TARANAKI OUT FOR 138 RUNS

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1928, Page 4

TARANAKI OUT FOR 138 RUNS

STERLING INNINGS BY B. B. WILSON

AUSTRALIANS 364 FOR 3 WICKETS

MAGNIFICENT BATTING DISPLAY

Bowling and batting of a standard seldom before seen in Taranaki was witnessed at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, yesterday, when Australia met Taranaki on the erieket field. As was expected, the visitors outclassed the home team, dismissing the latter for 138 runs and then making 364 for three wickets before stumps were drawn, but both the bowling and batting of the Australians was a memorable education to the record crowd that attended the match. The Taranaki innings was featured by a sterling 80 from the bat of B. B. "Wilson, the North Taranaki coach, against the bowling of Grimmett, McNamee, Oxenham and Morton. For Australia, A. F. Kippax made 102 and W. C. Alexander 127. "When play resumes this morning Ponsford (75 not out) and Richardson will go in to bat.

AUSTRALIANS IN FINE FORM TWO CENTURIES RECORDED. 6PLENDID EFFORT BY THE COACH. Oldfield, who has gone to Rotorua for treatment, and Blackie, were not included in yesterday’s Australian eleven. Richardson won the toss from King, •tone, and generously sent Taranaki in to bat to meet the public inclination. The feature of the Taranaki innings was the sterling 80 by B. B. Wilson, the North Taranaki coach, who played as well as any of the Australians under decidedly more difficult circumstances. Starting very carefully, Wilson gradually settled down and towards the end of his innings played Grimmett with confidence. He was undefeated with SO to his credit when the luncheon adjournment intervened, and he went out l.b.w. in the first over of the afternoon. He scored two sixes, lifting both Grimmett and Oxenham out of the ground. Nasmith assisted Wilson to give the team a good start, the score being 61 before he fell a victim to Grimmett, He played sterling cricket for his 22, gliding and late cutting the fast bowlers delightfully. The separation of the opening pair started a procession, Grayson being the only batsman to make any sort of a stand. Five of the Taranaki team failed to open their accounts, Grimmett, Oxenham and McNamee reaping a rich harvest. AUSTRALIANS AGGRESSIVE. The Australian batsmen treated the Taranaki bowling with scant respect, and gave a most enlightening exhibition of correct yet often aggressive cricket. Lay completely beat Oxenham, but both Kippax and Alexander succumbed while indulging in big hitting after their centuries had been passed. Kippax gave a typical and ehanceless display, while' Alexander’s only chance was a difficult one on the boundary. Ponsford was at intervals uneasy to the break bowler Falconer, but his innings of 45 not out was by no means too patient to be ever dull. He scored rapidly against the Taranaki bowling, displaying an impressive style. Hie sharp concentration on every ball was apparent. He often opened his shoulders and hit powerfully, but always he spread himself over the ball and’ covered all its vagaries. To the Taranaki public nothing could have been more gratifying than the fielding of the home team, which was of a very high order. Kingstone kept wickets well. Of the Taranaki bowlers, Falconer gave the most trouble, and Gibfin was the most consistent and reliable. THE PLAY DESCRIBED. B. B. Wilson and Nasmith opened for Taranaki, the former taking strike to Morton, the fast bowler, who bowled from the terrace end. One run came off the first over. McNamee took up the attack at the other eni, and Wilson drove his fifth ball to leg for a eotple. Nasmith, who had been letting Merton's off balls alone, placed the bowler to fine leg for a sina'e. Morton was then no-ballel, tVilsoi playing the rest ci the over A leg bye and then Wilson scored the fir t boundary by p.scinb Morton prettily to the leg fence, and eleven was up after fourteen minutes. Richardson was standing a iong way back to Morton with two men clore m the slips. Nasmith somewhat luckily snicked McNamee for a single, and Wilson brought his score to double figures by ericking Morton through slips, Twenty appeared on the board after 25 minutes’ play. The well-placed field was keeping down'the runs. Morton bumped badly at times. With the total at 22 Grimmett replaced McNamee, and Oxenham replaced Morton. Off the latter's fifth ball Nasmith survived an appeal for Lb.w. Grimmett had Wilson puzzled. The score mounted slowly until Nasmith opened out and drove Grimmett for a couple, bringing up 30 and his own score to 10 after 36 minutes. Wilson brought up his own twenty by gliding Oxenham to the leg boundary, the field being mostly set for the off. Four byes off Oxenham, and then Nasmith, with a pretty iate eut, found the boundary Wilson hit out at Grimmett and missed badly. He played the next few and then ran an undecided single, Moston biffin" the wicket with the throw-in. Tliis brought up 50 after as many minutes. B. B. WILSON OPENS OUT. Wilson, still not at home to Grimmett, decided to open out more. Nasmith drove the same bowler past .Schneider at long off to the boundary. Wilson glided Oxenham to the boundary and then placed him to leg for a eouple, bringing up 60 and his own 30. Grimmett then scattered Nasmith's stumps with v.hat appeared to be a straight ball.—6l—l—22.

