CRICKET

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1928, Page 4

CRICKET

NORTH TARANAKI NOTES. LAST SATURDAY’S MATCHES. - ■ 1 (By “Not Out.”) The first matches of the second round r>l the northern senior championship were brought to a conclusion last Saturday, but with the exception of the game on the High School ground the finishes were of an uninteresting nature. Despite the fact that conditions were all in favour of the batsmen, Old Boys B, High School and Borough Council gave very indifferent displays in the second innings, and although School just managed to win, the other .two teams Were soundly beaten. There was nothing to account for the small scoring of the above-named teams except simply bad batting. Western Park showed that conditions were favourable to run getting by hitting up a sparkling 179 for 3 wickets. By gaining another clearcut victory this team appears to have the northern championship well in its grasp. At Pukekura Park, Old Boys B, who Were 28 runs down in the first innings, gave an inglorious display, all being out lor 52. Some of the batsmen were inclined to blame the wicket which had certainly been most copiously watered early that morning, but the good bowling of Falconer and Allen, combined with the batsmen’s over-anxiety to score quickly before getting set, were the real causes of the debacle. No batsman even gained double figures. Allen and Falconer obtained four wickets each. The former, bowling rather a fast swinging ball, kept a good length, while the latter mixed his medium to slow breaks with fine judgment. On recent performances he appears to be about the best slow bowler in the north, and now that he js able to play regularly he should prove an asset not only to his club but also to the northern team.

Requiring only 25 to win Burns, Nasmith and Groombridge soon hit off the runs, and the last-named again furnished evidence that he has improved out of all knowledge this season as a batsman. A RUN-AWAY VICTORY. fit the Tukapo Ground, where Borough Council had put up a valiant fight the first day against Western Park, there was another run-away victory. Continuing with six-down for 153, Borough could add only 36. Lewis, who had batted well for 42, was unfortunate to be run out, and Norgate, who compiled 11, were the onlv remaining batsmen to do anything against Quickfall and Mason, both of whom were in good form. Sixty runs to the good, Western Park went for the bowling in great style in their second strike. Quickfall and Mason, who opened, rapidly knocked up over 50 for the first wicket, and Grayson, Young, and Jones, who followed, all carried on in good style. Quickfall's score of 45 included six fours and a beautiful six clean out of the ground. Young was more restrained than usual, but drove and cut very neatly. The best innings was that of Jones, for 56 not out. Once again he showed that he is right at the top of his form. Whether driving to the off, square or late cutting, or hitting to leg, his strokes were executed with a wristiness that was good to see. With the score at 179 for 3 wickets he declared, giving his opponents eome two and a quarter hours to get the neeessarv 240 runs. Of the three wickets that fell Norgate obtained two at moderate cost, and should have been bowled far more than he was. Of the remainder, Hodges was the best, for he kept a good length, varied his pace with good judgment, and for the greater part the batsmen took few liberties with him.

Borough’s second strike was in sad contrast to their first effort and the whole side was out for 64. Nibbling *t off balls on a bumping wicket is a dangerous practice and quite a number of batsmen got themselves out in this way, Jones catching three behind the stumps. Lewis, who again displayed initiative, am' Ferry, who compiled a neat 13, were the only batsmen to gain double figures. Quickfall eame out with the fine average of 7 for 34. Bowling the off theory he had the batsmen scratching most of the time. Mason lent excellent support at the other end, and the fielding was keen and neat. EWART BOWLS WELL. On the High School ground Old Boys A, who were 92 runs down on the first innings, opened confidently with Saxton and Monteath, but the latter ran himself out, and the former, after making 20 in good style, put his leg in front of the first delivery of slow bowler G. Ewart. Browm tried to lift the same bowler out of the ground, but then B. Lash and J. Ewart commenced useful partnership. G. Ewart, however, was bowling well, breaking both ways and tossing the bulls well up. He finally bowled his brother, but Lash continued steadily on till he reached 39. When attempting to hit the slow bowler to leg he skied the ball to Allen. None of the remainder lasted long, and the innings closed for 139. G. Ewart came out with the remarkable figures of 7 for 37. None of the batsmen were at home to him; in fact very few seemed to have much idea of how to play a slow bowler. Either right out and deal with the ball before it breaks, or right back and watch the breaking ball right on to the bat, should be • methods; hitting blindly cross the flight of a break bowler is looking for trouble. School, who wanted only 48 to win, appeared to have the game well within their powers, but once again the glorious un 'ertainty of the ~ime was in evidence, and after half an hour the team was fighting hard for victory. Had Wilson been held in the second over, indeed, Old B ys may even have won. Both Bottrill and Loveridge owled very well and had the batsmen thinking hard. B. B. Wilson was brilliantly caught by H. Brown in the slips—a fine one handed effort. G. Ewart and Papps both, batted neatly before succumbing to Bottrill, but seven wickets had fallen before the necessary runs were obtained. Bottrill’s return to form with the ball is pleasing to record. This player, who has been one of Taranaki's stalwarts in the past, has been out of form this season, and although his batting is still very much removed from that of previous seasons, his bowling in recent matches lias been of a much improved standard. BRILLIANT FIELD DEPARTS.

