SENIOR CLUB CRICKET

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 127, 27 February 1928, Page 12

SENIOR CLUB CRICKET

INSTITUTE PILE UP SOLID SCORE ANOTHER DOUBLE CENTURY TO DEMPSTER CROOK ALSO REACHES THREE FIGURES Though the weather was fine on Saturday afternoon for the ontinuation of the senior cricket championship competition, the heavy rain had rendered the wickets dead, and modest scoring prev ’led in four out of the five, games set down for decision. A notable exception was the brilliant batting form shewn bv Institute, who .--e "t the top of the ladder. Holding possession of the wickets at the Basin Reserve for the whole of the afternoon. Institute piled un the solid score of 481 against Old Boys, their nearest rivals. C. S. Dempster, who scored 224 against Y.M.C.A. earlier in the season, again showed what a master batsman he is by hitting un 219 in 210 minutes. He gave a brilliant exhibition of rapid scoring after ’■eaching his century, flogging the Old Boys’ bowling to all parts of the field. He lifted the ball out of the ground five times and hit no fev'.r than twenty-four fnurers. With Banks, he added 12fi for ‘kp , v , e ] cp! . a)lf j Crook, he he’ned to put on 189 for the fourth wicket. Crook shaped very soundly for an unbeaten score of 122, this being his first century i" . eni-.-. g. ,■< • tches-

RESULTS AT A GLANCE Institute, 481; v. Old Boys. Petotm, 182; Midland, 7—166. University, 210; Thorndon. 0—59. Hutt, 184; Kilbirnic, 5 —127. BEST PERFORMANCES. ■> Batting. C. S. Dempster (Institute) 219 R. Crook (Institute) *122 J. Patrick (Petonc) 71 W. A. Aldersley (Hutt) 63 A. Morris (Ktlbirnie) 58 E. McLeod (University) 50 Bowling. G. Hearne (Kilbirnie), six for 52. H. R. White (Y.M.C.A.), five for 65. C. G. Finlayson (Petone), five for 74. W. A. Baker (.Midland), five for 7t>. *Not out. INSTITUTE FLOG OLD BOYS’ BOWLING CENTURIES TO DEMPSTER AND CROOK. The fair crowd of spectators at the Basin Reserve had the rare good fortune to see the most brilliant batsman in New Zealad in one of his merriest moods. This was C. S. Dempster, who, in 210 minutes, hit up 219 for Institute against Old Boys. Foley, who opened with Dempster, fell l.b.w. to Lambert after scoring two, but Hanks then assisted to add 126 for the second wicket before being completely beaten by an off break from Lambcrf, which the batsman treated as off theory. Banks was very patient while putting ou his score of 39. Aitken was clean bowled by Lambert first ball, the batsman being under tlie impression that the ball had rebounded from the wicketkeeper’s pads. Another great stand was made when Crook joined Dempster, the pair running the score from 129 to 318, thus putting on 189 for the fourth wicket. Here Dempster, who had reached 219, was caught ami bowled by Barclay. Though unusually cautious for the first hour, Dempster then warmed to his work, and gave one of the most refreshing displays of rapid scoring seen this season. He simply flogged the Old Boys’ bowling, hitting five sixes and twcntv-foiir fourers. Crook went on to register his first century in the senior competition, and was left unbeaten when the innings closed at 7.20 for the solid total of 181. Crook was at the wickets for 180 minutes for his 122, which included fourteen boundary shots. Ward, Massey, Prince, and Burt all helped to swell tile big total. The Old Boys’ bowlers bad their averages badly battered Bull came out best with two for 11, but Lambert Ind to be content with four for 175, Barclay with two for 95, and Duncan with one for 85 Tlie-last-named, however, bowled very steadily, ns be sent down no fewer than 2.10 deliveries. MODEST SCORING PETONE AND MIDLAND WELL MATCHED. The ball triumphed