THE PLUNKET SHIELD

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 98, 20 January 1919, Page 6

THE PLUNKET SHIELD

CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY OF NEW ZEALAND. CRICKET

HISTORY OF THE MATCHES

(By "The Veteran.")

The Plunket Shield was presented to the New Zealand' Cricket Council by Earl Plunket, the" then Governor.of (lie Dominion, during the 1006-07 season, with the condition that, it was to bo awarded to the province which, in the opinion of the council, had the best record for tho season. Much argnmont. arose as to the province which =hotild' bo the first holders of the shield, opinions being about equally divided as to tho claims of Auck; land and Canterbury. On a vote being taken amongst tho delegates to Hhu council the Plunket Shield was awarded to Canterbury. , ; The Aucklanders were slightly put out over the determination of the council, and they promptly issued a challenge for the possession of the shield, iho first match was played at Hagley Park, Christehurch, on December H, 16, and 17, 1907. D. Reese captained Canterbury, and A. Efiddon a.cted similarly for Auckland. Canterbury won tho toss, and id the first innings compiled 190 (H. B. Lusk. 66). Auckland responded with 5.19 (■V E Relf 157, L. G. Ucrans US, W. Brook-Smilh 53). Canterbury's second innings realised 211 (S. Orchard 51, D. lieose 42). Tho game was abruptly ended. Malonc, the last man in, got a fast ball from Belt' which split tho batsman's finger, and he "retired hurt." Auckland thus won the first challenge match by an innings and 135 runs. On returning to Auckland tho victors were accorded a Mavoral reception, and Lord Plunket, the donor of the shield, sent a messnso congratulating the team on its success. _

Unsuccessful Challenges. ' Otago was the next to challenge, and on January 2, 1908, tho first match in Auckland for the shield was commenced. Auckland won tho toss, and hit up 2G7 for the first innings (W. Brook-Smith 110, A E Keif 42, L. Q. Hemus 41). On a good wicket Otago collapsed for 81 (Adams 21).- Auckland's second innings yielded 211 (L' E. Keif 83), Vd, as Otago'could only manage S2;(H. G. Sicdoberg 37) in the second innings, the northerners wore victorious by tlia good margin of 315 run 6. la the belief that. Otago had not shown their true form in the first match against Auckland, Otago again challenged the following year, and, principally through tiro efforts of C. G. Wilson, an Otago team agnin set out in. quest of tho shield. This was in December, 190S, and on December 33 the third match for the Plunket Shield was commenced. Otago. won the toss and on a perfect wicket compiled 338 (C. G. Wilson .114). Auckland's innings realised 190 (A. E. Relf 64), and Otago's second innings 196 (F. Williams 35). Thon, owing to an absurd arrangement that the match should bo confined to three days, Auckland stonewalled on the third day, and played out time, having lost five wickets for IGO (A. Iladtloii 57). The match was declared drawn. Tlie absurdity painted the way to tho authorities, and it was decided tlmt fuhiro I'lmiki't Shield matches should be played to a finish.

Canterbury followed immediately after Otago, and on January 1, 1909, commenced the fourth challenge match. Canterbury made 112 (C. C. Humphreys 43), and 187 (A. Anthony 63), to which Auckland responded with 239 (L. A. Hemus 50. A; E. Mf 41), end i>2. winning by .'>2 r:!iW.

Wellington next threw down the gauntlet, to. Auckland, and on December 27, 19(19, commenced a match against the holders.' They won tho toss and compiled 140 (A.' B. Williams- 39), in the first innings, and iflS (H. C. Hickson 21) in (lie second. ..Auckland replied with 233 (13. V. Rale 66. W. Brook-Smith -46), and 16 for no wickets, and won tho match' with ten wickets to spare.

Tho sixth contest was Hint of Canterbury and Auckland commenced on January 7, 1910. Canterbury had first strike and totalled 140 (H, B. Lusk SS, W. R. Patrick 22), and 233 (W. Carlton 88. S. Orchnrd 36), Auckland's response being 275 (W. C. Sneddon SG, C. 01 iff 43, A. E. Relf 37, A. Anthony 30), and 104 for three wickets (L. G. Hemus 45)— a win by seven wickets.

OtaEO was the challenger for the seventh match. Auckland won the tossand compiled ".79. E. ■V. Sale (121), A. E. Relf (118), and L. G. Hemus (109) scored" centuries in this Auckland innings, the first and only occasion so. far in which a New Zealand representative ihterprovincial eleven has registered such a performance. Otago were defeated by an innings and 161 runs, their tellies bcin? 237 (J. S. Hiddlcston 43, 1.-!['Far-hiire GO, H. G. Siedeber? 3S), nnd 181.

