. South Australia commenced cautiously, runs coming very slowly. Schneider and Richardson were th e only batsmen to display any confidence. In their first innings New South Wales made 291 and South Australia 248.

SYDNEY, January 10. South Australia in their second innings made 239 (Lee 30, Hack 22, M'Kay 40). Nicholls took four for 84, Mailey three for 113, and Jordan two for 33. New South Wales won by 118 runs. The weather was fine and the wicket good, but with the exception of a stonewalling stand by M'Kay and Hack, the batsmen failed to offer serious resistance to the bowlers.

WIN BY VICTORIA. SYDNEY. January 11. The defeat of South Australia by New South Wales e ,l6Ul 'es Victoria’s possession of the Sheffield Shield for the season.

QUEENSLAND v. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. BRISBANE, January 15. (Received Jan. 15, at 7 p.m.) The Sheffield Shield game, Queensland v. South Australia, was commenced, and Queensland in their first innings made 143 (R. Oxenham 26, O’Connor 46). Scott took two wickets for 27, Wall four for 42, and Grimmett four for 62.

South Australia have lost two wickets for 126 (Schnieder 55 not out, Harris 61).

The weather was fine and the wicket good, but Queensland collapsed under the South Australian attack and gave their poorest display for many seasons. The southerners’ fielding was very keen, and greatly helped to tie up the Queensland batsmen. The visitors opened confidently and quickly mastered the bowling, which was mediocre, and, aided by indifferent fielding, had almost reacher Queensland’s total when failing light caused a cessation of play for the day.

AUSTRALIAN-NEW ZEALAND MATCHES.

SUGGESTED RAISING OF STATUS. LONDON, January 10. The Evening News says it would be popular if the Marylebone Club and the Australian Board of Control raised the forthcoming Australian-New Zealand matches to a test status. Surely they should be so regarded, seeing that West Indies is permitted to join th e select test circle. It would also be a compliment to Australia, which has done much in a generous spirit in developing New Zealand cricket. GAMES IN SYDNEY. SYDNEY, January 15. Grade cricket was -continued in fine weather and on good ■wickets. For Gordon against Northern District. Phillips made 60 and Oldfield 60. For University against Balmain. Hogg made 96. For St. George against Cumberland, Fairfax made 104 and Ives 81. Bowling for "Gordon against Northern District, Macartney*' took seven wickets for 11, and Kelleway two for 6. For Manly against Marrickville. Bubb took five for 51. For Balmain against University, Mailey took six for 96; and for Mosman against Paddington, Bassett took eight for 105.

OTAGO v. WELLINGTON.

VICTORY FOR HOME TEAM

WELLINGTON, January 9 Wellington beat Otago by 163 runs in the special match, which concluded on the Basin Reserve to-day in perfect weather.

Requiring 508 runs to win Knight’ and Cherry commenced Otago’s second innings against M'Girr and Massey. The fourth ball of M'Girr’s over Cherry was snapped up behind the wickets by Tattersall. 4—l—l. M'Mullan-followed, and Knight scored freely. The half century came up in 32 minutes At 54 Beard relieved M'Girr, off whose six overs 24 runs had come at the cost of a wicket. - Badcock then took the leather from Massey, and clean bowled Knight first ball. The re tiring batsman had shown freedom in run ning his 38, which included six boundary shots. He had assisted M'Mullan to add 54 for the second wicket. 58—2—38. Cavanagh joined M'Mullan. In Bad cock’s fourth over M'Mullan lifted one loftily to long-off for four, Lambert trying hard for a; catch. Badcock brought three men close in on the on side to Cavanagh, but the batsman took th e opportunity to piner n-ist • •'em in fbo Inn'’-' -f —iq. on. This was his last scoring shot, howevei, as lalienuui woK a neat catch be hind the sticks off the next delivery 88—3—10.

Alloo came next, and might have been taken bv Airey at fine leg early off Badcock, but got three for the stroke. The hundred came up for 79 minutes’ play. Brice here took the ball from Beard, and sent down a good maiden to Alloo, who was nearly caught next over off Badcock. The third ball of Brice’s third over saw the end of M'Mullan, M'Girr taking an easy catch close in at slip. The lefthander had been very restrained in totting up his score of 41, which included five fours. 106—4—41.