B. Lash played his last innings in T»ranal<: last Saturday. and a very «ood

knock It was. He is leaving next week for Wanganui. He will be much missed In Old Boys A for he is a brilliant field and a very fair batsman; and cricket generally will feel his loss, for he was a keen player and has acted as honorary treasurer to the cricket association. He carries with him the best wishes of all North Taranaki cricketers for his future prosperity. The appointment of his father, Mr. E. Lash, as North Taranaki representative on the Taranaki selection committee, will be welcomed by everyone, for it is the unanimous opinion of cricketers here that his knowledge of the game is unsurpassed in the district. One noted that the three newly-appointed northern selectors were visiting the different grounds last Saturday, and evidently they have already started work. Congratulations are extended to Bell Block on winning the Country Association championship. For some years this club was very weak, but, held together by a few enthusiasts, it has gradually improved until it has "won the coveted honours of country champions. The victory is a very popular one amongst the country players. In conversation with a prominent country player a few days ago, the writer learn, ed " that in the event of the country championship being decided, as it has been, the country players would welcome at least two games with the town representatives. If the town competition reaches the stage where the dinner is certain, it would be a good plan to work in with the country players as suggested. It is quite possible that two more games may see the town championship definitely settled, and when that occurs all interest in the competition will be gone, and a variety of matches would be welcomed. NORTH TARANAKI MATCHES. PLAY AS USUAL ON SATURDAY. The chairman of the North Taranaki Cricket Division (Mr. C. G. Bottrill) has confirmed the fact that matches in the North Taranaki crieket competitions are to continue as usual in all grades on Saturday. The fixtures are as follows: — SENIOR GRADE. Borough v. New Plymouth, at Western Park. Western Park v. Old Boys A, at Pukekura Park. High School v. Old Boys B, at High School. SECOND GRADE. Borough v. Waitara, at Tukapo No. 1. New Plymouth v. High Schoolt at Tukapo No. 2. Okato v. Avenu Road, at Okato.* Old Boys a bye. THIRD GRADE. Regimental Band v. Old Boys, at Tukapo No. 3. Methodists v. Western Park, at Tukapo No. 4. SOUTHERN COMPETITION. COMMENTS ON THE GAMES. Saturday’s games were played under ideal conditions and some really good figures were returned, both as team and individual scores. One century was scored, six players passed the half century mark, and nine others scored over 30. Only four games were played, School being still unable to field a side owing to the camp at Trentham. Two games were played at Hawera, Manaia and Eltham meeting Midlands and Excelsior respectively. Full time was played in the ElthamExcelsior match and interest was at a high pitch right to the last ball. The home side had first ifie of the wicket, which played really well, and totalled 143. Mills secured highest figures with 39, and laid the wood on willingly unpl run out. Buckerid’ge, who his been the most consistent batsman in the side, again proved his worth with an excellent 33. Hawke (25), and McKenzie (16) made very useful stands. Five Eltham bowlers were used, but only six wickets fell to the ball, four being run out.- Apparently the batsmen were, deceived by, or did not take into account the remarkable pace of the outfield, and the ball travelling faster than anticipated to fieldsmen, led them into a trap. Eltham’e reply of 92 included only three double figure scores., Page 28, Avery, junior, 23 and Kerr 14. Four Excelsior bowlers shared the wickets among them. Excelsior’s 67 in the second innings was chiefly the work of Mills and Galvin with 22 and 25 respectively. At the fall of the sixth wicket a declaration was made and Eltham required 119 to save the match, and had about 35 minutes to play. A desperate effort was made and each batsman hurried in turn to the crease to have a hit. Many threw away their wickets in doing so, but a thrilling finish was provided and 69 runs, or about two runs a minute were made. The last wicket fell in the last over as time was called, leaving Excelsior a three-point win.

