SPORTING BRIEFS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 122, 12 February 1940, Page 6

SPORTING BRIEFS

Following the example set by T. C. Lowry, the Wellington and New Zealand cricket captain, the enlistment is announced from Christchurch of W. Cunningham. The latter proved one of the finest medium fast bowlers the Canterbury province has produced. He played for Canterbury against Victoria during the 1924-25 season, played for New Zealand on the Australian tour of 1925-2(>, played two matches agamsi Melbourne Cricket Club on the 192G--27 tour, and represented the Dominion on tlie first English lour of 1927. 9 * * # It i,s unfortunate;, perhaps, that the forthcoming Plunket Shield match between Otago and Wellington will have no bearing on the result of l:he series, slates a Wellington writer. There is nothing to be gained • by beating about the bush. Since Auckland put the issue beyond doubt several weeks ago, interest has definitely been killed. Actually, the only outcome of the match will be tlie emergence of the "wooden spoon" holder lor the year. On performance Otago looks a pretty safe bet for this doubtful honour.. * 9 * * An archer against a golfer—this was the singular match played recently on the links of the Royal Cape Club, South Africa. G. W. Wo II as ton, who is a keen archer, challenged a one handicap golfer to a match. The golfer went round in tlie ordinary way, and Wollaston used his bow and arrow. For the long shots down the fairway a bow of 401b was used, but a lighter one for putting, the archer having to put his arrow into a six-inch square marked on a booft box tio "sink his putt." The golfer was beaten 3 and 2. The longest bow shot down the fairway was one of 180 yards. « ? * * There is almost sure to be an announcement concerning a scheme for war-time competitive cricket early this year, states an English writer. It will cause no surprise if the county clubs put over a scheme for Saturday matches (one day only) on the lines of League cricket in the I North. Meanwhile there must be some anxiety over the count3r cricket finances. Worcestershire has written to all its members asking them not to abandon the club during the difficult time. The balance sheet shows a loss of £8 on last season, and it is regarded as a hopeful sign that, to date, only nine members have resigned. #*® v m W. F. Airey. Wellington Club and Plunket S'rlHd cricketer, while batting against University recently, was a distinct menace to traffic pass ing the Basin Reserve. Facing P. D. Wilson, Airejr lifted the ball not only over the fence, but out of the ground. He made 79 in remarkably short time, and those spectators Avatching the match from the seclusion of balconies and windows of houses bordering the ground must have breathed sighs of relief when ultimately he was dismissed. It "•vac Airey at his best, and in an innings notable for big hitting he was outstanding. Although his P'unket Shield scores, so far this summer have not been exceptionally bight, he has been inc'irletl in the eleven for the Otago match.