over the bat in the game between Petone and Midland at the Basin Reserve. Petone bad first knock but could only manage to scrape 182 together against really good bowling by the Midland captain, IV. A. Baker, who bagged five wickets for 75 runs, principally with log-breaks oi , good length. Ho was well supported by A. Grant, who captured three tor 38. The feature of the innings was a spirited knock by J. Patrick, who, going in when six wickets wore down for 54 runs, hit out in resolute style for 71, which included two sixers and six tourers. He was dropped i.crlj by Lawton at extra long-on oft Baker, bitt the luck was with him nnd he redeemed the innings. Bundle, Smyrk. Finlayson and 11. E. Nicholls all did tolerably well, but live batsmen tailed to reach doubles. Baker and Donoghue gave .Midiaim a good start by putting on 67 for the first wicket, but Goth wore dismissed by Finlayson when they appeared to be well set. Donoghue was given out l.b.w. by Umpire (.. G. Wilson to Finlayson, who bowling round the wicket, while the ball which beat Baker turned just enough to beat the bat I>. Patrick hit out lustily lor 38 ‘before being well taken in tile

country by H. E. Nicholls Off Brice. Turvey and G. Nicholls managed to pass into doubles, but when stumps were drawn at 7.30 seven wickets were down f<’t 166 and 16 runs were still wanted to reach the Petone total. Finlayson, as usual, was the outstanding bowler on the Petone side. He kept an excellent length in capturing five wickets lor 74 runs. Brice had to he content with two for 49, There should be an interesting finish to this game next Saturday. Y.M.C.A. v. WELLINGTON LATTER LEAD ON FIRST INNINGS. In the match between Wellington and f.M.C.A. at Kelburn Park, 'Wellington elected to bat, sending Tucker ami Whyte (o face the bowling of White and Loupland. With only 25 up both wickets fell, White dismissing both bats, men in the same over. Roberts then went in, and held up his end while Burton indulged in some hard hitting, the latter’s thirty-three including six tourers and one sixer. Whitwell and When became associated in a stand that notched 73 runs for the sixth wicket, playing very steadily, until Lamason bowled Ixith. Wagstaff nnd Craig carried (lie total to 181, when White bowled the former. In his next over the saute bowler scattered the slumps of the two remaining batsmen, and the side was out for 192 runs. Lamason kept the runs down well, only 11 being scored off ftis first ten overs. Cousins ami Sharpe opened the Wellington attack. Smith fell to Cousins's first ball, and Sharpe sent Lamason back before he had scored. Browne nnd VVestbrook put on 85 before a separation was effected. Browno hit eight tourers and Westbrook six. The rest of the wickets fell cheaply. O’Connor an! Sharpe dividing the honours, leaving the total 21 runs short of Wellington's first innings. In Wellington's second innings. Tucker nnd Whyte took strike io the bowling of White and Lamason. Whyte hit a single and five successive fonrers Irefore stumps were drawn, at 7.20, owing to the failing light. HUTT FALLS CHEAPLY GOOD BOWLING BY' HEARNE. Hutt could only make 184 against Kilbirnie on the Hutt Recreation Ground Aldersley was the chief scorer on the Hutt side, hitting tip a lively 63 before being bowled by W. Christopherson. He gave a dashing display, which included twelve boundaries and one sixer. Ross came to light with a nicely compiled 38, and the only other batsmen to reach double figures were Lees and Beatd, each of whom made 22. Hearne captured six wickets for 52 runs. Bromley and W. Christopherson bowled two batsmen each. Svkcs and IV. Christopherson opened tho Kilbirnie innings, but the former fell with the