Galland was the next batsman, and lifted Badcock over the fence at square leg for six, and Alloo repeated the performance; 16 coming from th e over. This brought 130 in sight. Runs were now coming fast. Galland powerfully hit Brice twice in succession to square leg for four and slammed Badcock to the long-off boundary. Badcock, who had sent down 14 overs for 53 runs and two wickets, gave way at 151 to Lambert. The 150 had taken 107 minutes. Galland wa s batting brilliantly. He had scored 43 in 31 minutes, when the luncheon adjournment was taken, with the board showing four down for 171, Galland being 43 and Alloo 32. The pair had put

on 65 runs in 31 minutes. It had been a morning’s bright cricket. On resuming Lambert and Massey continued the attack. Galland twice smacked Massjy to the long-leg boundary, reaching his half-century in 35 minutes. Beard relieved Lambert at 188, and Brice came on in Massey’s place. The 200 came up in 90 minutes, and a new ball was requisitioned. This proved fatal to Galdj’ w ’ lo s P 00ne d °ne from Beard to Badcock at cover. Galland had given a most refreshing display for 59 minutes, during which he hit up 60. hitting one six and seven fours, and helping Alloo to add. 94 for the fifth wicket 200—5—60 Vorrath joined Alloo, who reached his half-century in 100 minutes. M'Girr had a turn in place of Beard and proved expensive. Massey relieved Badcock Vorrath was bowled by M'Girr.—239—6—18. Elmes joined Alloo, who was 58. The 250 came up in 189 minutes. At 253 Badcock replaced Massey and Lambert took the ho , ronl M’Girr. Elmes banged Lambert to the ropes at mid-on. but in attempting to repeat the stroke he hit a catch to Dustin at square leg. The fieldsman ran in to take the catch, but the sun was m his eyes, and the leather landed on his solar plexus, almost winding him It did not matter greatly, however, ihn. H eS « P ayed i °" e 011 from Badcock slioitly afterwards.— 266—-7 22 Douglas partnered Alloo, who'had crept along to 61, making himself top scorer of the innings. Douglas failed to score, Bi ice taking, an easy catch in the slips off Lambert.—26o—B—o. Torrance, the last man as Eastman was unable to bat, came next, and had a narrow escape of being run out while running a couple for a s roke to point. They continued to hit nhv r,g Vn d 1 3 ’ oOcan,e ” P f0r221 minutes' play. With his score at 90. Alloo softly spooned one back to Badcock. Alloo had gnen a sound and patient display, hitting one six and 1 fours 311—9—90 le mana g er of the Otago team, batted in Eastman’s place. He hit out, as did Torrance, who skied one to at J nid '? n - The innings, which had lasted 235 minutes, closed for 344, and Wellington thus won a n interesting and thoroughly enjoyable match by 163 runs. •ine following are the scores: — WELLINGTON. First innings 363 Second innings 413 OTAGO. First innings 26’ Second Innings. A. R. Knight, b Badcock 38 R. Cherry, c Tattersall, b M'Girr ... 1 J. M'Mullan, c M'Girr, b Brice ... 41 V. G. Cavanagh, c Tattersall, b Badcock nj A. W. Alloo, c and b Badcock 90 A. Galland, c Badcock, b Beard ... OU W. Vorrath, b M'Girr 18 C. J. Elmes, b Badcock 22 W. Douglas, c Brice, b Lambert ... U R. Torrance, e Beard, b Lambert ... 39 E S. Wilson, not out 8 Extras 17 Total 344 Fall of wickets: One for 4, two for 58. three for 88, four for 106, five for 200. six for 239, seven for 266, eight for 266, nin e for 311, ten for 344. Bowling Analysis.—M'Girr, 12 overs, 0 maidens, 49 runs, two wickets ; Massey, 11 overs, 1 maiden, 41 runs, no wickets; Beard, 18 overs, 2 maidens, 44 runs, one wicket; Badcock, 25 overs, 5 maidens, 86 runs, four wickets; Brice. 11 overs. 2 maidens, 39 runs, one wicket; Lambert, 9.5 overs, 0 maidens, 68 runs, two wickets. CANTERBURY v. AUCKLAND. VICTORY FOR SOUTHERNERS.

