RICCARTON AND WEST FIGHT HARD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18062, 24 January 1927, Page 4

RICCARTON AND WEST FIGHT HARD.

The sixth round of the Canterbury Cricket Association’s senior A competition was concluded on Saturday in hot, sultry weather. The wickets, which were hard and fast, were in favour of the batsmen, and some good scores were made. The game which provided the most excitement was that between Riccarton and West Christchurch at Hagley Park.

Riccarton won by a “single run on the first innings. On the first day West made 267 and Riccarton replied with 34 for one wicket. On Saturday, Riccarton carried their score to 265. A. C. Fuller hit a single, which won the match for his side. Next ball the other batsman. C. Gibbs, was dismissed, and the innings was brought to a close. For Riccarton, A. Cox made 72 and C. E. Evans played a lively innings for 63. For West. T. Condliffe took three wickets for 34 runs. In their second strike, West lost seven wickets for 50 runs. Old Boys secured their third win of the season by beating Sydenham by 58 runs on the first innings. At the end of the first day the position of the game was: Sydenham 172, Old Boys 118 for six wickets. On Saturday, thanks to the batting of J. Jacobs, \V. E. Merritt and S. R. Oarleton, Sydenham's total was passed. Jacobs carried his bat for 93. He was unlucky in that the innings did not last long enough for him to make his century. W. Cunningham took seven of the Old Boys’ wickets for 107 runs. Sydenham occupied the wickets for the remainder of the afternoon, and at stumps had scored 277 for six wickets (C. Oliver 65. J. Robertson GO, W. Oliver 59 not out. and R. Walburton 43 not out*. Old Boys tried frequent changes of bowl- - but the only one who met with much success was I. B. Cromb, who took three wickets for 27 runs. At the end of the first day of play Unwood, who had made 256 for six wickets, in reply to East's tally of 122, seemed in a fair way towards getting a three-point win. but this chance was spoilt by the much better showing made by East in their second innings 1 on Saturday and Linwood had to be content with a two-point win by ITS runs on first innings. On Saturday, Lin wood’s innings closed with the total 300. East began their second innings soon after 3 p.m., and when it closed at G. 20 p.m. the total was 350. Of this total, Gregory made 125 by excellent batting, and J. ME win played a lively innings for 73. The partnership between Gregory and ME win was marked by rapid scoring, the two adding 140 runs in 55 minutes. -Another good knock for East was that of A. Brown, who compiled 49. Linwood were without the services of R. O. Talbot, who, in East's first innings, took six wickets for 3S runs, and of E. Perrin, who is a useful change bowler. Their attack was therefore weakened considerably. C. Orchard secured the best average, taking three wickets for 45 runs. St. Albans beat Old Collegians by 88 runs on the first innings. In their first innings Old C-ollegians made 239, and at stumps on the first day St. Albans had lost three wickets for 60 runs. On Saturday, thanks to a fine innings by F. Woods, who carried his bat for 132, and to a useful total of 56 made by N. Doreen, the St. Albans score was carried well passed that of Old Collegians. and the innings closed for 327. For Old Collegians, G. L. Talbot took three wickets for 42 runs. In their second innings Old Collegians made 71 for the loss of a couple of wickets. HONOURS BOARD. BATTING. F. Woods (St Albans) 132* G. R. Gregory (East Chch.) .. 125 J. Jacobs (Old Boys) 93* J. M’Ewin (East Christchurch) 73 A. Cox (Riccarton) 72 c. O. Oliver (Sydenham) .... 65 C. E. Evans (Riccarton) .... 63 J. Robertson (Sydenham) .... 60 W. Oliver (Sydenham) 59* N. Doreen ISt Albans) 06 A. Brown (East Christchurch) 49 C Orchard (Linwood) 41 R. Wallburton (Sydenham) .. 43* J. Phelps (East Christchurch) 37 G. W. Ilaines (Riccarton) .... 33 * Not out. « BOWLING. C. T. Rix (Riccarton), two wickets for 2 runs. C. Oliver (Sydenham), two wickets for eight runs. I. B. Cromb (Old Boys), three wickets for 27 runs. C. S. Gibbs (Riccarton), two wickets for 18 runs. T. C ondliffe (West Christchurch), three wickets for 34 runs. G. L. Talbot (Old Collegians), three wickets for 42 runs. C. Orchard (Linwood), three wickets for 45 runs. W. Cunningham (Sydenham), seven wickets for 107 runs. $s POSITION OF THE TEAMS. The following table shows the posi tion of the teams at the end of the sixth round:—

