RAIN STOPS PLAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18342, 30 May 1931, Page 7

RAIN STOPS PLAY.

DOMINION CRICKETERS. 1 MATCH DRAWN. OXFORD 129 FOR FOUR WICKETS. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received May 30, 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, May 29. Oxford’s first innings was continued this morning when Moore (15) and Hone (5), the not out men, resumed batting, but rain during the luncheon adjournment stopped play for ttie day. The wicket favoured the bowlers and the opening batsmen went cheaply. Chalk was dismissed with a good catch by Gromb off Allcott. Then a fine partnership between the Nawab of Pataudi and Owen-Smith followed. The Nawab of Pataudi was caught at mid-off before lunch after giving an admirable display. Under the conditions . Owen-Smith was rather lucky. He was dropped by Blunt In the slips, and he was uncomfortable facing Talbot, who bowled excellently. Allcott also bowled steadily. Details of the scores are: — NEW ZEALAND. First Innings 488 OXFORD UNIVERSITY—First Innings. Moore, b Talbot 19 Hone, 1-bw, b Allcott 8 Nawab of Pataudi, c Weir, b Talbot 42 Chalk, c Cromb, b Allcott 3 Owen-Smith, not out 48 Oswald, not out 5 Extras 4 Total for four wickets ... 129 Bowling.—Cromb took no wickets for 20, Merritt none for 21, Blunt nono for 28,* Talbot two for 17, Allcott two for 17, Vivian none for 10, Page none for 12.

MIDDLESEX MATCH. GOOD WEATHER HOPED FOR. LARGE GATE ANTICIPATED. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Receievd May 30, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 29. Rain has fallen in every match except Leicestershire. The New Zealanders are hoping for fine weather for their match against Middlesex at Lord’s to-morrow, when a good gate is anticipated. THE NEXT MATCH. The tourists will to-day commence a three-day match ‘ at Lord’s against Middlesex. This county finished up last but one in the Counties championship last season, but they anticipate an improvement in their fortunes this season. The 1927 New Zealand team were defeated by three wickets by Middlesex. The scores were New Zealand 234 and 335;' Middlesex, 290 and 280 for 7 wickets. The Australian team last season secured a five-wicket victory against this county. The scores were: Middlesex 103 and 287 ;■ Australia, 270 and 121 for 5 wickets. Ilendren, kept out of IJL championship games in 1930,- and I. A. R. Peebles —up at Oxford a year ago—are expected to play all through the season. It is hoped, too, that G. O. Allen may find himself able to turn out more frequently, but whether Middlesex will receive help from R. W, V. Robins, H. J. Enthoven, and G. T. S. Stevens is uncertain. Of the younger professionals Ilulme gives promise of becoming a most valuable all-rounder, and there are certainly possibilities about Canning as a batsman and about Beveridge as a slow left-hand bowler.