AUCKLAND, January 9. After one of the finest cricket struggles ever witnessed on Eden Park th e Canterbury bowlers to-day triumphed over the Auckland batsmen, and won for thenside a second victory by 11 runs. It was great cricket, with the result in doubt right until Scott was bowled bv Read. Although the home team put up a great fight its batting was patchy, and Canterbury would have been distinctly unlucky to lose. As it happened, the visitors were at a disadvantage in having the first use of the wicket Had Auckland batted this morning with Merritt bowling on a tricky wicket the margin between th e teams must have been greater. Three facts combined to rob Auckland of victory on it.s home ground—first and foremost, there was the keenness and the accuracy of the Canterbury attack, led throughout the day by Read; then there was the failure of the Auckland opening pair to give the side a good start this morning; and, finally, when Matheson foolishly threw away his wicket when he and Player were batting soundly, and only 25 runs were needed for victory. The Auckland team- was set the task of securing 298 runs to win. Mills was caught by Page off Read when he had made'7. Bowley and Cooper made a determined effort to improve the position, but with Bowley’s dismissal, and then Anthony’s, Auckland’s hopes sank very low.

Gillespie stayed with Cooper for a while, batting soundly, but it was the partnership between Cooper and Dacre that gave Auckland a good fighting chance. The pair put on 95 runs in a very short time. Cooper had two lives before the innings closed. Hayes missed an easy stumping chance, but before then a catch behind the wickets had been disallowed. Cooper’s off shots were beautiful, and he and Dacre were th e only two to exploit the late cut to any marked degree. As for Dacre. he was a batsman whtr delighted the English crowds with his freedom, and bis sparkling shots. In such a position most captains would hav e played a waiting game. Dacre took every chance of scoring that presented itself, and- did so in his own inimitable fashion. Seldom has his powerful hook shot been

seen to better advantage, and one seemed to sense bright cricket fiom the moment when he played the first ball from Nixon clean through the covers with, a typical shot. His dismissal was a happy event for Canterbury. Garrard and Weir both went early, but after an uncertain opening Player and Matheson showed they were capable of turning the tide against Canterbury. Auckland were within striking distance when Matheson, in jumping out to Merritt, made Canterbury a present of his wicket. Although Scott and Plaver made a gallant attempt against big odds the visitors could not be checked, and won by 11 runs. Auckland’s chances, never rosy from the time of Dacre’s dismissal, had vanished with Matheson’s recklessness. For Canterbury Read was the hero of the game. He spun the ball a little, and swung it well, but, mor e than that, he kept his length. Page was lucky in having three fine bowlers to lead the attack, and man for man Canterbury was, the better side. The following are the scores :—- CANTERBURY. First innings 244’. Second innings 251 Grand total 495 .AUCKLAND. First innings 193 Second Innings. E. H. Bowley, b M'Ewin 41 J. E. Mills, c Page, b Read 7* I. W. Cooper, b Read 80 A. Anthony, b Read ... 4 H. D. Gillespie, c Page, b Nixon ... 24 C. C. Dacre, c Hamilton, b Read ... 76. D. R. Garrard, b Newman I 1 A. S. Player, not out 16, G. L. Weir, b Newman 1 A. M. Matheson, b Merritt 15. A. H. Scott, b Read 8 Extras 13 Total 286 Grand total ... 494 Bowling Analysis.—Read, 31 overs, 6 maidens, 77 runs, five wickets; Newman, 26 oveis, 7 maidens, 62 runs, two wickets ; M'Ewin, 10 overs, 2 maidens, 30 runs, one wicket; Nixon, 13 overs* 2 maidens, 39 runs, one wicket; Merritt, 17 overs, 1 maiden, 65 runs, one wicket. Newman bowled two no-balls, M'Ewin two, and Nixon one.