score at 24. and fhe latter nt 33. Then Greig and Morris became associated, and tho pair carried the total to 114 before Greig was bowled bv Matson. Four runs Inter, a smart return bv Wnrnos saw Morris run out with 58 to his account. Kershaw lost his wicket nt 127. end sfunvs were drawn without any addition to the total. Watson bowled well for Hutt, nnd his figures at the close of the day were four wickets for 43 runs. Kilbirnie require 56 to lead Uutt on the first innings, nnd they have five wickets in hand. THORNDON BOWLERS IN FORM UNIVERSITY DISMISSED FOR 201. University found the bowling of Hyder nnd Badcock difficult to score from on the Kilbirnie ground, and the whole side was dismissed for 201. McLeod was flic most enterprising batsman, scoring 59 runs. R. H. C. McKenzie, the ’Varsity captain, made 31, and Dormer and Nelson also contributed useful scores. Extras were 24. being fourth highest scorer. Hyder (four for 94) and Bndeock (three for 68) bowled stendilv for Thorndon. Roberts and Gibson had put on 59 without loss when stumps were drawn. Roberts having 28. and Gibson 24. Thorndon should score their fourth successive win in this match, as they row only require 143 runs to win, with all their wickets in hand. INSTITUTE v. OLD BOYS INSTITUTE. First Innings. C. S. Dempster, c and b. Barclay ... 21? 11. Foley, 1.b.w., 1). Duncan J. E. Banks. ’). Lambert 3? W. Aitken, b. Lambert ? R. Crook, not out I’11. Tl. Massey, c. James. I). Parsloe .... 15 11. Prince, b. Lambert 1 4 F. r.rxant, 1.b.w.. 1). Lambert b P. Ward. c. and h. Bull 3a C. Rogers, b. Bull * D. Burt. I). Barclay N Extras “ Total Z Bl Bowling Analysis.—Dunean took one wicket for 85 runs; Lambert, four for 17o; Barclay, two for 95; Morton, none for e: Malcolm, none for 26; Honaldson, none for 24; Parsloe, one for 21; Eton, none for 8: Patrick, none for 7; Bull, two for 14. MIDLAND v. PETONE PETONE. First Innings. H. E. Nicholls, c. Baker, b. Grant ... 17 F. T. Capstick, b. Balter H C. G. Finlayson, h. Grant 19 N Wilson. I). Baker J W S. Brice, c. Clarke, b. Grant •> L. J. Revling. V. Clarke, b Baker J J. Patrick, c. Clarke, b. Baker '1 E. Bundle, run out E. P. Smyrk. 1). Judd L. Pawson, not out ” A. (’ate. b. Baker - Extras Total •"J 8 ? Bowlin"' Analysis.—Judd took one wicket, for 55 runs: Robertson. none fov 10: Grant, three for 58: Baker, five for (5. MIDLAND. First Innings. W. A. Baker, b. Finlayson 3A. Donoghue, 1.b.w.. h. Finlayson 41 c Grant h. Finlayson 6 D. Patrick, c. Nicholls, b. Brice 38 C. Bester, b Brice J W. Tnrvev. c. and b. Finlayson 15 S. Law ton. not out 1 G Nicholls, e. WH-on. I>. Finlayson ... H L.’ b. Clarke, not out -■ Total for seven wickets 166

Bowling Analysis.—Finlayson took five wickets tor 74 runs; Brice, two for 49; Keyling, none for 35. WELLINGTON v. Y.M.C.A. WELLINGTON. First Innings. W. Tucker, 1.b.w., b. White - 3 It. Whyte, b. White 17 It. Roberts, c. Smith, b. Browue 10 H. E. Burton, b. Lamason 33 C. Sharpe, b. Lamason 11 F. Whitwell, c. White, b. Lamason ... 38 E. C. Wiren. c. Nicol, b. Lamason 35 W. Wagstaff, b. White 21 F. Craig. 1). White L> A. Cousins, not out 1 C. O’Connor, b. White 0 Extras 21 Total J 92 Bowling Analysis.—White secured five wickets for 65 runs; Lamason. four for 36; Browne, one for 14; Smith, none for SC; Coupland, none for 42. Y.M.C.A. First Innings. J. Lamason, c. Burton, b. Sharpe 0 J. Smith, e. Whyte, b. Cousins u L. Browne, b. O’Connor 4“ R. Westbrook, run out -o R. Nicol, 1.b.w., b. Sharpe ? B. Coupland, c. Whyte, b. O'Connor lo H. R. White, b. O'Connor < K. Keenan, c. AViren. b. O'Connor 18 H. Thom. e. O'Connor, b. Sharpe 0 C. Reynolds, b. Sharpe ’ D. A’irtue, not out u Extras “ Total Hl Bowlin? Analysis.