CRICKET

Otago Witness, Issue 3864, 3 April 1928, Page 51

CRICKET

By

SLIP.

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM. FIRST TEST MATCH. THE GAME DRAWN. AUCKLAND, March 26. The first cricket test between Australia and New Zealand was continued at Eden park to-day. geores:— AUSTRALIA. First Innings. W. H. Ponsford, c Lowry, b Finlayson 86 W. M. Woodfull, b MGirr .. .. 284 A. F. Kippax c Lowry b MGirr .. 16 K J. Schneider, c Lowry, b Badcock 68 V. Y. Richardson, not out .. .. .. »•> A. Jackson, c and b Merritt .. .. oa ' Extras

Total for five . wickets (innings declared closed) Bowling Analysis. —Badcock. one for 121 runs- M'Girr, two for 88; Merritt, one for i2l; Read, none for 102; Finlayson, one for 92: Mills, none for six; Dempster, none for z -g ALA y D , First Innings, CS. Dempster b Grimmett .. .. 44 J. E. Mills,, b Grimmett .. .. • • F T Badcock, b Grimmett .. .. V I. M. Hamilton, b M’Namee .. .. 40 T. C. Lowry, c Oldfield, b MNamee 18 N. Gallichan, lbw, b M’Namee .. 11 H. Foley, not out .. •• •• H. M. M’Girr, c Schneider, b M Namee 19 C. G. Finlayson, b Blackie .. .. . • W. E. Merritt, b Blackie • • » R. J. Read, e Jackson, b Blackie .. J Extras Total•• 288 Bowling Analysis.—M’Namee four for 36- Grimmett, three for 28; Blackie, three for 98; Morton, none for 41. Second Innings. C. S. Dempstc . not out .. .. 33 J. E. Mills, b M’Namee ■ 5 T. C. Lowry, not out J Extras• •• • • • 6 Total for one wicket 53 Bowling Analysis.—M’Namee, one for five; Grimmett, none for 15; Morton, none for nine; Kippax, none for six; Schneider, none for 12.

RECORD TAKINGS. AUCKLAND, March 27. The takings lor the test match were over £lOO0 —a record for New Zealand. SECOND TEST MATCH. AN INTERESTING STAGE. What may be regarded as the most important cricket fixture ever played in Dunedin was commenced on Saturday ' when Australia and New Zealand met in the second test match, and the last game of the Australians’ tour. The New Zealand team was considered to be the best that had ever represented the Dominion. Indeed, such was its strength that Merritt had to be omitted from the side. New Zealand won the toss and

batted first, but, contrary to expectations, was dismissed for the modest score of 162, the side collapsing before the deadly bowling of Grimmett and Oxenham after the third wicket had fallen for 143 -runs. The spectators received their second surprise when the Ponsford-Woodfull partnership was broken by Dickinson with only 19 runs on the board, and four wickets fell for 57 runs before stumps were drawn. -• < ■Although the morning broke showery, the weather cleared prior to the start of the game. The wicket, which' had been covered, was in excellent order, and it was not long before the outfield dried and made the ball easier to handle. When play was resumed in the afternoon ; the sun was shining, and conditions were all that could be desired until the close of the day’s play. In the afternoon the match was attended by a crowd of between "5000 and 6000, £3,57 being taken at* the gates. THE TEAMS. It was not until a short time before the match began that the final selection of the New Zealand team was made, and it was tensidered that under the conditions Merritt should be dropped. Jackson and ■ Morton were omitted from the Austral’an side. The teams, therefore, were as follows : —

Australia. —V. Y. Richardson (captain), W. 11. Ponsford, W. M. Woodful!. C. V Grimmett, A. F. Kippax, .D. J. Blackie. R. M’Namee, W. A. Oldfield. R K. Oxenham. W. C Alexander, K. J. Schneider, and A. Jackson (twelfth man). New Zealand.—T C Lowrv (captain), R C. Blunt, G. R. Dickinson. N. M. M’Girr, F. T. Badcock. H. Foley-, C. S. Dempster. R. Read, I. M. Hamilton, J. E Mills, K C James and W E. Merritt (twelfth man) > NEW ZEALAND AT THE WICKETS The ball was wet and sawdust had to be used when Dempster and Mills opened Now Zealand’s first strike. From the com mencement the batsmen played carefu'ly and stubbornly resisted the wiles of the Australian attack to give their side a. good start, with the result that when Mills was dismissed after scoring 17 in the slow time of 74 minutes, 50 runs were on the board Mills had played a solid innings and ai though his score was not large it was sufficient to show that since his tour with the New Zealand team in England he has become a. vastly improved batsman. He <» • showed that he has some nice shots behind tho wicket, and some of his runs came from forceful drives. . ’ Dempster quickly followed. Mills, but he had been scoring much, more ■•'freely than this team-mate, although he. too, scored his ■ runs in slow time. His .30 runs. however, were made bv perfect shots all round the wicket, and ho showed 4'pronounced liking for loose balls on the leg side. His score ■ Included three fours.-.

