GREAT SPIN BOWLER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20455, 7 November 1934, Page 6

GREAT SPIN BOWLER.

Ironmonger Retires From Shield Cricket. Bert Ironmonger, Australia’s greatest left-hand spin bowler since Jack Saunders, has bowled his last ball for Victoria, writes a Mel-

bourne cricketer. He has announced his retirement from Shield cricket, but said he would continue to play for St Kilda • and would take part in the Woodfull - Ponsford testimonial match in Melbourne at the end of November, if required. “I have had about 20 years of big cricket, which

is quite enough for any man,” said the veteran. Victoria will find difficulty in filling Ironmonger's place with a bowler of similar type immediately. E. C. Cleary, the Benalla colt, who is to play with South Melbourne and the V.C.A. colts’this season, may fill the role. He is a left-handed bowler, with similar action and spin to Ironmonger’s, and is also a useful bat. Ironmonger considers that young bowlers do not bowl with enough heart or determination. ‘‘lt is no use giving up the fight when the batsmen start to hit you—that is the time to try harder than ever.” Although this big-limbed, big-hearted bowder has for years distinguished himself in club, inter-State and Test cricket, he has always 'missed that goal of every Australian cricketer—a trip to England. Good enough to represent Australia on, her own pitiless wickets, but not good enough to represent her on the more sympathetic wickets in England! That is Ironmonger’s one cricket disappointment. Many regard it as one of the tragedies of Australian cricket. 300 Wickets for Victoria. A natural bowler. Ironmonger began to develop as a schoolboy in Queensland. After a game or two in the Queensland State side, he joined Melbourne C.C., and later St Kilda C.C., with a season with Balmain C.C. (Sydney) sandwiched in. He first played for Victoria in 1914, and has taken more than 300 wickets for the State—a Victorian record, Saunders 'being next with 264. Ironmonger’s first appearance in a Test against England was in 1928-29. His Test figures against England are 21 wickets at an average of 33.90, and against South Africa 21 wickets, at an average of 9.67. For ten years he and Blackie, the famous St Kilda pair, have been the most formidable bowling combination in Victoria. They have served St Kilda and Victoria loyally. . “ Victoria’s worst batsman ” for years. Ironmonger has retired just when batting promotion was in sight —for Fleet wood-Smith will soon be back! Bert often took block—possibly from a sense of humour. Then he would lash out with one eye on the fence. His “ knock ” was usually short and merry. Once he made 20 against South Australia, at Adelaide. But his most heroic effort was in the second Test at Melbourne in‘ 1932-33. Bradman needed four or five runs for his century, when Ironmonger, the last man. came in to bat before a pessimistic crowd. “ Don’t worry, Don—l won't let you down,” said Bert, with unwarranted confidence. But it came off! After careful block. Ironmonger planted a straight, motionless bat in front of every ball. Bradman got 103 not out. Ironmonger was run out tor a glorious duck. With lour wickets for 26 in England s second innings, he played a big part in Australia’s only win. Curiously. Ironmonger is the onlv batsman Larwood has been known to retuse to bowl against! It happened on the .Melbourne ground on the 1925-.9 -.9 tour of Chapman’s team. When Ironmonger last man as usual came in. Larwood was immediately brought on. The crowd cheered ironically Larwood petulantly threw the bal down and refused to bowl while the crowd was demonstrating. Chapman further 13 b " pheld him - To avert further embarrassment, Ryder, the Victorian captain, closed the 'innings And 'after a?n 00d ~ot gCt Ir ~ger Kow to Stop “ Fours.” Ironmonger is not quite the bad fieldsman he has been painted. Actu-

ally, he misses very few balls, and fewer catches. He has his own method of stopping a hot drive—his foot. Ironmonger is anxious to assist the game for Woodfull and Ponsford. He has great admiration for both. Woodfull he regards as the best captain under whom he has played.