OLD BOYS SCORE A COMFORTABLE WIN. Indications were for a dose finish between Old Boys and Sydenham when the match was resumed at Elmwood Park. Old Boys, with four wickets in hand, required 55 runs to pass Sj’denham’s first innings score of 172. This proved an easy task for Old Boys. Jacobs giving a fine display which enabled them to gain a decisive lead on the first innings. Sydenham showed much better form in their second strike and assisted by a century first wicket partnership the team had 177 for the loss of six wickets when time was called. # J. Jacobs carried his unbeaten score of 24 to 93 not out on Saturday and was unlucky not to reach his century, through the last two batsmen failing to stay. Although his innings was by no means chanceless—he was dropped twice besides surviving a confident ap-

•peal for caught behind the -wickets— Jacob# gave a fir*t-class display of free batting, which was always delightful to watch. He treated all the bowling ronfidentiv. sending any loose stuff to the boundary. Possessing a great van«lv of strokes. Jacobs is one of the most pro/nising cults in Christchurch,

> W. E. Merritt was forceful for his 27, which was made up of six boundaries and three singles. He has a keen eye and hits with power, but needs a little more restraint to makq him a reliable bat. S. R. Carleton was solid for an attractive 19. In addition his work behind the stumps was good and he was responsible for two fine catches. W. Cunningham's average suffered on Saturday, going from five for 58 to seven for 107. He was crraiic at times, but on the whole he bowled very well, imparting plenty of devil into his deliveries. C. Oliver proved a useful change, capturing the last two wickets at a cost of only eight runs. T. Sincoek seldom troubled the opposing batsmen anti he failed to secure a wicket, his eighteen overs producing 82 runs. C. llore promises to become a useful bowler. He always commanded respect and in eight ovws secured one wicket for 21 runs. The best cricket of the match was seen in Sydenham’s second strike, when Robertson and C. Oliver were associat-

ed in a brilliant first wicket partnership which was not broken until 124 was on the board. Right from the start the batsmen attacked the bowling and the first century was hoisted in 43 minutes. The spectators were treated to a delightful exhibition of cricket, Oliver with forceful drives and square cuts just keeping ahead of Robertson, who showed a partiality for behind the wicket shots. Robertson was the first to go. making a mis-hit off a short one from Cromb. It was pleasing to see the ex-Melbourne man in form and his 65 should enhance his chance for inclusion in the next representative team. Oliver gave his best display this season, his play at all times being dashing and confident. Other good scores were the 59 and 43 of AV. Oliver and Wall burton respectively. both not out. When these colts were in the sting had gone from the bowling, but for all that they gave a nice exhibition, Oliver impressing most. I. B. Cromb had at one time an average of three for 10. finishing with three for 27. He was always dangerous and with a trifle more luck would have gained two more wickets. F. R. Ilowell was the only other bowler to trouble the batsmen, and for a few overs he bowled really well. J. Burrows was seldom dangerous, while Merritt gained little assistance from the wicket, which was entirely in favour of the batsmen. RICCARTON’S ONE RUN VICTORY. A great deal of interest was taken in the game between Riccarton. ihe championship leaders, and West Christchurch at Hagley Park, and it provided one of- the closest and most exciting finishes that has been known in the senior competition for years. When Riccaro's last man, Gibbs, went in Riccarton’s last man, Gibbs, went in with the total West had made on the first day—267. Gibbs played four balls from Condliffe. and then Fuller made the winning hit with a single to leg. It was just in time, however, as off the next ball Gibbs was brilliantly stumped by Hayes. On the first day Riccarton had lost one wicket for 34. Haines and Cox, the not out men. made a good start again on Saturday, and both were bat- i ting in a manner looked as

