PLAY IN HAMILTON

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21042, 19 February 1940, Page 10

PLAY IN HAMILTON

EAST LEAD CLAUDELANDS OLD BOYS’ STRONG POSITON SEVEN WICKETS TO BRIGHT WINGER AND AITKEN BAT WELL The final round of senior cricket matches was commenced at Seddon Park on Saturday in fine but overcast weather. The wickets were inclined to be lively and No. 2 pitch was even hostile in the early part of the afternoon. With little practice over the past five weeks the majority of batsmen could not get going and they were further hindered by the dull light. On the No. 2 wicket, where Hamilton East met Claudelands, the bowlers were on top, but both Hamilton and Old Boys got away to a good start on the No. 1 wicket which was playing easily. The veteran Norman Winger compiled a fine 60 for Hamilton and, while he gave several chances, his innings was most valuable as the latter batsmen failed to get going. J. Everest, who partnered Winger in a first-wicket stand of 98 runs, was playing attractively and fully deserved his 47. Aitken’s Fine Innings Top score of the day went to A. J. Aitken, who settled down quickly and then punished an attack which was never very formidable. His 63 not out included seven fours and he was very aggressive towards the end "if the day when the Hamilton bowling became erratic. C. Innes, in scoring 34, was the most successful batsmen on No. 2 wicket and he handled a strong attack very confidently. Bright was also aggressive until he made a poor stroke and was caught, while Bonnar, a young player, showed great coolness when he defied the bowling towards the end of the innings to score runs at a critical stage An excellent bowling performance was that of Bright, who took seven wickets for 29 runs off 12.2 overs, two of which were maidens. He was getting considerable pace off the wicket and varying his deliveries well. T. Lyon also proved very troublesome, It is six wickets costing only 32 runs.