By far: tho best display, however, was that of Blunt, who was seen in his best form in a solid innings which yielded 50 runs. With Foley he added 86 runs for the third wicket. He faced all the bowling with the same stubborn confidence and .by the attractiveness of his batting infused into the play that touch of brightness which saved it from being altogether a very dull affair. Most of his runs came, from a pretty shot to third man and vigorous pulls to leg, ' but when the opportunity came he showed that driving is not the least impressive feature of his play. His only chance was given at 4L Three fours were included in his total. Foley, on the other hand, was never really * comfortable to the bowling, and although he was at the wickets for 102 minutes he scored only 24 runs. He .must, however, be given credit for playing a plucky innings, and there is no doubt of its value to the side. It seems to bo established beyond all doubt that Grimmett has what is known to cricketers as the “ Indian sign ” over Badcoc.k, for he dismissed the Wellington coach for a “ duck for the third successive time. . . ' . After Blunt’s dismissal the side collapsed. When he was dismissed the score was 143 for three wicket.- but the remaining batsmen went for 19 runs, 12 of which were

scored by Hamilton. | The most, unlucky of the New Zealand batsmen was James, who went out under peculiar circumstances. Ho played a ball from Grimmett in good style, but in doing I so touched tho wickets with his foot. He did not notice that one of the bails was off, and apparently neither did the umpire (Mr A. Downes), for he did not give his decision until Oldfield had walked across to him and made a second appeal. All but one of the New Zealand wickets went to Grimmett and Oxenham, who gave what must be one of the finest exhibitions of bowling ever seen in first-class cricket in Dunedin. ■ Grimmett, whoso prowess; As well known to Otago enthusiasts, had all of the later batsmen in difficulties, and-his average at the conclusion of the innings was six for 4,7 It would be hard to find a record of steadier bowling than that of Oxenham, who sent up no fewer than .31 overs for 16 maidens, 36 runs, and three wickets. His figures certainly speak for themselves. In contrast to his performances in the first test, M’Namee bad no tenors for the batsmen, and he failed to secure a wicket off 18 overs. AUSTRALIA’S POOR RESPONSE. When Ponsford and Woodfull opened. Australia’s innings, it seemed that runs would come quickly, for they treated Dickinson's first two overs with the utmost disrespect. Then, after driving the fust bowler for four and two off successive de-

liveries, Ponsford was completely beaten amid tumultuous applause, by a ball that appeared to come in slightly from the off. Kippax joined Wood full, but he, too. was dismissed by the fast bowler after scoring only five runs.- Woodfull, who was claying the bowling -with erreat confidence; then played a bull from Read on to his- wicket, and Schneider, after being missed in the

slips, went out in a similar fashion. Four Australian wickets were down for 41 runs. Richardson and Alexander were able' to hold their ends up until an appeal against the light- was upheld and stumps' ■ were drawn with the score at 57 for four wickets. It was unfortunate for the New Zealanders that Dickinson injured himself during his sixth over and had to leave the field

It was ascertained later that a ligament in one of Dickinson’s legs had been torn, and although he has been undergoing treatment. he will probably be unable to take any further part in the match, unless the injury improves sufficiently to allow him to bat on Tuesday THE PLAY. Dempster and Mills were New Zealand’s opening batsmen, Dempster taking first strike to M'Namee, who was bowling from the pavilion end Dempster cut his second ball to third man for a single, and Mills added a single off the last, ball with the snme shot Blackie took up the attack at the other end. Mills leg-glancing him nicely for a single, the only score off the over M'Namee was no-balled in his next over. Mills square-cutting him for a single. Then Dempster sent him nicely to fine leg for a brace. Another leg glance for a single by Mills was the first score off