though their partnership would be a prolific one. When the total had reached 88 however Haings tried to pull a slow one from Findlay, but mistimed it and was clean'bowled. Gorrie received a smack on the elbow from a rising ball from Ilawkes, and thereafter never looked like staving in. Guiney was out in a peculiar manner. He played to late cut Findlay, but the bat slipped from his grasp, went over his shoulder, and landed on the wicket. f With four wickets down for 111 Riccarton’s chances did not look particularly bright. Evans joined Cox, and the pair saw the. total raised to 154 before Cox went leg before to Condliffe. The same bowler soon disposed of Hope, and six were down for 102. M tv A valuable partnership between Powell and Evans carried the score to 240 when Powell was caught in the deep field by Foster. One run later Evans was snapped up at the wickets by Ilayes, and with eight down for 261 things became interesting. Fuller and Rix by careful play brought Riccarton’s score level with that of their opponents, then Rix was thrown out by Ilawkes when Fuller called him for a short run. The last man was Gibbs, and the colt was obviously nervous in such a trying situation. He missed four balls, and then Fuller placed Cox to leg for a single, this being the winning hit. Off the net ball Gibbs stepped out of his crease, and Ilayes had the bails off in a twinkling :> It was a narrow squeak for Riccarton, and had the Western fieldsmen excepted chances from Evans and Fuller they would have won the game. •*» »*♦ West had an hour to bat and they lost seven wickets for 50 runs. .Ri<carton's bowling was very good and the fielding particular}’ keen,

The Riccarton batsmen on Saturday gave an exhibition of what they are really capable of when in the humour. Cox’s display was easily his best of the season, and seems to indicate that he has at last struck his true form. His only .weak stroke was a push in the direction of square leg. Ifc top scored with 72. Haines gave further evidence that, he is in capital form this .season, and his batting on Saturday was delightful to watch. Evans went in at a stage when ihe side were up against it, and the earlier portion of his innings was marked by extreme caution. Once he got proper-. 1y set. however, he waited for the loose ball and dealt with it. verv severely- He hit Cocks, Findlay and'llawkcs for a. six apiece, while there were also five fours in his total of 63. Powell, who was late in arriving at the ground, went in seventh wicket, and it was his partnership with Evans which placed Riccarton in a winning position. In compiling 27 he found the boundary on four occasions. There was not a great deal of sting in the Western bowling and the fielding was a bit in and out. Ilayes gave further evidence of his ability as a stumper. EAST MAKE GOOD SCORE AGAINST LINWOOD. beat East Christchurchby 17S runs on the first innings, and thus secured a two-point win. When play ceased on the first day Linwood, who had made 256 for six wickets in reply to East's first innings, total of 122, were in a fair way towards gaining a three-pointer. However, East did much better in their second innings, compiling 350 before they were all out. Lin wood’s first innings closed on Saturday for 300. C. Orchard, who hit five sixes and a four in two overs on the first day and was 39 not out at stumps on that day. added only five to*his total and was then caught on the boundary' bv A. Brown off J. M’Ewin. Orchard was unlucky, for. with a bit more power behind the shot,

it would have been a six. T. Kennedy carried his first day's total of 16 to 27 before he succumbed to Stringer. M'Ewin was knocked about a good deal on the first day. but he did better on Saturday, when he captured two of the four remaining wickets, and finished up with an average of five for 111 runs. J. P. Flood took two wickets for 60 run% E. Weston one for 18, and 11. T. Stringer one for 91. Lin wood’s chief hope of a three-point win lay in getting rid of East cheaply in their second attempt. In this, however, they failed. East commenced their innings at 3.10 p.m., and it was 6.20 p.m. before they were all dismissed for a total of* ,350. Tt was a lively innings, the rate of scoring being well over 100 runs an hour. Top score for East was made by G. R. Gregory, who compiled 125, his second century in club cricket this season. Gregory gave a fine display of batting; his shots on the leg side being particularly good. The bowling did

not seem to trouble him in the least, and he scored rapidly, mainly with boundary shots. He reached his century in 105 minutes, and his whole innings lasted 135 minutes. In all Gregory hit 20 fours and one six. It v as an attractive display and practically chanceless. Tie was run out for five in the first innings, but he certainly made up for it on Saturda}-. Gregory has been flatting 'particularly well in club cricket this season, and this makes his failure in the representative matches all the more difficult to understand. It is sometimes explained by the assertion that he has not the right temperament for big cricket, but in previous seasons he has made good scores for < 'anterbury. Gregory was dismissed bv mishitting a ball from Kennedy. It skied and Boon ran out from the wickets and took a good catch. He fell in doing so but he. managed to retain possession of the ball. M’Ewin made 73 in a good innings, which was characterised by forceful batting He certainly took risks and he gave two chances, one when his score was 27 and the second when it was 46. Both were off Read and both were in the slips. Apart from this, however. M’Ewin’s display was a good one, and his powerful hitting was a treat to watch. Twice he sent the ball over the fence for six. One was off Kennedy and the other was off Orchard. The ball from Orchard he sent to the roof of the east stand. M'Ewin was getting a bit of his own back, for on the first day Orchard hit him for three sixes. In addition tcT the two sixes, M’Ewin’s score included nine fours. The partnership between Gregory and M’Ewin was as fine a piece of quick scoring as one could wish to see. They were together for only fifty-five minutes, and in that time they increased the .score by 110 runs. They hit the bowling all over the ground, and bowling averages suffered severely in consequence. Their partnership took the sting out of the bowling, and made things easier for the batsmen who followed. However. onlv two of them reached double figures. A. Brown who made 49 and I Phelps who made 37. Brown played an attractive innings. He is a good bat, but unfortunately he appears to suffer from nervousness, and consequentlv he often fails to do justice to himself. He shows good form at the practice nets, but .often fails to re-

