Waikato Fighting

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20718, 31 January 1939, Page 8

Waikato Fighting

HAWKE CUP CRICKET BAY BOWLERS’ SUCCESS SHEET’S EARLY DISMISSAL After a postponement for li days owing to rain, play in the Hawke Cup cricket match between Waikato holders) and Hawke's Bay (challengers) was recommenced this afternoon. Xo play was possible yesterday and this morning two inspections of the wicket were made and it was decided to make a further examination of the pitch at 1 o'clock. At that time the wicket was beginning to crack and on further consultation between the respective captains it was decided to make a start at 1.30. On the first day (Saturday) Hawke’s Bay were dismissed unexpectedly for IST. Waikato, after a disastrous start, had lost five wickets for 112 runs, at stumps, Bright contributing 4 6 to a grand recovery when partnered by Aitken. Waikato thus required 46 runs for a first innings’ lead. When Aitken (27) and Morgan (1) went to the wickets, a strong wind was blowing diagonally across the field. The pitch was drying rapidly and the breeze, which was causing the ball to swing disconcertingly, proved of great assistance to the howlers. Hawke's Bay were concentrating on their slow attack and Thomas’ first

ball to-day saw Morgan spoon up an easy catch to Beck at silly leg. 113— 6—2. With Skeet and Aitken together the field clustered in around the batsmen but Aitken replied to their tactics by lifting Johnson through the leg barricade to tile boundary. Taking the initiative, both Skeet and Aitken punished the bowling but runs came in modest twos and threes owing to the holding nature of the ground. However, neither took undue risk with the attack, which was accurate and at times dangerous. After half an hour the score was well on the way to 130. Skeet Out Further success greeted the ■Hawke’s Bay side when Skeet, who looked like improving the position, moved across to one from the first change bowler, H. Reaney, and sent a low catch to Evans close in on the leg. At first the ball appeared to hit the ground before the fieldsman got to It but the umpires agreed on Sheet’s dismissal. 128 —7—6. Waikato's chances of making their objective were considerably dimmed bv Sheet’s early mistake and it was left to Clough and Aitken to make amends. Olougti Oaught Clough, who has not altogether come up to expectations batting in Hawke Cup games, left little to be desired when he partnered Aitken. He used determination with the attack and sent a four to the boundary before being dismissed off a good catch. Clough stepped out to one from Thomas and Beuth at deep mid-on accepted the catch. 1368 —6. With Attken, Going made every effort to retrieve the position. It was essential that he should know the ones to hit. The excitement wee Intense when Waikato were 19 rune behind, with two wlekota In hand and Aitken was measuring the strength of the attack with somewhat risky shots.

However, he was playing a great game and was probably the only batsman capable of dealing with such a critical situation. Aitken possesses an ideal cricket temperament and was undeterred by the equally determined opposition. Scores:— HAWKE’S BAY First Innings 157 WAIKATO. —First Innings T. Lyon, c Thomas, b H. Reaney . 8 M. Lvon, b T. Reaney 21 A. Lissette, c H. Reaney, b T. Reaney .. 3 P. Bright, c Evans, b Beuth ... 46 S. A. R. Badeley, ,c Conolej b T. Reaney .. .. 0 D. Morgan, c Beck, b Thomas .. 2 R. Skeet. c Evans, h H. Reaney .. 6 A. J. Aitken (in) .. 35 R. Clough c Beuth b Thomas .. ” 6 H. Going (in) 3 Extras- .. .. .. ;v l 4 Total for eight wickets .. 144 M.C.C IN AFRICA TRANSVAAL MATCH ENDS IN A DRAW (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received .Tan. 31. 3.15 p.m.' JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 30 Marylebone in their first innings against a combined Transvaal team made 434. Valentine made 79 and Verity 39; Viljoen took six wickets for 91. Transvaal in their second innings lost two wickets for 220. Helfrich contributed 31, Melville 107 and Rowan 67 (no out). i The match was drawn.