Blackie s second over, uempster editing tne next ball for a couple. Blackie then sent down a ball which was almost a wide, the bye bringing up double figures after 15 minutes’ play. Oxenham took the ball from M’Namee, who changed ends. The over was a maiden, the Ihst ball almost taking Dempster's wicket. A shigle to Mills was the only score off M’Namee’s next oyer. Mills leg-glanced Oxenham for a single, and Dempster cut him square for another Mills vigorously pulled his next delivery to leg, but the wet ground kept the ball from reaching the boundary, and two were run. M'Namee was no-balled for the second time in his fourth over, and then Dempster, amid loud applause, brought 20 up by turning him beautifully to the leg boundary. Mills could not get Oxenham away in his third over, a leg-bye adding one to the score. Mills played M’Namee oniofL, loci- Knll Hio nvnr wnon

he -cut him cleanly for a single Oxenham sent up his second successive maiden to Mills, but Dempster broke the quiet period by cutting M’Namee to third man, reaching' double figures after 36 .minutes’ batting. Mills was close behind him, however, and two balls later he turned the bowler to leg for a brace, and also reached doubles.”' Oxenham appealed for lbw. against Dempster in his next over, another maiden, but the appeal was not upheld. For the- third time M’Namee was nobailed, but Mills could not get him away, and he secured his first maiden. Dempster broke' Oxerham’s succession of maidens by on-driving him for a single, and Mills, by pulling him to leg for a brace, brought 30 up after 44 minutes’ play. Both batsmen were playing steadily and watching every ball carefully. A single to Dempster was' the only score off M’Namee’s next over

With the score at 32 Grimmett- relieved Oxenham, who had sent up six-overs for four maidens and seven runs. His first ball was a full-toss on tho leg side; and Dempster promptly it to the boundary. There was no further score off the, over. A leg bye and. a single to Dempster brought 40 up, eight of the runs being extras. Each of the batsmen collected a single off the googly bowler, Dempster teaching 20 after 55 minutes at the wickets. The score had reached 43 when Oxenham relieved M’Namee at the

other end, collecting arfother maiden, and Mills tailed Io get Grimmett away. Play was slow and uninteresting, but Dempster relieved the monotony by turning Grimmett to leg for a couple. By square cutting Oxenham for a single Dempster brought the half-century up Tho game had been in progress for 69 minutes. Without further addition to the score Mills attempted to pull Oxenham to leg, but the ball went straight to Blackie. who held an easy catch.. Mills had been at the wickets for 74 minutes. Oxenham had bowled 10 overs for 10 runs. 50—1—17. Foley partnered Dempster, who gained applause for a nicely-run single. Foley watched the googly bowler with particular care. Oxenham was bowling as steadily as ever, Dempster giving him another maiden. Grimmett almost bowled Foley round hi? legs in his next over, but the young, Wellingtonian managed to get him away for a single. Foley then gave Oxenham his ninth .maiden but of 13 overs. Dempster broke the quiet spell and reached 30 by pulling Grimmett hard to the on boundary, but Foley again could not get Oxenham away. The first ball of the googly owler’s next over dismissed the other opening batsman. Dempster stepped in front of his wicket to play the ball, but it struck his pads, and an appeal for lbw was upheld. He had been at the wickets for 90 minutes. 56—2—30. Blunt joined Foley, who still had only one to his credit, anil the Otago man broke his duck by cutting Oxenham for a sinn-lc In the same over Foley survived an appeal for lbw. The luncheon adjournment was taken at 1.15. the score being 58 (role v 1, Blunt 1). Oxenham had sent up 15 overs for 10 maidens, 10 runs and one wicket, and Grimmett’s figures were 11 overs, 4 maidens, 16 runs, 1 wicket. THE AFTERNOON PLAY.

Tho sun was shining when play was resumed, Foley facing Oxenham, whom ho leg-glanced for a single, the only score of the over. Grimmett was still bowling from tho pavilion end Foley nearly played bin, on to his wickets, and gave him a maiden Blunt brought 60 up in 102 minutes by cutting Oxenham through the slips for a single; and Foley ’ survived- an another appeal for lbw off the next ball. Blunt got well on .to a leg ball from Grimmett and sent it like a flash to the boundary. Two balls later he repeated the shot, Ponsford fielding the. ball on the boundary, the batsmen running three. Slowness in fielding gave Blunt another run, which took him to double figures. Foley added a single, but Grimmett again had him m trouble, sending, him up a maiden. Blunt, bv oclting Oxenham -away to third man for "a single, put 70 on the board and Foley, who was uncomfortable to Oxenham, managed to get the last ball away for a single. Foley shaped better tn Grimmett s next over. ' driving the googly bowler through the covers for' a brace. A smart square cut by Blunt was well stopped by Blackie, but the Otago man got the last ball away for a single Woodfull was loudlv applauded when he brilliantly he Ided a cut through the shns by Foley. Blum was equally comfortable to both bowlers. He pulled Grimmett hard to leg. but coliected only a single. then he leg-glanced Oxenham to tho. fence scoring the first four off that bowler and bringing 80 up Blunt collected another couple, and then Foley drove Oxenham bard past the bowler for a Dm, reaching double figures after 51 minutes’ batting by sneaking a single off Grimmett. Another pull to

