Thomson ’s Big Hitting

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30978, 7 February 1966, Page 16

Thomson ’s Big Hitting

The cricket was always brisk and often violent at Sydenham Park. Even when West (119/9) continued its pursuit of Sydenham's 186, some fine shots were played, notably by I. D. Hounsell, with some lovely drives off J. M. Mclntyre.

Sydenham, with a lead of 43 lost ground rapidly. G. A. BarL lett bowling fast and venomously. although it was a lovely batting pitch. Again, snicks and extras cost runs, with the outfield of lightning speed, and B. F. Hastings keeping his fieldsmen up hi attacking positions. But three were down for 26 when- Thomson and Gallop began their partnership. They could net have started much more sketchily, but once Bartlett was off they took complete charge.

Thomson drove very strongly timing his shots superbly and often giving the fieldsmen no chance at all. A rather bumpy outfield made life difficult for West, and Thomson raced to 50 in 48 minutes. An over from M. S. J Wright was full of event. Gallop took a single from the first ball, Thomson, from the others, scored 4,6, 6. 6, 4—27 off an over in which Wright kept his leg-breaks well up but had them nit vast distances. One stroke of particular magnificence was a 6 between mid-off and extra cover.

P. A. Sharp, who turned the ball quite noticeably, had Thomson stumped after the batsman and had scored 82 with three sixes and 13 fours, in an hour. There were more quick runs after lunch, and West had 188 minutes to score 255

J. R. Veitch looked likely to make a big score. On the off side, there was a fine purity of stroke: there was also a fine vehemence about his hooks and pulls. But he was out straight after tea. B. F, Hastings, on whom the side’s hopes rested mainly, hit J. M. Mclntyre beautifully for six with an off drive, but he was out when a short one hit his pads and bowled him.

After that, there was some fine driving by G. A. Bartlett, some left-hander’s elegance from A. T. Waters, some defiance from Sharp. When the seventh wicket fell, 65 minutes remained, but Waters and Sharp held out. quite comfortably, for 48 minutes Sharp fell to a superb catch by Mclntyre at silly mid-on and then Gallop spun out the last two wickets. The match ended in classic fashion—a slip catch off a legbreak. Umpires: Messrs J. C. Streeter and L. C. Moore.