BRICE S REMARKABLE FEAT. WELLIGNTON, January 9. By taking five wickets in the recent; Canterbury-Wellington match at the Basin Reserve. W. S. Brice, the Wellington captain, achieved a notable distinction for Plunket Shield cricket. At the end of last season his bag of wickets for Shield games totalled 95, so that he has now reached the 100 mark, a feat which has been performed by only one other player—S. G. Smith (Auckland). Brice's figures for the match with Canterbury were one for 45 and four fop 44, giving him the grand total of 100 wickets for; 2166 runs. OTAGO WELLINGTON. The Plunket Shield match between. Otago and Wellington will be played at Carisbrook on January 20, 21, 23, and 24. The Wellington Association is sending down a very strong side, which includes several notable players, such as Badcock, who played a fine innings against Otago at Wellington recently; Stan Brice, who has represented his province for many years: R. de R. Worker, who is well known to the Dunedin public; J. S. Taylor, the Nelson coach, who recently, made a century playing for the town against the country in Welington; H. M. Lambert, a good slow bowler and a very useful bat; and H. Foley, who has been scoring freely in Wellington lately. J. R. Lamason is another batsman who has been showing good form this season. It' will thus be seen that the Wellington side is a very strong allround team, and if the weather holds good there should be some attractive scoring. The Otago team will be a stronger one than that which met Wellington at Wellington recently, and there is every prospect of a well-contested match. Mr C. G. Wilson, the old Otago skipper, will accompany the visitors as manager. The team will arrive here on Wednesday, and will stay at the Grand Hotel.

The following team has been selected to. represent Otago in tho Plunket Shield match against Wellington, commencing at, Carisbrook on Friday:—A. W. -Alloo tain), A. Galland, A. Knight. J. M'Mullan,; C. J. Elmes (Grange), G. Dickinson, W.; Dougles, R. Blunt (Carisbrook), R. Tor-, rance, V. Cavanagh, R. Cherry (Dunedin);; W. Vorrath (Albion) twelfth man. J,. Shepherd was not available.

WELLINGTON, January 14. Dempster is unable to play in the Plun-. ket Shield match against Otago. Th®, Wellington team leaving for the south on Tuesday now is : —Brice (captain). Worker,, Foley, Lowry, Taylor, Lamason, Lambert* James, M'Girr, Badcock, Massey.

CANTERBURY v. WAIKATO. HAMILTON, January 11. A Waikato eleven began a two days' match against the Canterbury team this, afternoon. The former were all out for--184 (Badeley 42, Kavanagh 34. Hawke 20)., Newman took four wickets for 36 runs, and. Merritt four for 52. Canterbury lost three wickets for 138, when stumps were • drawn (Jacobs, lbw, b Hawke. 4 : Gregory,, lbw, b Winger, 18; M'Ewin, c Heyworth., b Hawke. 13; Reid, not out, 54; Newman,, "* not out, 6).

HAMILTON, January 12,

The cricket match between Canterbury and Waikato was concluded to-day in fine weather, when the visitors won b v an innings and 122 runs. In reponse to Waikato's first innings score of 184, Canterbury, who had. scored 138 for three wickets at the close of the first day, carried the total to 462. Riad and Newman set un a fine partnership. which added 193 runs for the fourth wicket. Roberts and Nixon made another good stand which contributed 139 runs. Waikato was disposed of for 156 in the second innings. Kavanagh and Badeley*

as on the first day, made a good opening stand, but the bowling of Merritt was too much for the majority of the others. The scores are:— WAIKATO. First innings 184 Second Innings. Badeley, o Merritt, b Page 32 Kavanagh, run out 43 Going, b Read 7 Hawke, c M’Ewin, b Merritt 24 Thomas, st. Jacobs, b Merritt 23 Hemus, st. Jacobs, b Merritt 0 Pomeroy, st. Jacobs, b Merritt 1 Senior, c Hamilton, b Merritt 1 Winger, not out t> Heyworth, o M’Ewin, b Merritt 3 Wilson, b<• Merritt 0 Extras If Total 156 Bowling Analysis.—Merritt took seven wickets for 40 runs; Read, one for 32; Page, one for 36; Newman, none for 9; M’Ewin, none for 16; Hamilton, none for 6. CANTERBURY. Gregory, lbw, b Winger 18 Jacobs, lbw, b Hawke • ... 4 M’Ewin, c Heyworth, b Hawke 13 Read, b Going 105 Newman, c Senior, b Going 75 Hamilton, b Wilson 2 Roberts, c Pomeroy, b Hemus 66 Nixon, b Winger 89 Merritt, b Badeley 1 Page, not out 40 Evans, b Winger 1 Extras .48 Total 462 Bowling Analysis.—Wilson, one wicket for 53 runs; Hawke, two for 59; Winger, three for 51; Badeley, one for 73; Hemus, one for 69; Going, two for 65; Kavanagh, none for 44.

