CRICKET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 24 December 1928, Page 10

CRICKET.

PLUNKET SHIELD. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, December 24. The first Plunket Shield match of the season commenced here to-day in glorious weather*. Otago won the toss and elected to bat on a perfect wicket. M’Girr opened the Wellington attack, and his first over proved disastrous to Otago, H. Alloo being caught off the last ball after scoring 6. Blunt joined Knight, the other opening batsman, and singles took the total to 14, when Badcock was replaced by Rotherham. Both batsmen were playing carefully. M’Girr’s bowling, not

giving them, much opportunity to score.

At 28 Henderson took the ball from M’Girr, eleven runs coming off the over. The change was appreciated by the batsmen, both of whom scored with crisp shots on the off from Henderson’s fast deliveries. Fifty went up when Blunt lifted a ball just clear of slips off Henderson for four. Play had now been in progress forty-five minutes. With the total at 58 Knight touched a rising ball from Henderson, who was bowling the off theory, and was beautifully taken by James behind the sticks, with a one-handed catch. Scores:— OTAGO. First Innings. H. Alloo, c Foley b M’Girr 6 A. Knight, c James b Henderson .. 18 R. Blunt, not out 33 L. Eastman, not out 3 Extras 4 .££ Total for two wickets .... 64

GOOD SCORING IN GRADE MATCHES. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received December 24, 8.55 a.m.) SYDNEY, December 24. In grade cricket on Saturday for Waverley against Cumberland, Conway made 115 and Curran 91. For Manly against Petersham Austin made 99. Bowling for St George against University, Waghorn took five wickets for 91 runs.—Australian Press Association. PONSFORD WILL NOT PLAY IN TESTS. (United Pres* A**n.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received December 24, 10.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, December 24. Ponsford is not available for either the third or fourth test.—Australian Press Association.

SOUTH AUSTRALIANS MAKE BIG SCORE.

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received December 24, 11 a.m.). ADELAIDE, December 24. In the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland South Australia in the first innings made 380 for four wickets (V. Richardson 115, Harris 183, Hack not out 61). The Queensland bowling was completely collared. Richardson and Harris broke the record for a first wicket partnership for South Australia in Shield games by 66 runs. It was formerly held by A. J. Richardson and the late K. Schneider.—Australian Press Association.

RYDER’S BATTING SAVES VICTORIA FROM DISASTER (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received December 24, 10.30 a.m.) MELBOURNE, December 24. In the Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales Victoria 'in the first innings lost five for 162 (Ryder not out 95). Hooker and Nicholls bowled well for New South Wales who were without Oldfield, while Victoria were without Woodfull and Blackie. A cloudburst of rain after lunch damaged the wicket. Ryder saved his side from disaster.— Australian Press Association.

TEST UMPIRES. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received December 24, 10.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, December 24. The umpires for the next cricket test will be the same as at Sydney, Messrs Elder and Hele.—Australian Press Association.

MASTERTON BATSMEN SHOW GOOD FORM.

Per Press Association. MASTERTON, December 24. In the senior cricket championship on Saturday afternoon. United occupied the wickets all the afternoon and scored 386 (F. Hoar 126, the Rev Blamires 69, Patrick 67, Freeman, ex-Aucklander, 23).