CRICKET NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 November 1949, Page 7

CRICKET NOTES

Comments On Play And Players (By “Square Leg.”) The Country-Navy game turned out as expected, with Country the stronger team. Taihape’s defeat of Mangaweka was not anticipated, though the latter were without the services of two or three of their regular players. The Taihape-Mangaweka game was played on a turf wicket that was slow, and resulted in the ball tending to “hang” in the air and practically all the batsmen were unable to adjust themselves to the pace of the wicket. Noel Ashenden went in when his side was up against it and the partnership between him and Collerton, which produced 112 runs, was the turning point in the game. Norm Hood and Cliff Merrett bore the brunt of the Mangaweka attack and kept a steady length. After a spell from Hudson, who broke the opening pair, Ashenden and Quigley provided the Taihape attack, and the remaining wickets were shared between them. B. Quigley maintained an accurate length and turned the ball nicely. It was a good performance for a High School boy, who looks destined to secure a lot of wickets (luring the season. In the Country-Navy match some delightful batting by John Marshall and “Dixie” McCarthy was a treat to* watch. It added 74 runs to the score. McCarthy, in particular, was batting in very attractive style and seems to be right on his game. Harry Schroeder also batted well for his side when runs were needed, and it does appear that together with Tom Whittle, Schroeder will be the backbone of the Country team. A particularly good bowling performance was registered by Brian McConachie, playing in his first year out of High School. He maintained a good length and after taking W. Bailey’s wicket he quickly ran through the remainder of the side. The Navy team appeared to have a fairly capable bowling side, and their weakness appears to be lack of reliable batsmen. The captain and wicketkeeper of the team, who opened the innings, scored a solid half-century and gave his side a good start. H. Crichton has a nice style of play and runs should flow from his bat as the season progresses. C. Inglis and H. Crichton, the opening bowlers for Navy, acquitted themselves well, though the main bowling success went to T. Harvey. Crichton appealed as a capable all-rounder, and bowling success came his way in Country’s second innings. Colts drew the bye last week, and though a practice game had been arranged the unavailability of many players caused this to be abandoned. They will get their first “run” this week against Country. The other match will be between Taihape and Navy. (/ Noel Ashenden's century MsT Saturday was the first scored this season by a Rangitikei player.