FIRST GRADE MATCHES. After a lapse of five weeks the First Grade cricket competition was resumed on Saturday in good weather. In an exciting game at Carisbrook, Grange defeated Carisbrook by three runs on the first innings, Galland taking six wickets for 74 runs. The best score was made by Allan, who made 68 not out for Carisbrook, and for ■Grange, Galland made 42 not out. Albion easily defeated Dunedin in the first innings, Blair making his first century in First Grade cricket by knocking up 118. Shepherd scored a bright 56. Cavanagh took five wickets for 69 runs. There were two centuries recorded in the junior score books on Saturday. Anderson, playing for Dunedin B against Port Chalmers in the Second Grade B, made 102 not out, his side declaring their innings closed after making 221 for three wickets. Nesbit made 77 not out. Anderson took five wickets for 25 runs. In the Christian Brothers’ Old Boys v. High School Old Boys’ match (Second Grade B), J. M’Clintock made 103 not out for the former team. GRANGE v. CARISBROOK. Grange had made 235 in their first innings and Carisbrook had lost one wicket for 106 when the match was resumed. Blunt (53) and Dickinson (43) faced the bowling of Knight and Galland, but they had added only 11 runs when Dick«*.son skied a ball from Knight, who ran hard and took the catch. Dickinson had scored 45 in 49 minutes, hitting eight fours. Without addition to the score, Blunt played Galland into the slips, and Knight accepted the chance. Blunt’s 61 had occupied 73 minutes and included six fours. Douglas and Allan then became associated, the former being missed by Knight in the slips after he had scored only a brace. The pair presented a solid front to the bowling, and Galland decided on a change. At 144, Elmes replaced Knight, and Conradi took the ball from Galland after a few more runs had been added. At 174, Douglas was caught behind the wickets off Conradi after scoring 23. The partnership had added 57 in 58 minutes. Galland went on at the pavilion end again, when the score was 180. A bad return lost Grange a chance of running Allan out, and a minute or two later he returned a ball to Galland, but it passed over his head and struck the wickets at the other end. The batsmen attempted a risky run, and the fieldsman, forgetting that when the bails are off it is necessary to draw a stump, threw the ball at the wickets and missed. Whether he had hit them or not the batsmen were still safe. Allan, who by this time was well set, brought cheers from the spectators by lifting Galland for six. Allan was scoring well, but his shots were inclined to be uppish, though the ball always landed well out of the reach of the fieldsmen. Galland disposed of Proctor by sending him up a simple bail, which he skied, and Cameron was disposed of before he had scored. Carisbrook had three wi'ckets in hand with only 20 runs to get, and the game became exciting. After the addition of 10 runs Cantrell went out lbw. Carisbrook wanted only four runs to win when Lynch was clean bowled, his place being taken by Lusk, who put his leg in front of the first ball he received, and went out .to an lbw decision,the innings closing for 232. Grange was thus assured of"a twopoint win. Allan was undefeated with 58 to .his credit, his score including seven fours and a six.