The game was thoroughly enjoyed by both teams and cheers were exchanged at the conclusion. Both teams are practically out of the running for the championship and as is the ease when there is no trophy at stake the very best spirit and traditions of the grand old game of cricket were in evidence. MIDLANDS DEFEAT MANAIA. Another good game was played on No. 2 wicket, where Midlands defeated Manaia. The game was somewhat disappointing towards the conclusion, as six of the Manaia team had to leave at six o’clock to go to Tangarakau, where they were spending the week-end. At the drawing of stumps Midlands were 14 runs ahead for the loss of but five wickets, and with an hour to play they may have had a chance to secure a threc-point win. As it was impossible for Manaia’s remaining five men to carry on even with the aid of substitutes, it was decided to concede to Midlands the right to claim the full three points. Winning the toss Manaia batted first and reached their highest total this season. 11. Hughes top scored with a freely made 60, although giving one hard chance when half way through the innings. Gyde gave a nice exhibition of off strokes in making 31, while Hobday and Guise played careful cricket for 11 and 16 respectively. Midlands’ first three wickets were down for 13 runs, but McCarthy and Crombie took the score to 88 before the latter was caught off Gyde, after a most

useful innings. Seagar. was next and added a four when he was beaten by a trimmer from Gyde. Jennings partnered McCarthy and they passed Manaia’s total undefeated, McCarthy having scored 65 and Jennings 39. McCarthy gave a couple of difficult chances but played sound cricket and hit six fours in his total. Jennings accounted for four boundaries and several good shots for two. Six Manaia bowlers were used, Whalen returning the best figures. Although Patea ran Kaponga close in the first innings at Kaponga, they fell in their second attempt and were just saved by time from suffering a threepoint defeat. Kaponga’s first innings score of 114 included four double figure batsmen, Josephson holding pride of place with 35 undefeated. Fitzgerald contributed a merry 26 and S. Betts, who was back in his place as opening batsman, played a careful innings for 21. V. Betts was going nicely with 16 up when he was well caught by Cooper. Patea’s mainstays were Lord with 27, Palmer 15, Nansett 15, and Mr. Extras 17. Their total was but 16 runs short of their opponents’, the chief destroying agent for Kaponga being Laurie, who took six wickets for 17 runs.

Kaponga’s second effort was a one man affair, V. Betts scoring 89 out of a total of 115. Betts hit out freely and his runs were obtained quickly. With 138 to get Patea had a reasonable chance, but with the exception of Zimmerman, who played vigorously for 32, and Lord and Hamel with 14 and 10 respectively, the side failed, and only 72 runs had been scored for the loss of nine wickets at the call of time. Harrison, with six for 19, secured the best average this innings, but Laurie also bowled well and his three wickets cost but 19 runs. 527 RUNS IN FIVE HOURS. Stratford, who had given Okaiawa such a close game in the first round, when the latter won by two runs, were expected to again extend their opponents, but at the conclusion of play Okaiawa had amassed a huge total and were 159 runs ahead, despite Stratford’s good score of 184. To score 527 runs in less than five hours’ play must constitute a record, at any rate for Taranaki. When the afternoon tea interval and minor stoppages are taken into consideration, the rate of scoring must have been extremely rapid, even though the boundaries at Okaiawa are fairly short. Stratford’s innings was remarkable in that the Youngs, F. and C., tied for top score with 51 each. Richardson (23) and Gatton (16) were the only others to score double figures. Faced with 185, Okaiawa commenced cautiously and lost three early batsmen cheaply. Penny kept his wicket intact and Crawford (29), and Pratt (21) helped him to approach Stratford’s total. Murdock joined his skipper and the 200 mark was reached when Penny had the misfortune to put -his leg in front of a straight one when but four short of his century. Murdock received assistance from Linn, who scored 34, and continued to reach his century undefeated. Murdock has a good defence and is fast developing scoring shots, and it is pleasing to see a youngsterreceive such encouragement that the coveted century brings. Seven Stratford bowlers were used, Beere, with three wickets for 48 runs, returning the best average. After Saturday’s games the championship points are:—-