| Stan. Giddy was the newcomer. He i snicked the first ball for four, and then I survived an appeal for l.b.w. After a slow period Wilson opened his shoulders and lifted Oxenham to the boundary, bringing up 71. The first ball of Grimmett’s next over proved fatal to Giddy, who was held by Richardson behind the wiekets from a ball he just touched.—71—2—4.

J. Chee vers joined Wilson, but two balls later he stepped out to Grimmett and was stumped.—7l—3—o. S. A. Lay filled the breach, and played' out the over. Grimmett had taken three for 22 at this stage, his last two overs producing three wickets and four runs. Wilson brought his total to 40 by pulling Grimmett to leg for a brace, and then Lay put his leg in front to Oxenham. —74—4—0. Kingstone was applauded on going to the wicket, but caused disappointment by not quite getting under the first ball. Alexander, running in, brought off a great catch. —74 —5—0. H. J. Grayson joined Wilson, who ran a. single, and the field spread out as Grayson faced Grimmett. The break bowler had Grayson tangled up. Grayson broke his duck by a lucky snick which gave Woodfull a chance. A single off Grimmett saw the coach reach his half century, after 80 minutes. Grayson cut a fast ball, which just reached the boundary. Wilson earned applause by going out to Grimmett and lifting him for six. Adopting aggressive tactics, he drove Grimmett hard several | imes in succession. Grayson lifted | Grimmett, but it fell safely. Singles to Wilson off each bowler brought up 100 and his own score to 89 after 90 minutes’ play. Wilson was now more confident when facing Grimmett, and drove successive balls for a brace, a boundary and a single. Grayson placed a neat single and Wilson cut the spin bowler for a brace, Kippax saving the boundary. Grayson brought up his ten by pasting Oxenham to the boundary with a glorious square cut. Wilson opened out to anything loose. The score continued to mount, until Grayson touched one from Oxenham which Woodfull held.—llB—6 —l2. The partnership had been a useful one, producing 44 runs.

L. Petty followed, to see Wilson hit a brace and a single from Grimmett, an overthrow giving another. Wilson brought up his 80 just prior to the adjournment by driving Grimmett to the boundary. TARANAKI BATSMEN FAIL. The end came quickly after the luncheon adjournment. B. B. Wilson, who had played such a sterling innings in the morning, put his leg in front to McNamee at the fourth ball after the resumption of play, and the Australian bowlers made short work of the remainder. Grimmett had the batsmen completely tied up with his mystery breaks, while the faster bowler proved equally as effective with his accurate trundling on the off pin. A, M. Wilson earned a round of applause for lifting Grimmett to the fence, but was bowled next ball, and the innings was over for 138. Kippax and Oxenham opened for Australia, facing the bowling of Petty and Giblin. Neither bowler was punished, but under the blazing sun they Soon tired, and the score mounted steadily. The batsmen did not look like going out. Petty earned applause by smartly stopping several hard drives. At 50 the first change in bowling occurred, Lay replacing Petty, but the runs came apace, and at 70 Falconer, the first break bowler to be tried, was given a turn in place of Lay, the latter going to the south end instead of Giblin. The change was effective, Oxenham being clean bowled with Lav's second ball.—9-2-1—37. Alexander soon reached double figures in a free, athletic style, and shortly afterwards the century was hoisted. Kippax reaching his 50 in the following over. In the same over, Alexander survived an appeal for l.b.w. by Falconer, and then au appeal for stumping next ball. At 130 the first byes came, a ball from Lay beating both the batsman and Kingstone for four. AUSTRALIA LAYS ON THE WOOD. After the afternoon tea adjournment, Lay and Petty took up the attack, but the batsmen laid the wood on with confidence, and 200 was soon hoisted, Kippax at that stage being 90 and Alexander 60. Falconer took the ball from Petty and Lay from Giblin, and Falconer bowled the first maiden of the day, non-plussing the batsmen with several balls for the first time during the nnings. At 97, Kippax survived a confident appeal for stumping off Falconer. Falconer beat him several times during the over.