With the total at 87 MKimee took the ball from Oxenhani, who had sent up 22 over for 25 runs. Blunt twice got him awav nicely to third man. the second shot bringing 90 up. Foley again opened his shoulders and drove a ball just short of the boundary, collecting three. Foley nlaved Grimmett dangerously into the slips, but added a single. Blunt s shot to third man was serving him to good purpose. and he collected a couple of singles by this route. The century was brought up when a ball from M’Xamee beat batsman and wicket-keeper, and went to the boundary. The hundred had taken 2 hours and 5 minutes to compile. Blunt reached 30 by driving Grimmett in fine style for four and a brace. Then he turned the googly bowler to leg for a brace and a single, collecting nine off the over, and hoisting nn When he faced W'Namee again,

however, he was quiet, giving the aew South Wales man his second maiden. With the total at 11l Blackie relieved Grimmett, who had had 41 bit off 20 overs, the only score off his first over being a single to Foley. Blunt was lucky in M'Name s next, over, lifting a ball dangerously . near Ponsford and Grimmett. and limning a couple. Foley, too, was fortun .te when he mishit a ball from Blackie. It went dangerously near the wickets, but the batsmen were able to run a single. Blunt added another two to his total by turning the same bowler to leg. Foley ■ was content to send M'Namee’s next six deliveries back to the bowler. Three byes brought the to 120. and a hard drive by Foley

would have added to the score had it not been brilliantly fielded by Schneider. Runs came quickly in singles for a time, but good fielding saved a lot of runs. Blunt brought 130 up by playing M'Namee high

into the slips, the ball going througn Woodfield’s right hand for a single. Blunt had then scored 41. A belated appeal by the same bowler for an lbw decision against Foley was not upheld. Foley reached 20 in 94 minutes by driving Blackie for a single. A mistake in fielding gave Blunt the run that took him to the half-century after 79 minutes’ batting. M'Namee was no-balled for the fourth time, taking extras to 20. There was a loud burst of applause as Foley cut M'Namee to the boundary, breaking a long spell of quiet batting. Blunt tried to pull Blackie to leg, but Richardson was fielding in the right place, and he snapped up the catch 143 —3 —50. The Otago man had given a fine exhibition of steady batting. Badcock joined Foley. Oxenham immediately relieved M'Namee, the change proving effective, for -with the second ball of the over he skittled Foley, who had been at the wickets for 102 minutes for 24 runs. 143—4—24. Hamilton was the incomer. Grimmett was given a chance against the new batsmen in place of Blackie. Badcock did not face him with any degree of comfort, and the last ball of the over clean bowled him. 143 —s—o.5—0. Lowry’ partnered Hamilton, who cut > Oxenham for four. The captain collected

