FOR WOODEN SPOON

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21034, 9 February 1940, Page 6

FOR WOODEN SPOON

PLUNKET SHIELD MATCH OTAGO MEETS WELLINGTON WICKETS FALL EARLY (By TelegrapH.—Press Association) DUNEDIN, Friday The possession of the wooden spoon hinges on the last Plunket Shield cricket match of the season, which was commenced this morning between Otago and Wellington at Carisbrook. A wind that reached gale force swept across the ground, and soon after the game was begun one of the heavy sight-boards was blown over. Otago won the toss and batted, Moloney and Robertson facing Ashenden and Pritchard. Both batsmen went into action from the start and Moloney placed a ball from Pritchard to the square leg boundary. The wicket was very fast and was playing true, but Pritchard was making the ball rise sharply. It was from one of these that Moloney lost his wicket after 20 minutes’ play and when the score was 17. Cutler joined Robertson, who was batting with reticence, and began with a sweet two. Later he scored a four off Ashenden to fine leg. Wilson had replaced Ashenden early, and when the score was 42 he bowled Cutler with a ball that came back sharply. This was after an hour’s play. Elmes joined Robertson, who was 16, and his stay was short, Ashenden having him caught by Pritchard in the slips. Four Down For 45 Then came further disaster, Robertson touching a ball from Wilson that nipped through fast and being caught by Tindill, the wicketkeeper. Otago had lost four for 45. Cameron and Fraser were now together. Fraser began ..smartly and scored double figures in quick time with strokes mostly behind the wicket. The Wellington attack so far was steady without being at all dangerous. Cameron had a lucky escape when the score was 60 and he was four, Pritchard hitting his leg stump. However, it was a no ball. From the next two balls the batsman hit S' two and a four respectively. Alter a very quiet period Cameron opened his shoulders, again sweeping a delivery from Wilson to tr.e leg fence to become highest scorer, with 19 runs. He was the most enterprising and dashing batsman so far, and soon he hit another four, the result of a cover drive. Then Fraser went when the total was 82. Wilson knocking back his off stump. Wilson had taken three lor 26. Chettleburgh had a short stay with Cameron, who went lor a hit again and was bowled by Pritchaid. Six wickets were down for 84 runs, and Toomey was with Chettleburgh. At luncheon the score was six for 96. Details:— Robertson, c Tindill, b Wilson . . 17 Moloney, b Pritchard .. ~ 12

Cutler, b Wilson 12 Flmes. c Pritchard, b Ashenden ( Cameron, b Pritchaid 2( Fraser, b Wilson 1( Chettleburgh. in -i Tocmey. in I Extras t Total lor six wickets .. 9t