—O'Connor took four wickets for 33 runs; Sharpe, four for 47; Cousins, one for 35; Tucker, none for 3; Craig, none for 17. WELLINGTON. Second Innings. Tucker, not. out } Whyte, not out - To f al for no wickets 22 Bowling Analysis.—Lamason captured uo wickets for 6 rune; White, none for 16. HUTT v. KILBIRNIE HUTT—First Innings. H. J. Tattersail, c. Algar. b. Hearne 9 W. A. Aldersley, b. W. Christopherson to '£.’ Gwilliam. b Brantley ? H. M. McGirr, b. Bramlpy b B. H. Hoss, c. Clarke, b. Hearne oo F. AVarnes, c. Algar, b. W. Christopherson ■ AV. Lee’s, b. Hearne 24 11. Watson, b. Hearne 0 L. Beard, c. Kershaw, b. Hearne 2G. Gibson, b Hearne 3 W. Burke, not out 1 Extras ‘ Total -•: Bowling Analysis.—Hearne took six wtc kets for 52 runs; Morris, none for 43; Bramley. two for 28; AV. Christopherson, two for 59; Kershaw, none for 15. KILBIRNIE—First Innings. AV. Sykes, c. Lee. b. Watson * W. J.’ It. Christopherson, c. and b. Watson " I. Greig, b. Wat.ton A. Morris, run out s “ J. O'Brien, not out 5 J. Kershaw, c. Beard, b. Watson - G. He.irne, not out “ Extras _y Total for five wickets 127 Bowling Analysis.--McGirr took no. wickets for 49 run«; AVatron. tour for 43; Aldersley, none for 12; Beard, none for 6. UNIVERSITY v. THORNDON UNIVEItSITY-First Innings. A. M. llollings, c. Brooks, b. Badcock 13 A. C. Bailey, b. Hyder “ E. T. C. Leys, run out 4 11. W. Osborn, c. Bigger, b. Hyder - < R. H. Mackenzie, run out « E. McLeod, b. Foley A. C Tripe, 1.b.w.. b. Hyder “ AV. Vietmever. b. Hyder - " AA r . Dornier, c. Bigger, b. Baucock zt> T. Nelson, not out, —- “ I. Greig, b. BadcorK » Extras 201 Bowling Analysis.—Radcock took three wickets for 68 runs; Hyder, four lor 94; Folev, one for 15. THORNDON—First Innings. E Roberts, not out A’. AV. Gibson, not out " Extras [ Total for no wickets -•••• Bowling Analysis.—Mel-eoa took no wickets for 8 runs: Nelson, none for It, Greig, none for 15: Bollings, none for 1 » Vietmeyer, none for 5. LOWER GRADE RESULTS JUNIOR a. Hutt secured a three-point win over Karori by making 365 ior the loss of seven wickets (M illiams '-00 not Elsom 92, Lockett 23) against 291 (Fussell 59 Monk 55, Rountree 49, Shepherd 39 King 34) ami 170 (Kelly 87). Bowling for Hutt. Elsom took three wickets for 24 runs. The 200 compiled by Williams beats the Hutt Club Junior A record sot up some years ago by AV A Aldersley. JUNIOR C. , t Hutt 173 (Te Runi 96) and four for 50 secured a four-point win over Marist. 163 (Davies 31. Darrock 31) and 58. Institute. 107 and 83 for six (dochred) heat Y M.C.A., 63 and t>7. Battin„ for Institute. McDonald made 431 and it- for Y M.C.A., Crawford 20. liddie ■>o French 42. Bowling for Institute, A.’ Hall took six wickets for li runs. Bowling for Y.M.C.A., Crawf<>rd took three wickets tor 40 runs and Cutts who could only muster four men, defaulted to Dominion. mercantile league Af-ick-v Lo"an, seven for 167 (Collins 49? London 40, Johnston 20, Baker 11), drew with Nivens, 209 (Condliffe Osborne 13. JJumpnrev lb. Frexv 10, Ivor 10 not out). Bowling for I O gan, Johnston took tour wickets for Morns, Gillies six for 96; while for Niven’s, Humphrey one tor five Os borne two for 9. Wonnocott two for 76. Bolt two for 50, secured ♦ l,e Shinning 291 for six wickets (y tunham 113,' Thomson 63, lones & ( a - d sb .’.nd 55 Bowling for Health to “"'I CUyto. <«■■> tO l)aketv nnd Co.. Ltd.. 253 for four wicket's '(McAVhinney 143 not out, Lawfcj tS T? l T Urinn r r e 7 took two for 50. CITY AND SUBURBAN LEAGUE Schneideman’s 190, defeated hr ■’ runs on the blot Fm- srtinrtdemau’s. O’Sullivan 83 Le - tt 52 not out, Jackson 15. Bowl ng. tFSullivan took five wickets for 61 runs, Leggatt four for 33. CANTERBURY TEAM BY TEbEGRAPH.-PBESS ASSOCIATION.