GAME AT TANC-ARAKAU. MANAIA VISITORS WIN. During the week-end a Manaia team travelled to the construction camp at Tangarakau, where they played a friendly game, which resulted in a win for the visitors by the narrow margin of 16 runs. Batting first, Tangarakau compiled 107, T. Brennan top-scoring with a well played 39 not out. Evans scored 21 by good and careful crieket, B. Brennan hit out vigorously for his total of 21, and Levings contributed a useful 10. Whalen and Janies were -Manaia’s most successful trundlers. Manaia’s effort realised 123, six batsmen reaching double figures. H. Hughes top-scored with a patient 40, most of his runs being singles. Whalen (15), Janies (13), Gyde (11), Edwards (12) and Williams (14 not out) all made good stands. Engles was Tangarakau’s most successful bowler, although Levings proved the most difficult to play and should have captured more wickets. The gems of the day were provided by Cronin, who took four splendid catches. The visitors were entertained by the Tangarakau Club and a most enjoyable trip concluded with an inspection of the tunnels and works in progress, and also the coal mines. Details are:—

Bowling analysis.—Pascoe took one wicket for 10 runs; H. Hughes, one for 34; Whalen, three for 23; Gyde, one for 16; James, two for 5; Williams, one for 4. MANAIA.

29; Slade, none for 12; Levings, one for 9; Cronin, one for 12; B. Brennan, one for 13. 4 AUSTRALIAN TOURING TEAM. VERY STRONG COMBINATION. The Australian touring team which is visiting New Zealand during February and March and playing a match against Taranaki on March 14 and 15 is an exceptionally st: mg eombinatiton, and will give spectators an exhibition o’ cricket that should be in many respects up to international test standard. Players whose names have become household words in cricketing circles the world over will be seen in the flesh on the Pukekura Park sportsground, and the opportunity is one that from the spectators’ point of view will probably not occur again for a great amny years. The members of the team are as follow:

From Victoria. —D. D. J. Blackie, W. H. Ponsford, W. M. Woodfull (vicecaptain) and F. L. Morton. From South Australia. W. C. Alexander, K. J. Schneider, V. V. Richardson (captain) and C. V. Grimmett, From Queensland. —R. K. Oxenham. From New South Wales—A. Jackson, A. F. Kippax, R. McNamee, W. A. Oldfield. Mr. W. C. Bull, a member of the Australian board of control, accompanies the team as manager. NORTH ISLAND TEAM PROPOSED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Hamilton, Feb. 8. The Waikato Cricket Association, in order to provide strong opposition for the Australian cricketers when they visit Hamilton on March 7 and 8, decided to invite T. C. Lowry, H. M. McGirr and F. T. Badeock (Wellington), E. H. Bowley, J. Langridge and A. S. Player (Auckland) to combine with five Waikato representatives as a North Island side to meet the Australian XI., owing to the weakness of the local team

Midlands .... P. . 14 L. D. 3 W. Pts. 11 30 Okaiawa .. 14 1 2 11 27 High School .. .. 12 4 2 6 18 Stratford ..., .. 14 6 1 7 18 Kaponga .. 14 - — 7 18 Old Bovs ,... .. 13 4 2 7 17 Excelsior .... .. 14 6 1 7 10 Eltham .. 13 10 — 3 7 Manaia .. 14 10 2 3 7 Patea .. 14 13 1 — 1

TAXGARAKAU. Cronin, b Pascoe 1 Evans, c Pacev, b Whalen .. 21 B. Brennan, b Whalen .. 20 Engles, c Pascoe, b Gyde .. 3 T. Brennan, not out « .. 39 Levings, b. Whalen ,, .. 10 Houlihan, b H. Hughes .. o Slade, b Williams .. 2 Sullivan, e A. Hughes, b James .. .. 1 Du'ie, b James V Sc-hlesting, run out .. 2 Extras 6 Total ..." .. 107

Whalen, b Lovings . 15 . 13 H. Hughes, l.b.w., b Engles . 40 Gyde, c T. Brennan, b Cronin ... . 11 Edwards, c Cronin, b Engles ..... . 1'2 Pascoe, b B. Brennan . « yyjij 1 ’ms uor nt* . 14 Whalen jun., c Cronin, b Engles . . 1 A. Hughes, c Cronin, b I. Brennan . e . 2 Levings, b Engles . o •Extra.s 9 Trityl . 123 Bowling analysis.—T. Brennan took /.nA wicket for 36 rune: Enirles. five for