N.Z. PLAYS M.C.C.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16338, 12 May 1927, Page 7

N.Z. PLAYS M.C.C.

HOME TEAM MAKES 392 VISITORS NONE FOR 51 MERRITT GETS MOST WICKETS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.l (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received May 12, 11 a.m.) LONDON, May 11. The New Zealanders began a match I with Marylebone Club at Lord's today. The latter won the toss and went in. A perfect wicket was prepared, and the weather was excellent. The crowd cordially welcomed the New Zealanders' first appearance in London. Though most critics fear that their bowling will be the chief weakness, .the early overs suggested a different story, as Titehmarsh, when only three, was badly missed in the slips. Another unusual incident occurred when Lyon j fiercely banged a full toss to leg. [Dempster, who was waiting for the catch, was blinded by the sun and lost sight of the ball and received a blow in the stomach, -which knocked [the wind out of him. Again, the : fielding was not up to the mark, three I catches being missed before lunch, and as a result 117 had been put on at the adjournment for the loss of only one wicket. Directly the game was resumed Allen was missed in the slips iby Merritt, who the critics hailed as a distinctly promising bowler. He often tied Titehmarsh up, and completely perplexed Douglas, but had not an atom of luck. He was easily the most outstanding trundler on the side, the others wanting in length, and not al? ways being on the wicket. The fielding in the mid-afternoon was still far from clean,, a weakness which was very noticeable in the team |s appearances in New Zealand. At the tea adjournment the score had advanced to 292 for four, and~a big total looked certain, but fortunately for the visitors, Merritt and Blunt had an inspired period. On resuming the latter got rid of Titehmarsh, but not before he had piled up the great score of 171, while the Canterbury boy disposed of Douglas. Calthorpe and Haig reached fair totals, but the bowlers finished off the innings witi zest, the last six wickets adding only 100. Blunt and Mills opened the New "Zealand innings very confidently. The former played freely all round the wicket, and at the drawing of stomps they had put on 51 without loss. Scores:M.C.C.—First Innings. Titchmarch, b Merritt .. .. 171 Lyon, b Bernau 24 Allen, c Dempster, b Henderson.. 38 Ashton, c Page, b Merritt .. 4 Chapman, c Page, b Bernau .-.- 18 Douglas, b Blunt 36 Calthorpe, b Blunt 31 F.nthoven, b Merritt .. .. 0 Haig, c James, b Henderson .. 34 Falcon, b Merritt .. .. .. 0 Franklin, not out 10 Extras .. .. ..26 Total " .. . • - • 392 Bowling: Merritt, four for 104; Blunt, two for 117; Bernau, two for ■45; Hendersou, two for 59; MeGirr, none for 42. NEW ZEALAND.—First Innings. Mills, not out •• ' 13 Blunt, not out ■...'.V ..''•' .*. 31 Extras .. .. .. ' 7 Total for no wickets .. 51 Stumps were then drawn. -