Galland was easily the best of the bowlers, taking six wickets for 74 runs. Knight and M’Mullan opened Grange’s .second innings, both shaping well before falling victims to Blunt after scoring 22 and 18 respectively. Brown also was defeated by Blunt, whose average was three for six. Elmes and Galland made a stand, and when Elmes played Dickinson on after scoring 23, the total stood at 125. Stumps were drawn at 6.30 with the score at 143 for four wickets. Galland was not out . with 42, including two sixes and three fours. From one of Galland’s lusty hits the ball landed on top of the grand stand and bounced over the other side and was lost. Scores:— GRANGE. . First innings 7 236 Second Innings. Knight, st Gourley, b Blunt 22 M’Mullan, lbw, b Blunt 18 Brown, b Blunt 4 Elmes, b Dickinson 23 Galland, not out 42 Chadwick, not out 7 Extras ... 27 Total for four wickets 143 Bowling Analysis.—Dickinson, 42 balls, 28 runs, 1 wicket: Procter, 12 balls, 7 runs; Lusk. 42 balls, 2 maidens. 17 runs; JSlunt, 54 balls, 2 maidens, 30 runs, 3

wickets; Douglas, 42 balls, 28 runs; Lynch, 12 balls, 1 maiden, 8 runs. CARISBROOK. First Innings. Blunt, c Knight, b Galland ...... 61 Gourley, c Knight, b Alloo 8 Dickinson, c and b Knight 45 Douglas, c Chadwick, b Conradi .. 23 Allan, not out 68 Procter, c Walker, b Galland .... 9 Cameron, c Chadwick, b Galland .. 0 Cantrell, lbw. b Galland 5 Lynch, b Galland 3 Lusk, lbw. b Galland 0 Holden, absent 0 Extras 10 Total 232 Bowling Analysis.—Alloo, 72 balls, 48 runs. 1 wicket; Elmes, 90 balls. 55 runs; Galland, 135 balls, 4 maidens, 74 runs, 6 wickets; Knight. 60 balls. 3 maidens, 19 runs. 1 wicket; Conradi, 66 balls, 3 maidens, 26 runs, 1 wicket. ALBION v. DUNEDIN. The match between Dunedin and Albion was concluded at the North Ground, and resulted in a win for the latter team by 93 runs on the first innings. With two wickets down for 86, Albion opened with the two not-out men, Blair and Binney, Torrance and M’Gregor opening the attack for Dunedin. Blair snicked his first ball from Torrance into the hands of N. Cherry, who, however, dropped it—a mistake which proved very expensive for his side. The two batsmen settled down, and for the first few overs played cautiously, but later they opened out and scored freely all round the wicket. Despite repeated changes of bowling, these two carried the score to 144 before the partnership was broken by Binney failing to Claridge. Shepherd was the incoming batsman, and he went for the bowling from _ the jump, compiling a pretty 56 (which included a six and six fours) before he was smartly caught and bowled by Cavanagh. Blair was joined by Barron, and continued to score steadily. He was lucky, however, giving two more chances before he reached 70. Barron also fell a victim to Cavanagh with seven to his credit, and was replaced by Allen, who, with Blair, saw 273 hoisted before the latter was caught by Kenny off Cavanagh after scoring 118. His score included 14 fours and a six. Allen played some bright shots, and at the declaration was, not out with 29 to his credit. With eight wickets down for 300 Albion declared, and Dunedin followed on, opening with N. and R. Cherry. The former retired after scoring six. and his brother, who was partnered bv Strang, went on to hit up a forceful 37 before the call of time, neither batsman being beaten.