A. M. Wilson replaced Giblin, and Kippax brought up his century by driving him to the off boundary. He was loudly applauded for a ehanceless and splendid innings. Next ball, he celebrated the gaining of the coveted bon-

!our by trying to lift Wilson out of the ground, and Grayson took a great eaten near the boundary. —220—2—102. The next man in was Ponsford, and th® appearance of the popular “batting machine,” whose name has become haloed with romance in New Zealand cricketing circles, was the signal for sustained clapping. Ponsford proceeded al once to justify his reputation, and while the band played and the summer thunder overhead rumbled a basso effect, Ponsford and Alexander hit boundaries to their heart’s content. ALEXANDER REACHES CENTURY. Alexander reached the century by tapping Nasmith to mid off. He received the customary ovation, and, like Kippax, immediately went for a big hit. He was luckier than Kippax, however, for Lay could not hold him near the boundary. It was a very difficult chance. Boundaries began to fiy from the bats at a great rate, and 300 was hoisted soon after Alexander passed his century. Alexander went for the bowling like a tiger, and hit it merrily all round the field. He ran out of his crease to hit Giblin into the south-west corner, scattering the assembled bandsmen in all directions. The same over he repeated the stroke and missed the ball, which skittled his stumps.—32B3—127. Ponsford meanwhile had reached 50, scoring rapidly. Richardson, the Australian captain, was the next man in. Both batsmen, but Ponsford especially, delighted in driving Falconer hard to mid off, though Ponsford was uneasy to several balls from Falconer, and both the New Plymouth slow bowler and Giblin were sending down some consistently good stuff. Stumps were drawn with Ponsford still batting vigorously at 75 and Richardson 13, the total being 364 for three wickets. Details: TARANAKI. First Innings. B. B Wilson, l.b.w. b McNamee .... 80 O. M. Nasmith, b Grimmett 22 St. Giddy, c Richardson b Grimmett 4 J Cheevers, st. Richardson b Grimmett ® S. A. Lay, l.b.w. b Oxenham 0 C. N. Kingstone, e Alexander b Oxenham ® H. J. Grayson, e Woodfull b Oxenham I’2 L. Petty, not out 2 L. H. Giblin, b McNamee 0 M. Falconer, b McNamee 0 A. M. Wilson, b Grimmett 5 Extras 1® Total 138 Bowling Analysis.

AUSTRALIA. First Innings. A. F. Kippax, c Grayson b A. M. Wilson 102 R. K. Oxenham, b Lay 3 ? W. C. Alexander, b Giblin 127 W. H. Ponsford, not out 75 V. Y. Richardson, not out ... 13 Extras 1® Total (for three wickets) 364

THE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL (By “Not Out.”) Those who went to the High School ground last Saturday to witness the northern division final game between Western Park and High School had the satisfaction of seeing a very closely contested game, but the wicket provided did not conduce to large scoring. The quality of the batting, too, was generally below the usual club standard, but the bowling on both sides was exceptionally good. The conclusion of the day’s play saw the issue in a very even state, School requiring 20 runs with three wickets in hand. The second day’s play next Saturday should be full of interest with the ultimate result impossible to forecast at this stage. Western Park were fortunate in winning the toss and having first use of the wicket, which crumbled away as the afternoon wore on and became increasingly difficult. Grayson and Lawrey opened to Allen and Fookes, but the first-named bowler was quite off his length and was no-balled three times in the first over for dragging. He appears to take far too long a run for a '.ody of his years, with the result that much of his strength is expended before he delivers the ball. Fookes, however, was, for a few overs in good form, and had both batsmen all at sea. Grayson was given the benefit of the doubt for a very confident appeal behind the wicket, and then made severe! fine square and late cuts before being yorked by a fast ball from Fookes. Lawrey plodded on connecting nicely to leg, but was then well taken by Gibbons off Fookes. Young was all at sea and was soon bowled by a good length in-swinger from Andrews who had relieved Allen. Randell put his foot in front to the same bowler before scoring, and Jones trying to pull a short one from Fookes returned an easy catch to the bowler.