Doireen, ' . L. t.vans. ■\fprritt. M. Hainilton. .1. Jacobs, W L.■ J. A. Newman. D. £■• xnixoh, Rage, IL J- Read. SYDNEY GRADE MATCHES (Roc. February 26, 5.5 p.m ) V Sydney, February 26. For the grade cricket matches yesterdnv the grounds were slow owing late rains, and scoring generally was '°For Paddington against «° rdo "'. ' „orv made 120 for Eastern Suburbs against Petersham. Johnston made 60 j£t out. Bowling for St .George against Balmain. Malley took five for CT, for Western Suburbs. Long four for -3. for Mosman against Northern Districts, Chinn four for 30.

AUSTRALIA V. OTAGO VISITORS MAKE 454 OTAGO REPLIES WITH 171 BY TELEGBAPn.—PRESS ASSOCIATION. Dunedin, February 25. The Australia-Otago match was continued to-day In the best of weather on a perfect wicket. Grimmett and Jackson, the visitors’ not-out men, continued to tile bowling of Dickinson and Torrance. Four hundred came up after a few minutes’ play. Both batsmen were scoring freely in singles, and Grimmett reached his half century when the total v.as 418. Shepherd relieved Dickinson, whose four overs cost 18 runs. Jackson reached GO after 25 minutes’ play, but at G 3 he played Shepherd on to his wicket. The partnership had added 116. Blackie came in, but was stumped at 3 by Galland. 416 —9—3. At 450 Morton opened his account, but the end came when Grimmett cut Shepherd to the boundary, where Blunt picked up smartlv and allowed Galland (o whip the bails off before the googly bowler could get back. The innings had lasted 5 hours 58 minutes, 454—10—59. Otago's Innings. Shepherd and Knight opened O'ago’s innings, tho former taking strike to Morton. Blackie followed Morton with the ball at the other end. sending Knight a ball which came in from the off and skittled his wicket. 10—1—4. McMillian joined Shepherd, who was scoring well off Morton. Both were in good trim and looked like making a score, but Sacpherd’s career was cut short, by a smart catch at log by Richardson. 25 — 2—13. Blunt joined McMillian. who reached double figures when 39 went up. Morton was giving the batsmen no trouble at all. Five camo off I his next. over, and 40 went up Blackie. however, always had them thinking, and tho first ball of the next over bowled McMillian around his legs. 42—3—12. Blackie three for 13. Dickinson came in next, with Blunt just in double figures. At 46 Oxenliam replaced Morton. Blunt giving him a maiden. The half-century came up soon after Oxenham took the ball. At lunch time the total was 52. Blunt 14. Dickinson 3, Blackie three for 19 off nine overs. Morton opened the bowling on resolution, 6 coming off the over. a boundary to Dickinson included. Blackie bowled a maiden. Then Blunt brought GO up by square-cutting Morton to the fence, following it with a single, which made him 20. The score was 73 when Oxenham took the ball from Morton and bowled his fourth maiden, having bowled five overs for 2 runs. Blackie successfully tempted Dickinson, who lifted the ball to square-leg into tho hands of Kippax. 74—4—17. Zimmerman cams in next and was very uncomfortable facing Blackie. who had bowled 1G overs (five maidens) for 27 runs. The bowling on the day’s play was much more impressive than the batting of the visitors yesterday. Grimmett. came on with the score at 84, and immediately had the batsmen thinking. The century appeared alter 101 minutes and Zimmerman reached double figures by cuttiug the googly mau for 2. Blunt was now becoming more aggressive aud brought his total to 50 with two boundaries off Oxenham. Kippax replaced Oxenham and gave G runs away on the first over, but tho