a single in Grimmett’s next over, and then gave Oxenham a maiden. Grimmett collected another maiden, the only addition to the score being a bye. The sudden succession of falling wickets had quietened the batsmen, Hamilton failing to get Oxenham away. There was a loud appeal as Lowry, with only one to his credit, snicked a ball from Grimrriett to Oldfield, but the wicket-keeper failed to hold' it. Lowry was not destined to stay, however, for, after turning the same bowler to leg for a brace, putting 150 on the board, he lifted a ball to M'Namee at mid-on and was well caught, after a stay of 13 minutes. Grimmett had taken three wickets for 45 runs. 151—6—3. James, the incoming batsman, sent the last ball of the over for a single,, but could not score off Oxenham, who sent up 'his fourteenth maiden out of 27 overs. Only 29 runs had been scored off him, Hamilton broke an uninteresting spell by cutting Grimmett for a brace, and James added one off Oxenham. Hamilton reached double figures by pulling the same bowler ..to the boundary. James was unlucky when in Grimmett’s next over he touched his wicket. He sent the ball away and began to run, and it was not until Oldfield appealed to the umpire that it was noticed one of the bails was off. 159—7—2. M'Girr joined Hamilton, and survived an appeal for lbw off the first ball. Hamilton, who had added a couple, tried to drive a ball from Oxenham, but he sent it back to the bowler, who held the catch at the second attempt. Oxenham had taken three for 36. 161—8—12. Dickinson joined M'Girr, who so far had not scored. In Grimmett’s next over M'Girr pulled him high boundarywards, and Kippax held the catch. Grimmett’s figures were five for 47. 161 —9 —o. New Zealand’s last man, Reid, partnered Dickinson, and gave Oxenham another maiden. Grimmett bowled a maiden to Dickinson. A leg bye was added to the score, and Oxenham added to his long list of maidens. Grimmett then used his off break to good purpose. Read slipped across to play the ball with his pads, but it went behind his legs and clean bowled him. Neither Dickinson nor Read had scored. Grimmett’s six wickets had cost 47. The innings occupied 3hr 45min. THE AUSTRALIANS BATTING. Woodfull and Ponsford were Australia’s

men, j./itkinsou Dowiiiig ironi lfie Workshops end. Six came off the over, five of the runs being scored by Woodfull. Badcock took the ball at the pavilion end, sending up a maiden to Ponsford. Woodfull collected a. single off the first ball of Dickinson’s second over, and Ponsford drove him for a brace and 4, bringing 10 up in quick time. Badcock was still accurate, however, Woodfull giving him another maiden. Dickinson was being treated with scant courtesy, and Ponsford square cut him to the boundary and turned him to leg for a brace, reaching double figures, but. to the astonishment of everybody, he was clean bowled with the next hall 19—1—12

Kippax joined Woodfull and mishit the last ball in dangerous fashion. Woodfull scored the first run off Badcock by turning the fifth ball of his third over to leg, bringing 20 up. A single to Kippax was the onl v score off the fast bowler s next ovgr. Badcock beat Woodfull. with a ball that went away for a leg bye, and Kippax turned the next one to leg for a brace. One to Woodfull off Dickinson took him to double figures, but the batsmen was now treating the fast bowler much more respectfully. The score had reached 29 when Blunt relieved Badcock, who had sent up four overs for three runs. Four came off the over and 30 'was hoisted Kippax was going well when a ball -from Dickinson came off the edge of his bat, and Blunt, fielding at deep point, was given an easy catch. Dickinson had taker two for 23 33 —2—5. Schneider broke his “ duck ” by cutting the first ball he received for a single and Woodfull turned him to leg. foi <. couple. In bowling, however, Diekinsoi injured one of his legs and had to retire fkrt enfiro nf "Vi rdlPwl Rlnnt

who had sent up only one over, Schneider getting the first ball awav for a single, *’e only score off rhe over. M'Girr took up the" bowling in place of Dickinson, I Schneider despatching h'm through the slips for a brace. Fortv was reached in 27 minutes when Woodfull cut Read square for a single. Woodfull was quiet during M'Girr’s second over, giving the Wellington man a maiden over. He had nor added to his score when he played a ball from Read on to his wickets. He hart been batting for 43 minutes for 16 runs. 41—3—16. Richardson joined Schneider and the spectators shouted with delight when they thought that he had been caught close in by Lowry, but the ball had touched the ground. Schneider had scored seven when he cut M'Girr into the slips. Dempster failing to hold the ball The score was 43 when Blunt replaced Read, Richardson driving his first hall to the off boundary He was uncomfortable for. the remainder of the over, however, surviving an appeal for lbw off the last ball. The onlookers’ hopes ran high when Schneider mishit a ball from M'Girr and played it on to his wickets. He had been batting for 23

minutes < Alexander, the third South Australian, joined his captain, and in the first oyer he received was missed by James behind the wickets. At 5.30 the batsmen ap pealed unsuccessfully against the light. Richardson brought 50 up in 55 minutes bv leg-glancing M'Girr nicelv to the boundary, and this shot he followed by offdriving a ball to the fence. Lowry was making rapid changes, and with the toial at 56 he gave Read the ball in Blunt s stead. The only score off the over was a single tp Alexander. A second appeal against the light was upheld, stumps being 1 .drawn with the score at 57 (Richardson 12. Alexander 2). Scores: — NEW ZEALAND. First Innings. C. S. Dempster, 122141114111211114. lbw, • b Grimmett . . 30 J. E. Mills, 11111121221111, c Blackie, 0 Oxenham ’ : . 17 H Foley, 1111231311111114, b Oxenham 24 R. C. Blunt, 114311114211111142212212 • 111111111, c Richardson, b Blackie t>o F. T. Badcock, b Grimmett 9 I. M. Hamilton, 4242, c and b Oxenham I'2 T. C. Lowry, 12, c M'Namee, b Grimmett ... • ... 3 K. C. James, 11, hit wicket, b Grimmett 2H. M. M'Girr, c Kippax, b Grimmett 0 G. R. Dickinson, not out 0 R. Road, b Grimmett 0