With five good wickets gone for 36, things looked black for Western Park, but it was a crisis that Haughton and Hart revel in. The former put a straight bat in front of the ball, while Hart played his usual game and went for the bowling. Quickly the score mounted chiefly through the agency of Hart, some of whose mighty hits went out of the ground. Slow bowler Ewart was then brought on, and soon clean bowled Haughton with an off break. Webster joined Hart and both batted in attractive style till Hart, running out to- Ewart, missed and was an easy victim for Hayward behind the stumps. He had, however, played the right game and undoubtedly saved his side from a complete debacle. Webster batted nicely, especially on the leg-side where he timed his strokes well. He finally fell when attempting a big hit off the slow bowler. Quickfall shaped attractively and helped the score along until he put that foot of his in front again to Andrews. Ewart finished off the innings by getting Mason well caught by Andrews at mid-on, the fieldsman having to turn round and chase the ball. Once again Ew t proved his worth by taking four wickets for 15. Now that Allen is quite out of form with his bowling, it would be better policy for School to open with Fookes and Ewart. Fookes sent them down at a good pace last Saturday, but after several fine ©vers, he unaccountably lost his length,

some balls pitching half way up the wicket, and at least two went right over the batsman’s head. Andrews flighted the ball cleverly and was doing well until Hart got busy with him. His 3 for 53, however, was a good effort. School’s fielding was good, only one catch and that a difficult one, being missed.

B. B. Wilson and E wart opened quietly to Quickfall and Haughton, both of whom kept a fine length throughout. By neat batting the players brought the ' score along to 32 when Ewart poked up a bumping ball to Grayson. 7’ie remainder of the boy’s batting was of a very disappointing nature. They seemed to be merely keeping up their wicket for the coaeh and not trying to score. Although loose balls were not of frequent occurrence, there were times when a little initiative would have brought runs. B. B. Wilson’s innings, however, was a masterpiece of dogged batting on a damaged wicket against quite good bowling. For nearly two hours he defied the Western Park attack, and did not give the semblance of a chance. To many he appeared ultra-cautious, but the vagaries of the wicket rendered necessary the utmost care. Most of his runs were obtained on the on and leg side, but a well-placed field blocked a large number of his shots, while Hart’s pace on the boundary saved his side many runs. In attempting to pull a short one from Quickfall, the batsman was beaten by the ball keeping low and went leg-before. Though in the earlier part of the season the qoach appeared to be troubled by the new wickets and conditions, since Xmas his batting has been marked by a splendid consistency. When one watches his perfect defensive strokes one realises how he came to be opening batsman for so many years for Yorkshire. Quickfall was by far the most dangerous of the Western Park bowlers. With a wicket to suit him he is ab'ut the best bowler in the province, and the writer is one of many who would like to see him included in the side tv meet the Australians to-day. By taking five for thirty-one he did yeoman service for his side last Saturday. Haughton as usual kept an immaculate length but did not secure a wicket, while Mason gained one for seventeen. The Western Park fielding was up to their best form. The other two senior matches last Saturday require little comment, except that they afforded more evidence that it is time the championship matches are closed down. Three teams had the greatest difficulty in putting full sides in the field, and the games were not taken seriously. One afternoon was sufficient to see both matches completed, New Plymouth gaining an innings victory over Old Boys A, while Old Boys B, who have finished the season well, imposed a similar defeat on Borough Council. Nasmith and Falconer both bowled excellently for New Plymouth, and it is good to see them both in form, for they will require to be at their best to-day to make any impression on our Australian visitors.

Kingstone, Morrison and Falconeishowed the best batting form in this match. With the exception of Henry Brown, none of the Old Boys A batsmen looked like making runs.

The best batting performance of the Old Boys B versus Torough Council match was C. Lash’s 66. He batted up to his best form, scoring freely al round the wicket. K. Fookes shaped in attractive style too, and it is a pity he did not strike form earlier in the season, for as a schoolboy he was an accomplished batsman. Petty was in great form with the hall, and he too will have his opportunity of displaying his skill to-day on the Recreation Ground. TEAM FOR TEST MATCH. NEW ZEALANDERS SELECTED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. The following team has been selected to represent New Zealand against the Australians at Auckland on Saturday, March 24: — Lowry (Hawke’s Bay), Badcock, McGirr, Dempster, Foley, Finlayson (Wellington), Rowntree (Auckland), Galliehan (Palmerston North), Dickinson (Otago), Merritt, Hamilton (Canterbury). The following were not available.— Mills, James, Page and Blunt.

0. M. w. R. ort.nn .... 6 1 0 12 McNamee . ... 9 2 3 9 Grimmett .... 17.5 <4 4 5fe Oxenham .... .... 13 2 3 46

Bowling Analysis. 0. M. w. R. Pettv .. 10 0 0 55 Giblin . 20 0 1 92 . 11 0 1 62 . 18 •2 0 84 A. M. Wilson .. 4 0 1 28 Nasmith .. 3 0 0 34