Fletcher Hits 106 Against West Indies

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31096, 27 June 1966, Page 16

Fletcher Hits 106 Against West Indies

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) SOUTHEND. A brilliant century by K. Fletcher, who shared in a fifthwicket partnership of 120 with the dogged T. E. Bailey, enabled Essex to total 213 for eight wickets against West Indies on the first day of their three-day match on Saturday. Kain stopped play 85 minutes before the scheduled close. With glorious flowing strokes, Fletcher hit two sixes and 15 fours before being dismissed for 106 after batting for three hours and a quarter. It was the 22-year-old batsman’s first century of the season and his second against a touring side. In 1964 he scored 125 against the Australians. Essex had lost four wickets for 52 when Fletcher was joined by his skipper, Bailey. Bailey acted as anchor man and Fletcher punished the six bowlers used against him. He raced to his 100 by hitting C. C. Hunte for two fours and a six in an over.

Fletcher had so dominated the batting that he scored 95 out of the 120 added for the fifth wicket In just over two hours and a half. Bailey, the former England all-rounder, played one of his typical innings and when play was stopped had batted three hours and a half for an undefeated 37. The tourists had a big win, by an innings and 33 runs, over

Minor Counties in a two-day game which ended on Friday. Scores: — Minor Counties 65 and 211 (W. J. Edrich 61, M. Naslin 66). West Indies 309/5 dec. (P. Lashley 121 not out).