Byes 13 Leg byes i No balls 4 Toial R2 Fall of Wickets.—One for 50, two for 35, three for 143, four for 143, live for 143, six for 151, seven for 159, eight for 161, nine for 161, 10 for 162. BOWLING ANALYSIS.

AUSTRALIA. ' First Innings; W. H Ponsford, 12442, b Dickinson ... 1J W. M. Woodfull, 12211121112, b Bead 15 A. Kippax, 221, c Blunt, b Dickinson 5 K. J. Schneider, 11212, b M'Girr ... 7 V. Y. Richardson, 444, not out 12 W. C. Alexander, 11, not out 2 Byes ... 2 L.g byes 1 Total for four -wickets ... ... 57 Fall of Wickets.—One for 19, two for 33,, three for 41, four for 47.

YESTERDAY S PLAY. The match was resumed 'yesterday morning in perfect weather. Scores:— AUSTRALIA. First Innings.— (Continued). V. Y. Richardson, e Foley, b M'Girr 14 W. C. Alexander, lbw, b Blunt .. .. 27 R. K. Oxenham, not out 46 W. A. Oldfield, c Badcock, b Read .. 5 C. V. Grimmett, b Blunt 34 D. J. Blackie, b M'Girr 1 R. M’Namee, lbw, b M'Girr .. .. 12 Byes 4 Leg byes 5 Total 188 BOWLING ANALYSTS. O. M. R. W.

NEW ZEALAND. Second Innings. C. S. Dempster, b M’Namee .. .. 3J. E. Mills, lbw, b Blackie .. .. 14 H. Foley, e Woodfull, b Blackie . . 42 R. C. Blunt, c Oldfield, b Blackie . . 0 I. M. Hamilton, c Alexander, b Grimmett 4 T. C. Lowry, not out 16 K. C. James, not out 1 Byes 4 Leg byes .’. .. 6 No ball . 1

Total (for five wickets) . . 97 BOWLING ANALYSIS.

AUCKLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS. AUCKLAND, April 1. ' The Auckland senior cricket championship was concluded yesterday in fine weather. Eden deteated Ponsonby on the first innings, making the teams level for the championship. Eden won eight games and lost tw-o. Ponsonby won seven and lost three, but scored more four-point wins. On tho first day, Eden scored 253 for eight wickets, and then declared. Ponsonby batted nearly all yesterday afternoon for 151. G. L. Weir took live wickets for 35 runs. North Shore 150 (Player 63) defeated Parnell 120 and 92 for eight wickets. University, 254 for six wickets (declared) (Schnauer 100 not out, Gee 70), beat Y.M.C.A.. 97 and 149 for seven wickets (Riddolls 68). Grafton, 199 (Horspool 80, Webster 51), beat United Suburbs, 146 and 150 for four wickets (Somers 51 not out). For Suburbs, Martin took five wickets for 82 runs.

CHRISTCHURCH CHAMPIONSHIP. CHRISTCHURCH, March 31. Old Boys, with a lead of one point, won the senior cricket championship for the season. They scored a two-point win over West Christchurch, and Riccarton. the runners-up, also had a two-point win. against Old Collegians. Old Boys declared with four wickets down for 220 against West Christchurch (208), and West Christchurch lost five wickets for 117. - . . Riccarton declared’ with eight wickets down for 308 against Old Collegians (183), but Old Collegians played out time, losing five wickets for 82. St. Albans had a two-point wm over Linwood, and Sydenham (218) beat East; Christchurch on the first innings. Good individual scores on the day were. Jacobs 93. Roberts 65, Fuller not out 43,' Norrie 94, and M'Ewan 62.