Wellington supplied (ho challenge for the eighth match, and on iliis occasion (December 24, 1910) they suffered defeat by four wickets. Wellington won the toss and compiled ISfi (W. ]?. Gibbes 4!i, J. P. Blacklock 51, H. AV. Monnghan 33), and 179 (.1. Ji Mahony 45, C. E! Hickey 3,5), to Auckland's 151 (E. V. Sale 53. W. Brook-Smith 33). and 215 for six wickets (W. Brook-Smith 72 E. V. Sale 33, L. G. Hemus 38).

Canterbury Again Champions. Auckland lost the shield as tho result of a challenge from Canterbury. This match was played on January 28, 1911, and following days. As in tho match : when Auckland first won the shield A. Haddon captained tho northern team, and D. Eeese, Canterbury. The Aucklamlers batted first, and put together tho respectable total of 349 (L. G. Haimis 142, A. Haddon Gl, E. Horspool 3G, A. Anthony 30). ' Canterbury's response was 269 (D. ]!eese 80, W. R. Patrick 75, A. Norman 17). In the second innings there was a big falling-away in tlio Auclclanders, batting, A. Haddon (58) L. Q. Hemus (34), and F. Pearson (33) being the highest scorers in tho total of 199. The 2SO runs required to win were got by Canterbury for tho loss of but four wickets, H. B. Lusk playing a fine innings for 151 (not out), D. Reese ably seconding his efforts with a handy contribution of G7 (not out). When the victorious team returned to Chrislclmrch they were given a Jfnyoral reception, and altogether were made much of in tho •Cathedral City. . Otago -tried for the shield again at Christmas time, 1911. making a very auspicious beginning, the iirsfc day's play ending with the fine score of 212 runs for two wickets to their credit. Much Tain followed this nerformance, and the rest-ing-place of tho shield in Cliristehurcb appeared likely to be a very_ sliort one. But you never know at this game of cricket. - Otngo's first innings realised 302 (C. G. Hopkins 132, G. Austin 64.. ,T. W. Comlliffo 34). Canterbury's reply was 2ftt (W. Patrick 60, W. Carllnn 03. It. B. Lndc 35, D. Eeese 3D). In tho second innings Otago wero outed for the miserable tally of -52 vims, anil Canterbury won the march by three wiekeh, iho ill' runs wanted to win being got for llio loss of seven wiekofs (W. Carlton 2D). Wellington were defeated by Canterbury by MR runs m a match played on Lancaster Park, Christchurch, on Jaiiunrv 2G, 27, and 29, 1912. The figures of the match wore as follow, the outstanding feature from the Wellington stand- „„!,,( l-o:-. l-i.n <mo lyittir>.ir fiirnro="f *'•<■ ■Into W. R. Gibbos: Canterbury 277 (IT. B Lusk fil, A. Norman 42, W. R. Pntrick 62*. V. Ttickmott 52. D. T!p»se 27. C Roxshnll in), and 107 (W. R. Patrick .17, B Fii-kmott 33. A. Nnrmnn 31. H. B Lu'V 29. I). Snndmo'iM 204, W. Hayes 17) WoUin«ton 173 (W. B. Gihbes 59, V' \. jridlniie .15, J. V. finunders Ifi. W S Brice 12*. D. Patrick 12), and i»3 rW v Gill , "'' 75,*. Aft T. r; rn ,,,i,,-p o,_ K A. jri'llane 18, ,T! J. Mnlior.y U, W. S. Brice 11). . ■

Another Auckland Challenge Successful,

A lot of interest was taken in the match br-twen Auckland ami Canterbury, played in Christchureh in February, IM2. Auckland had epnt its best side to the Cathedral City to try and -recover the shield, included amongst its players being George Thompson, the All-England Eleven man, who at that time was the professional engaged by the Auckland Cricket Association. Canterbury also iwiro very strong both in batting and bowling. Canterbury batted first, and on a slow pitch were disposed of for the small scores of SG HI. B. Lusk 27, D.

Kcese 18)/ and 102 (W. Reese 45, W. R. Patrick 30, A. Norman 27, D. Sajidmann 2G). Auckland's first innings produced 230 (N.C. Sneddon 76, L. G. Humus 84. P. U. Mason 30). Although Auckland required but 50 runs to win in their second innings they collapsed in a remnrknblo mnnner, and the excitement ae man after man went out was almost indescribable. D. lieese and J. ll.' Bennett bowled splendidly, whilst no better fielding has been ssi-n on Lancaster Park. Auckland finiilly got the runs-play was continued until ten minutes to 7 to save the necessity of extending the match into the fourth <lny—for the loss of eight wickets (E. V. .Sale 14 and A. Vallanco 13) being the only double-figure 6corers. The shield went Imck again to Auckland.