Cavanagh was the most successful bowler for Dunedin, and his average of five wickets for 69 was distinctly creditable. M’Gregor was somewhat expensive but Torrance, although he took no’ wickets during the afternoon, was responsible for a time for keeping the runs down. Scores: — Scores:— . DUNEDIN. First Innings 207 Second Innings. N. Cherry, reitred g R. Cherry, not out 37 Strang, not out -17 Extras ’’’ " 2 Total (for no wickets) 52 Bowling Analysis.—Shepherd 48 balls 4 maidens. 11 runs; Duncan. 54 halls 4 maidens. 14 runs: MTvor 36 balls, 24 runsBlair, 24 balls, 11 runs. ALBION. First Innings. Duncan, c White, b Torrance 3 VorratH, c Kenny, b Cavanagh 37 Binney, c Torrance, b Claridge 22 Shepherd, c and b Cavanagh 56 Barron, c White, b Cavanagh 7 Blair, c Kenny, b Cavanagh 118 MTvor, c N. Cherry, b Cavanagh 2 Wilson, b Claridge 3 Allan, not out 29 Extras 23 Total (for eight wickets) 300 Bowling Analysis.—Torrance 174 balls 8 maidens, 61 runs, 1 wicket; M’Gregor, 132 balls, 3 maidens, 83 runs; Claridge, 97 balls, 64 runs, 2 wickets; Cavanagh, 96 balls, 2 maidens, 69 runs. 5 wickets. IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND MATCHES. AUCKLAND, Januarv 15. The senior cricket competition matches were resumed on Saturday after an interval of three weeks. Scoring for the most part was low, though the wicket and weather conditions were entirely in favour of batsmen. Ponsonby dismissed Eden, the championship leaders, for 132 (Cooper 40). Smith took five wickets for 56, and Roy’ three for 31. Ponsonby replied with 111. Mills taking five for 50, and A. F. Weir three for 14. Against United Suburbs. University made 183 (Smeeton 58). Williams took five for 47 for United Suburbs, who lost five for 121 (Bushill 42, Martin 41). Y.M.C.A. disposed of Grafton for 73, Bowley taking seven for 48. YMCA, replied with 220 for four wickets (Lyon 72. Miller 67 not out). at North Shore Parnell scored 213 (Hay 46)- Dacre took three wickets tor 29. Shore have made 81 for two wickets. GAMES IN CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURH, Januar? 15. . cricket was continued on Saturday in dull and cool weather. Sydenham, and eight for 160 (Young 40) defeated Ricearton 198 (Cox 34, Powell 30, Roberts 39 not out) on the first innings. Bowling tor Ricearton Evans took six for 39, while Cunningham, for Sydenham, secured the same number for 44. J n ,, r ? ply - to kinwood’s 313, Old Boys made 188 (Merritt 61 Ward 44), and. 169 for six wickets (Harris 47, Page24,Cromb 25). Read bowled best for Linwood, getting five for 61 4 ,K ee . for S4> m respective innings Old Collegians 197 and 212 for seven wickets (Brugh 68, Chrystall 63 not out) went under to St Albans, 266 (Crawford 45, Doreen 36,, Johns 42). Lindley, three for 35, bowled best for St. Albans, and Lester, four for 63 and-Ball four for 59, for the Collegians,

West Christchurch, 173 and 128 (Alexander 42) were defeated bv East Christchurch, 220 (Kennedy 59) and 82 for two wickets (Gregory not out 34 Kennedy oo). For East Christchurch M’Ewin took six for 63, and for West Christchurch Weston took four for 57.

THE WELLINGTON COMPETITION. WELLINGTON, January 14. The senior cricket competition was continued on Saturday. Midland made 181 (Hester 52 not out) against Thorndon, who lost five wickets for 50. For Thorndon Badcock took six wickets for 81. University made 338 for nine wickets (Mackenzie 100 not out) against Wellington’s 191. Kilbirnie lost four wickets for 64 against Hutt, whose innings produced 393 (M’Girr 117). Petone made 184 (Brice 67) against Institute (20 for no wickets). For Institute Prince took six for 54. MANIOTOTO ASSOCIATION. THE DOWNES TROPHY. Ine results of the first round of matches played for Mr J. B. Downes’s trophy are as follows:—

