Bright Senior Club Cricket; Both Matches Were Drawn In Interesting One Day's Play

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 January 1948, Page 7

Bright Senior Club Cricket; Both Matches Were Drawn In Interesting One Day's Play

MARIST LEAD IN CHAMPIONSHIP

(By

“Montpelier”)

One day’s play for the fifth scries of senior championship games under the control of the Wanganui Cricket Association proved a refreshing change at Cook’s Gardens on Saturday, where vigorous batting was a contrast to the uninspiring exhibitions which have characterised most two-day fixtures this season. Both matches were drawn and at stumps they had both reached a most interesting and open stage. Had play commenced an hour earlier in the morning, at 10 o’clock, then decisions would have been gained. With two wickets in hand at the finish, Marist needed 21 runs to win against Wanganui, and United Old Boys required 65 runs, with four wickets to fall, for victory over Technical Old Boys.

Batting first 'on Cook’s Gardens No. 1 wicket, Wanganui declared with eight wickets down for 203 runs. Left with 150 minutes’ batting time, Marist compiled 183 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Technical Old Boys took first strike against United .Old Boys, on the No. 2 wicket, and'totalled 238 for eight wickets before declaring their innings closed. United replied with 174 runs for six wickets.

Bowlers got plenty of lift in the pre-luncheon period, many balls popping of their own accord, but the pitches played better in the afternoon. Despite a strong wind, and swirling dust, which assisted the medium-pacers, an aggregate of 798 runs was scored for the total of 30 wickets which fell during the day. This represented an average cost per wicket of 26.2 runs. Marist retain the lead on the senior championship ladder, points positions being as follow: Marist 19, T. 0.8. 16, Wanganui 11, United 8.