Otago crack lost his wicket to Grimmett in the googly bowler’s next over, snicking the first ball to the slips, where Blackie held it. 125—5—52. Al 100 followed Blunt. Grimmet tried his “wrong ’un" on Zimmerman, the ball going away for a bye, and the next ball Alloo lifted to the fence. Tim score was 140 when Zimmerman reached 30. Only 14 runs had been scored off Grimmett’s 10 overs. Zimmerman tried to pul] Grimmett to leg. and missed, tho ball, the ball striking his pads, and he was given out l.b.w. 150—G—36. Galland joined Alloo, and drove Grimmett for a brace. Tlis stay was short. Stepping across to play a. ball from Grimmett, apparently expecting it. to come in from leg, but it went, straight round his legs, and (scattered his stumps. 151—7 —3. Grimmett, three for 17 off 11 overs. Vorrath joined Alloo, who was caught the same way as Galland, and bowled off his pads. 163—8—8. Torrance’s stay was short, the googly man completely beating him with a ball that came in from tho off, and skittled him. 163—9—9. Grimmett, five for 19. Douglas was tenth man, and after off-driving Grimmett to the fence, returned a ball to the bowler, who caught, him, securing tho exceptional average of six for 23. 171—10—5. Australia Bats Again. In answer to a request from the Otago Association the Australia captain agreed to send his team in again to give the crowd an opportunity of seeing the Australians bat. The announcement was greeted with enthusiastic cheering. Ponsford and Schneider opened the innings, tho latter facing Dickinson. Torrance took the ball at the oilier end. The scoring was slow, and the crowd al times became impatient. Ponsford gaving a friendly wave of his hand io a section of the crowd which resented his slow rate of scoring. The score was 19 when Zimmerman relieved Torrance, and at 29 Blunt come on in place of Dickinson. . Ponsford reached 40 and made the total 50 in 47 minutes, and he reached his half-century in 5(1 minutes, Schneider having meanwhile made 11. Stumps were drawn with the score at 79, Ponsford having made 54, in which there were five 4’s. Schneider made 17. Extras 8. The batsmen were in for 1 hour 17 minutes. Detailed scores are as follow: — AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Woodfull, c. Alloo, b. Dickinson ... 107 Ponsford. c. Alloo, b. Dickinson .... 118 Kippax. b. Dickinson 38 Richardson, 1.b.w., b. Dickinson .. 2 Schneider, 1.b.w., b. Dickinson ... 3 Oxenham. b. Dickinson 0 Oldfield, c. Galland, b. Dickinson ... 0 Jackson, b. Shepherd C 3 C. V. Grimmett run out 59 Blackie, st. Galland, b. Shepherd ... 3 Extras 3 Total ...... 454 Bowling Analysis.—Dickinson took seven wickets for 97 runs; Torrance, none for 80: Zimmerman, none for 28; Douglas, none for 41; Alloo, none tor tfi; Shepherd, two for 72; Blunt, none for GO. OTAGO. First Innings. Shepherd, c. Richardson, b. Blackie 13 Knight, b. Blackie 4 McMullan, b. Blackie 12 Blunt, c. Blackie, b. Grimmett 52 Dickinson, c. Kippax. b. Blackie .. 17 Zimmerman, 1.b.w., b. Grimmett ... 36 Galland, b. Grimmett 3 Alloo. b. Grimmett 8 W. Vorrath, not out 9 Torrance, b. Grimmett 0 Douglas, c. and b. Grimmett 5 Extras 1Total ••■•••• 1 ? 1 Bowling Analysis.—Grimmett took six wicke.s for 23 off 14.4 overs; Blackie, four for 27 off 16 overs; Kippax, none for 22; Morton, none for 51; Oxenham, none for 3G. „ . The wickets fell: One for 19, two for 25 three for 42, four for 74, five for 125, six for 150. seven for 151, eight for 163, nine for 163, ten for 171. During tho afternoon tea adjournment Mr. C. Todd presented C. V. Grimmett with a silver-mounted greenstone inkstand on behalf of the Otago Cricket Association and the city of Dunedin, which claims the googly bowler as one of its sons. The Mayor (Air. W. 15. Taverner) also spoke. PLAY IN OTHER CENTRES CFIRISTCHURCII. 3Y TELEGRAFH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION Christchurch, February 26. There was good weather on Saturday for the conclusion of the ninth round , of tho senior competition. The wickets