Rules Altered. The rules governing the shield were altered in the 1912-13 season. Previously .the. holders were entitled to defend it on their own home ground, but it was felt that this was operating in an opposite direction to what the donor of the trophy intended. As Canterbury and Auckland had been the only holders of the shield up to that time, Plunket Shield matches had been played* in only Christchurch and Auckland, 'lite; alteration made was that all representative matches in which the holders look part, whether at home or abroad, counted for Hie possession of the trophy. The ordinary interprovincial games therefore had added interest attached to them, in .that they carried with them the custody of the Plunket Shield if the holders .were engaged in. them. Auckland and Wellington met on the Auckland Domain on January 1, ■1913, and subsequent days, Wellington batted first, and totalled 201 (C. G. Wilson 42, K-. M. E. SI. Beechey 30, W. S Brice 27, C. V. Grimmett 25, C. \t. Eobinson 22). Auckland's first innings score was 279, the. feature of which waa a fine display by L. G. Hemus who scored 85. Others who did well were L G Taylor 30, N. C. Sneddon 31, b. Somerville 25, E. V. Sale 23. Wellington's second innings, as far as it weut on. the second day of the match, was a debacle, five wickets falling ior 11 runs, the diminutivo Auckland bowler C Oliff securing the whole of the quintette for three runs. The next ■uiormng C. G AVilson was dismissed without any addition to the score, Sale catching him off Oliff's bowling. C. V. Grimmelt and C. W. Robinson then set up. a ujeful partnership, the innings closing for 120 runs (C. W. Robinson 45, C. V. Grimmett 28, J. V. Saunders 21 , bSchmoll 11). Auckland won 'be match by nine wickets (C. Dacre.23*, E. Howpool 12*).

Shield Changes Hands Again,

Going back to Christchurch as the.result of a match between '.Canterbury and Auckland, which finished in the northern city on January 31, 1913. Auckland 6 firs, innings realised 190 <N. C. Sneddon 4,1, B. Horspool 32, L. G. Hemus 2!)). Canterbury secured a big lead with a total of 304 W. Hayes leading the way with a century score (125). Others with good tallies opposite their names weru D. Sandmann (93), E. Caygill (35), .and 1. Carltou (33). Auckland made ii fine effort in tho second innings,,reaching 298 (J-. and secured the custody of the shield for another term. .. ■ .. .. , . f) , A Wretched weather prevailed for the match between Canterbury and Otago, nlaved in .Christchurch on March.22, 24, and 25, 1913. Canterbury won by-an innings ~nd 51 runs, the respective totals being: herd 16 J. Bryden 14, J. W. CogdWfe 13) Owing to a collapse by the Otago team in the second innings, Canterbury defeated thorn comfortably m the match plnyJd at Christchurch on.December 25 and 20, 1913. Scores: 0 ago, hohl 49, J. S. Bruges 41, H.'Watson -J, A AV. Thomas 2G, P. Woods 22 H. is. Whitta. 20) and 70; for four wickets (i>. W Wellin"ton made another attempt to get p£ ession of tho shield in ,a match which commenced nt ° r . p Kk riivistchurch, on January 1, 1914. »« Can erbu y men, however, were m good form with the bat, and totalled 3 7 (C. B. Beal 105, J. S. Patterson il, K B. Cavsill 44 H. A. Bishop 3a, Ji. ■"• Lterburyi in their second innings, S" HA. Bishop 90,. H. Watson ecoied .06 (n.*. Ellington were aefeSVd by 243 runs/ tho in the second innings being. D. Hay -X' , H. M. M'Girr 32, I'. A. Midlane ,30. l> • made a good start in the wpTl bein" H. W. Monnghan (4b, ■ I'. Woods (39)° IL Watson (38), and G. C. It. W?kmi (31') ' The Aucklauders , reply H W. Monaghan (39), and a^g^^n-rSI Ve iSri'luSt Shield match other th,n o the ground of tho holders was played in Dunedin on February 10, 1014. and following days, hetwen Otago and Cinleib'iT, tho latter '-winning by an hm ngs and 132 runs Canterbury, 448 W R. Patrick 118, A. W. 'lhou.ns u, ir nI Wliittn 81 .1. H. Bennett sb, E. R-Caj-gU Sh I'WatsonSg); Otago, 135 J. Chwhvick 71*. W H.gg.nsio, A. W. A linn 17) and 215 (11. Watson J9, 1. M'FarlSe 61. B. J. T«kwll 52, J. WiSl'ehicld match in Hβ 191*15 season was commenced at Lancaster l'nrk on Christmas Day, Utago beh.g Canterbury's challenge. The men from Dunedin were assisted by J. r>• Cm™ ford, the well-known Surrey- and English international player, but the) were defeated by an innings and 26 runs. Scores: Otago, 108 (J. D Bruges « , J. N. Crawford-22) and 84 (J. Shepherd 19. It. Ct. Siedeberg 11, B. Bell,ll, X_N. Crawford 10); Canterbury. 218 (E, C. Ben. 58 18 R. G. Ilickmott 38, H. A. Bishop 34, WB. Patrick 27, D. Sandmann22). J. A. Crawford' (six wickets for 07 runs) was Otago's principal bowler. (To be continued.)