PONSFORD AND GRIMMETT

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1928, Page 8

PONSFORD AND GRIMMETT

MASTERS OF BAT AND BALL EAGERLY AWAITED BY THE CROWD YESTERDAY’S CRICKET REVIEWED, With a bright sun and blue sky overhead, the pleasant environment of Pukekura Park, the rare strength of the Australian cricket team, and the Regimental Band discoursing popular airs at frequent intervals, conditions were ideal for the spectator at Pukekura Park yesterday, except, perhaps, that the sun was a little too hot. The enjoyment of these conditions by the largest cricket crowd that New Plymouth has seen for many a day was only incidental, however, to the attendance. Incidental, also, were the exploits of the centurymaking Kippax and Woodfull, the reputation of Vic. Richardson, the respected skipper, and the performances of the various other younger members of the team.

The magnets which drew the crowd in the first place, the popular heroes of yesterday and the potentialities of today, were undoubtedly Ponsford and Grimmett. The advent of the famous Victorian batting machine was as eagerly awaited as was that of the South Australian wizard—author of breaks and googlieS. And the crowd were not disappointed. On y sterday’s indication, the fact that Ponsford will resume batting this morning with 75 not out to his credit and Grimmett has yet to attack the Taranaki team again this afternoon will no doubt be responsible for a big attendance again to-day. Perhaps yesterday's attendance may also be interpreted as a sign of the times that cricket, which hag somewhat languished since the war years, is definitely on the road to a more prominent position in public interest. Australian cricket, they say, would be nothing without its barrack. This aspect of the game has not asserted itself to any extent in Taranaki, but there were not wanting yesterday authorities amongst the crowd who knew what ought to be done and strongly advised Taranaki to do it. Impending victims of the wily Grimmett were exhorted not to stay at home within their crease and look Billy when the elusive ball dodged by, but to “get out and hit him.” Unfortunately, to adopt this advice, proved almost invariably to be the prelude to « more immediate fate. Again, when the Taranaki bowlers trundled in vain, they were firmly counselled to “borrow Grimmett for a time.” The sighs and groans that accompanied the fortunately very few lapses on the part of the Taranaki fieldsmen would have struck dismay into the stoutest hearted, cricketer.

The presence and operations of the band aroused considerable interest, and not a little comment. That its lively airs during the adjournments were universally appreciated wag evident. That it should play during the .actual innings gave rise to ths suggestion that the music might .be digconcerting to the batsmen. In this respect, the public are assured, from inquiries made, that the visitors have no objection. In fact rather the reverse. What is rather a novelty in Taranaki is a habit in parts of Australia.