Oturehua (no return sent in) The following is the draw for the second round : —

January 28. —Wedderburn v. Naseby, Moa Creek v. Patearoa, Becks v. Oturehua. February 4.—Patearoa v. Wedderburn, Oturehua v. Moa Creek, Naseby v. Becks. February 11.—Patearoa v. Naseby, Weddeiburn v. Oturehua, Becks v. Moa-Creek. February 18. —Oturehua v. Naseby, Becks v. Patearoa, Moa Creek v. Weddeibuin. February 25.—Naseby v. Moa Creek, Wedderburn v. Becks, Oturehua v. Patearoa. PONSFORD AND KIPPAX. IS BOWLING A LOST ART? (From Our Own Correspondent.) .... ... SYDNEY, January 5. A little while ago Ponsford, the Victorian batsman, put up a score of over 400 and now, in the Sheffield Shield match against South Australia, he has made 336 out of the huge total of 637. But there is a new star in the sky. Allan Kippax. the young New South Wales player, is beginning to rival him as a great run-getter. On Monday, playing on- the Sydney Cricket Ground, against Queensland. Kippax carried his score to 315 not out. He was within six of W. L. Murdoch’s record for the State in shield match, and the pity of it is that the innings came to an end a few minutes too soon to allow him to beat it. The innings yielded a total of 639—just two more than the great score put up by the Victorians. ’totals like those of Ponsford and Kippax cannot be compiled without the assistance of other big run-getters. Ponsford was associated during a great part of his innings with Woodful—a first-wicket partnership that has probably been responsible tor more runs than that of Hobbs and Sutcliffe. On this occasion Woodful made 10t>. On the Sydney ground Kippax had the assistance of Morgan, who made 121. And of course, other men helped as well. Lt was a very different' state of things compared with the New South Wales debacle in Brisbane a few weeks ago. In fact, the Queenslanders have been called upon to do a tremendous amount of leatherhunting since they came south. At the same time, their own scoring has been quite formidable. The 590 which they compiled in their second innings on Wednesday, in fact, was a remarkable performance. ft included two centuries—Higgins, 179 run out, and Rowe 147.

The fact is—a fact that was discovered loiijr ago —that the bat is beating the hall. Either the batting has improved out of sight in recent years, or bowling is an art that has been lost. One is inclined to blame the bowling, for great as Ponsford, Kippax, and one or two others are to-day, it is doubtful if they could show any points to some of the heroes of the past, and notably Victor TVumper. One wonders what ’[ per would do with the bowling of to-da - -mid he but re-visit the scenes of his former triumphs and wield the bat again. And think of the bowlers of a former day! Think of Turner and Spofforth, of Giffen and Noble and Howell, just to mention a few of them. Where are the men who can compare with them now? Is <l that the wickets no longer help, the bowlers, or is it just because, for some obscuro reason or other, great bowlers are not being born? And yet, in fairness to the bowlers, we must not lose sight of ihe fact that, for all the big scores which are being made nowadays, it is not by any means uncommon to find a whole side dismissed for a very moderate total, while r.t times there is an absolute debacle.

It is just this last that disposes of the argument that some change is needed in the direction of making the stumps higher, or increasing the number to four, or else making the bat narrower. So let us dismiss the problem as an almost insoluble one. with the remark that sometimes the batsmen have a “ day out,” and sometimes the bowlers have their ” dav out ” —and very often it depends upon the weather.

NEW ZEALAND CRICKET. LTD. GOING INTO LIQUIDATION. CHRISTCHURCH. January 12. At a meeting of New Zealand Cricket, Ltd., it was decided to take steps to liquidate the company. It was reported that the capital to be returned to shareholders would represent about 3s 6d on the 10s called up, all shares paid in advance to be remitted in full.

0 In. N.O. H.S. Runs Avge. R. C. Blunt .. 2 — 85 153 76.50 j. M'Mullan 6 — 131 339 56.50 L. C. Eastman 4 — 91 189 47.25 A. W. Alloo .. 6 —-■ 97 268 44.66 A. Gallant! .. 6 — 70 172 28.66 A. Knight .. 6 1 57 107 21.40 R. Torrance .. 6 3 39 53 17.66 R. Cherry 6 — 65 88 14.66 V. G. Cavanagh 6 — 25 86 14.33 C. J. Elmcs .. 0 — 46 84 14.00 W. Vorrath .. 6 — 18 59 9.99 W. Douglas .. 4 1 12 21 7.00 E. S. Wilson (8 not oi t) also batted. BOWLING. Runs. Wkts. Avge. Knight 93 5 18.60 AUoo 383 1 25.55 Eastman .. 333 12 27.75 Torrance .. 420 1 38.18 Douglas 250 1 62.50 Blunt 128 128.00 Elmes 143 143.00

W. L. D. Pts Patearoa 4 1 0 10 Becks 3 1 1 8 Naseby 2 2 1 5 Wedderburn 2 3 0 5 Moa Creek 1 4 0 2