produce it in matches. On Saturday, however, he showed what he is capable of. Brown and Phelp played a lively partnership which added 48 runs. Phelps, who had been promoted on the batting list, gave a good display. The Linwood attack was weakened by the absence of R. O. Talbot, who has left Christchurch again, and of I£. Perrin. Tn East’s first innings Talbot proved deadly, taking six wickets for 3S runs. Of course, this does not say that he would have done as well on Saturday, but, if he had been there, the attack would undoubtedly have been strengthened and would have been given more variety. Perrin is useful as a change bowler. 3he Linwood bowlers were limited to four, R. Read, S. Yates, C. Orchard and T. Kennedy. Orchard secured the best average, taking three wickets for 45 runs. Orchard cleaned up the Linwood tail, capturing the last three wickets. He clean bowled Phelps, while G. O'Reilly and Flood were caught off his bowling. The catch, which dismissed O’Reillv, was an excellent one. It was taken by T. Mullan, who was fielding substitute. :: Kennedy, who bowled jfifteen overs, took four wickets for 93 runs. He got three good wickets, those of Gregor}-. MEwin and Brown, and under the circumstances lie bowled well. Ilis slow deliveries troubled some of the batsmen. Read proved rather expensive. The wickets apparently did not suit him, and, except at the start, he did not appear to trouble the batsmen very much. Gregory scored freely off him. Read took two wickets, but they cost him 136 runs. lie bowled twenty-one overs including one maiden. Yates took one wicket for GO runs and bowled twelve overs, throe of them maidens. ST. ALBANS BEAT OLD COLLEGIANS. After losing three wickets for. 65 runs on the first day, St. Albans carried on last Saturday for the fine total of 327, a score that was largely due to the patience and skill of F. Woods, who played a chanceless, brilliant innings for 132 not out. He took his time playing himself in, but, once set. he punished anything like a loose ball, gathering the majority of his runs by the use I of a pretty square cut. Only twice during his innings did he left the ball to any extent, but on neither occasion was a fieldsman in the vicinity. It was due to his patience in the earlier part of the innings that the edge was taken off the attack, which, at the beginning, was keener than it has been this season. Crawford, who resumed with woods at the beginning of the play, started quietly, but alter reaching 24, he played a pitifully weak shot when attempting to work a short ball to leg and was caught by Hamilton. Sandman started solidly, and, after playing himself in, commenced driving powerfully. He lost his wicket by trying to get a short run, a smart piece of fielding and stumping bringing about his downfall. Doreen, after making a weak start, settled down to crisp driving, and reached 56 before being lbw to Talbot. He had a good time pasting the tired bowling. North also opened shakily, but collected 21 by fair cricket, s: Talbot was the most successful bowler l'or Old Collegians, taking three wicets at a cost of 42 runs. lie mixed some tip-top balls with his stock deliver}-, and they got him the wickets. With experience he should develop into a very useful bowler. Pengelly did not get a wicket, but he kept the runs down well. Ilis length was good, but he failed to develop any sting off the pitch. Bruges had his average wrecked, the batsmen making no mistakes with him. Heasley bowled fairly, as did Ball. With such a selection of trundlers, the Collegians should, with experience, develop into a strong attacking side. The Collegian fielding never let up, and was of a very high standard right through. Lester, Lawrence. Chapman and Chrystall did especially well. In their second strike, Old Collegians had about, an hour’s batting and made 71 for two wickets. ROGER BLUNT PERFORMS GREAT BATTING FEAT. (Special to the “ Star.”) DUNEDIN. January 22. Tu liis last three club Ramos. Hager Blunt has scored 131 runs, which brines his club average for Ihe season up to 111. lie has now scored twenty cen-

3-pt. 2-pt. 'Ll. Ch. pts. 10 "K. Christchurch . . 1 2 ij W. Christchurch Old Collegians . . 0 1 0 *6 «