SOUTH OTAGO COMPETITIONS. The keenest interest was manifested in South Otago cricketing circles in the final match between Milton A and Freezer teams (winners of the northern and southern divisions respectively) tor the association’s “ Stewart Challenge Shield; also the miniature cup recently presented for permanent possession by the winners. The match was played on the Milton ground in fine weather, and there was a large attendance of spectators. Scores: —- • MILTON A. J. Vidal, b G. Lennox 21 H. Hood, b Lennox 1 J. Turnbull, b Lennox © W. Heads, b Lennox » W. Wilson, b Noble .. • 39 E. Olver, c Tomlinson, b Lennox .. 0 H. Cunningham, c B. Noble, b Lennox 7 R. Findlay, run out 0 F. Vidal, c Gray, b Lennox 22 J. Wilson, not out 1 J. Gibb, b Lennox . • 9 1 Extras .. • • • • H Total ..112

Bowling Analysis.—B. Noble, 12 overs, f-ne wicket, 47 runs; G. Lennox, 14 overs, eight wickets, 35 runs; J. Ekwall, three overs, 19 runs. FREEZER. B. Noble, c and b Turnbull ...... 5 J. M'Feeters, cA. Vidal, b Gibb .. ' 4 G. Lennox, c Findlay, b Vidal .... 76 W. Noble, b Gibb 34 j. Ensall, c .Gibb. bJ- Wilson .. 8 C. Tomlinson, c Olver, b W. Wilson 17 E. Barnett, cJ. Vidal, bA. Vidal .. 29 L. Moffatt, cW. Wilsoni b Turnbull 9 VV. Gray, c Turnbull, b Heads .. . . 11 W. M'Donald. not out 2 J. Cameron, b Heads 7 Extras .. .. 12 Total 214 Pawling Analysis.—J. Gibb, 12 overs, three maidens, two wickets, 47- runs; J. Turnbull, six overs, two wickets, 36 runs; W. Wilson, 11 overs, one wicket, 37 runs; A. Vidal, eight overs, two maidens, two wickets, 29 runs; W. Heads, six overs, two ■wickets, 25 runs; J. Wilson, four overs, -one wicket, 11 runs; H. Hood, two overs, 17 runs. - . The " Stewart ” Shield has been won by the following teams since the inception of the competition:— 1920-21.—Milton A. *1921-22.—Milton A and ClintonWaiwera (combined). *1922-23.—Milton A and Clinton. 1923- Milton A. 19241925- Milton A. 1926- —Waiwera. 1927- —Freezer. •Final {patches between winners of divisions not played.

THE CARISBROOK CLUB. At the invitation of the president (Mr A. H. Fisher) a reunion of the members and honorary members of the Carisbrook Cricket Club was held on Wednesday evening last in the Tudor Hall Lounge. Over 50 members were present, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. Mr C. W. Rattray, in proposing the toast of " The Club,” gave an. interesting account of the early Carisbrook days, and advised young players to be more alert in the - field and show more vigour and enterprise in their batting. He said it was imperative that the game should be livened up if they wished public interest to be maintained. He had seen a lot of cricket in England recently, and the slowness of the batting left much to be desired. Mr R. C. Blunt gave an interesting account of the New Zealand team's doings in England! He said he was more than pleased with the young talent in the club, and prophesied that next season the Carisbrook Club would take a prominent part in the competitions. Mr Charles Todd and Mr G. R. Ritchie also, gave interesting addresses. The musical items supplied by Messrs Scurr, Lungley, Bobbie, and Wise (pianist) were much appreciated.

OTAGO ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. * The executive of the Otago Cricket Association met on March 26. Mr C. Todd (president) occupied, the chair. A KNOTTY PROBLEM. On February 11, the day of the Cricket Association’s carnival, all matches except that between North-East Valley and Christian Brothers in the Second Grade A section were concluded at 6 o’clock in accordance with a request from the Carnival Committee and the Grade Committee. Had play ceased at 6 o'clock the result would have been a draw, but the game was concluded at 6.30, the result being a win for North-East Valley. The North-East Valley Club wrote to the association last night explaining the position. The letter stated that the Christian Brothers captain had insisted on play being continued until 7 o’clock, as the start of the match was delaved V a picuic P art y- The Aorth-East Valley captain had reluctantly agreed. The club had received no official intimation from the association that play was to conclude at 6 o’clock. The Chairman stated that as the NorthEast Valley Chib had not been officially notified the association could not object t 0 the match being played out. Mr Brinsley pointed out that other teams might have won their matches instead of drawing them bad they also played after 6 o’clock. It was pointed out that the request for au earlier closing time had come from tne Carnival Committee, and had been agreed tc by the Grade Committee, but as the request had not come from the assooMion it could not be regarded as official. £ ou l !and stated that h’s opinion JNorth-Eabt A alley was entitled to a win as the captains had agreed to play until alter the recognised time. member pointed out that in reality the association could not limit the nours of play. th tr mot - iOU - 0f Mr «obson, seconded ? y J? r „¥°L n ?; st was decided to write N ° rth - Eas , t Valley Club asking it to allow the match to be declared a draw, as the association considered that th« clubs” 1 pnsltion was unfast to the other During the discussion Mr Rowland stated that if the North-East Valley Club agreed to ths association’s request one team would be given the championship whereas at present three . teams were equal. It was considered, however, that the case must be considered on its merits. CLAIM FOR A MATCH. Mr W A Rowland (secretary of the Grange Club) wrote stating that his club claimed the match between its Fourth Grade team and the Christian Brothers’ team, as Christian Brothers had played a Second Grade player named Parsons. ™ r t tal 7.» °C the Christian Brothers Club . (Mr J. F. M'Clintock) replied stating that a misunderstanding had arisen, as there were two players m 1 arsons with the same initials in tne club, one being registered as a Second Grade player and the other as a Fourth Grade player. The Fourth Grade man was the one who had played against Grange.—Mr Rowlands said that he understood that there was no man named Parsons in the Christian Brothers’ Club registered as a Fourth Grade player.

The assooiatirfn’s records were consulted, and it was found that two players named J. Parsons were registered in the Second - Grade A and Second Grade B sections respectively. It was decided to write to the Christian Brothers’ Club advising it of the position, and asking for a further explanation. AN INTERESTING INCIDENT. Mr Rowland handed in a report by R. Webb, the captain of the Grange Second Grade B team describing an unusual incident which occurred in the team’s mateff against Kaikorai. At 5.30, the report stated, th«* kaikorai batsmen appealed against the light, which the writer considered quite fit for play. As the Kaikorai batsmen continued to protest he agreed to consider the position after the next over had been bowled. He had not been definitely approached by the Kaikorai captain, but after five balls of the over had been sent down, the empires.. two Kaikorai players, left the field. After some hesitation, the Kaikorai captain approached him, but in his opinion the light was still good. The Kaikorai captain, however, took his men off the field. Mr Rowland remarked that Grange did not claim the match. It was decided to reply stating that if the captains could not agree the umpires were within their rights in closing the match, and the club was referred to rule 43. GENERAL. Mr H. E. Harraway (secretary of the High School Old Boys’ Cricket Club) wrote applying for three wickets on Logan Park next season.—lt was decided to hold over all applications for grounds in the. meantime. tJ h a Ca nJ erl,l, y Association forwarded t 4/, the Otago Association’s share of the Otago-Canterbury match. The Secretary reported that the following umpires had been suggested to the New Zealand Council for the test match: Messrs W. Beal, E. A. Hamel, A. Downes and G. Crosbie.

It was decided to ask the Prime Minister to grant a half-holiday to civil servants on the Monday of the test match, and to request the Mayor to ask employers to grant a half holiday if possible. 1 m aS u als ° ?8 reed th at headmasters should be asked to grant school children a half noliday. An announcement by Mr Rowland, who tor many years has been official scorer for Otago, that he would not be able to act in that eapacitty in the forthcoming test match was received with expressions ot regret, and the appointment of scorers was left in the hands of Mr Rowland and the secretary.

0. M. R. W R. M'Namee . 18 3 42 D. J. Blackic . 9 2 13 1 R. K. Oxcnhain 31 16 36 3 C. B. Grimmett 28 11 47. 6

BOWLING ANALYSIS. W. 0. M. R. G R. Dickinson 5.5 — 26 2 F. T. Badcock ... 4 2 3 — R. C. Blunt 3 1 8 — IT. M. M’Girr ... 5 2 13 1 Ii. Read 4 — 4 1

G. R. Dickinson . . 5.5 — 26 2 F. T. Badccok . 17 10 14 -— R. C. Blunt .. . 13 1 43 2 H. M. M'Girr .. . 19.4 4 54 4 R. Read . . . 14 1 30 2 T. C. Lowry .. . 9 2 12 —

0. M. R. AV. R. M’Narnee .. . 9 2 23 1 R. K. Oxenham . . 8 5 8 — C. A . Grimmett ,. 19 8 1 D. J. Blackie . 12 3 24 3