and outfields were fast. The order of the championship points is:—Ricearton, 15; High School Ohl Boys. II; Sydenham, 13: St. Albans, 11: East Christchurch. 10; Linwood, 10; Old Collegians. 8; West Christchurch. 2. Tliccarlon ami Old Boys meet in the next round, and Iho other match should virtually decide tlio championship. With 102 on for one wicket. Riccarton sot out In make up St. Albans’ first innings score of 248. They made 357 (Cox 6-’, Roberts 61.- Evans 50, Rowell 94. Bowling: .1. Johns,five for 76; Norrie, three for 71.) St. Albans escaped an innings defeat, the score being six wickets for 91 at stumps. Ohl Boys likewise failed Io secure a three-point win against Sydenham Sydenham’s first innings score of 206 was beaten bv 101 runs, but Sydenham kept going till stumps were drawn, when Hie score was eight for 162. Batting for Old Boys (Jacobs 105, Nixon 55. Hobbs 59). Rowling in ibe second innings. Merritt look seven Sydenham wickets for 77. Linwood’s first innings total of 311 was far too big for West Christchurch, and the side was out for 184 (Newman 50). Bowling for T,inwood S. Yates took six wickets for 39. West Christchurch in their second innings, scored 223 for five wickets. East Christ church, with 274 for seven against Old Collegians, 299 declared, but Old Collegians nlnyed C"t time, with five down for 160 IRnwes 451. AUCKLAND. Auckland, February 26. Senior cricket championship was continued yesterday in fine weather. Heavy rain overnight had made the wickets soft. The batsmen had their first experience of a wet wicket this season. Games on )Eden Park did not commence until after three o’clock. Parnell batted first against Eden and scored .121. A. F. Weir look five wickets for 32 runs. Eden has made 67 for two wickets (Cooper 37 not oct). North Shore made 135 (Monteith 56) against Ponsonliy. L’ov took five for 22, including the ha<- trick. Tonsonby renlied with two for 77. Y.M.C.A. totalled lOS (Elliott 42) against Limited Suburbs. Kerr took four wickets for 74. McLaren four for 22. Suburbs lost nine wickets for 72. University scored 181 (Goo 61) against Grafton, who replied with 53 for four wickets.

A BRILLIANT BATSMAN

DEMPSTER'S UNIQUE RECORD. By scoring 219 for Institute against Ol<l Boys at I lie Basin Reserve on Saturday afternoon, C. S. Dempster brought his aggregate in senior championship games this season to 939 for nine innings, twice not out, which gives him the splendid average of 13t 14. Tlis scores for tho prevent season have been: v. Kilbirnie. 17 and 73 not out; v. Y.M.C.A.. 224; v. Petone, 65 and 87 not out ; v. University, 159; v. Hutt. 47 mid 57: v. Ohl Boys. 219. Strangely enough. Dempster has rot been howled once in club games this season. Of the nine innings he has so far played, lie has been not out twice, and caught on each of the other seven occasions. As Dempster scored 183 rims in four innings in Plunkct Shield matches this season, and notched 52 and <9 for lYellingtnn against the Australian team, apart from the runs ho scored for the New Zealand team on their return from tho English lour, lie has already run well past liis thousand runs for the season. This, following his aggregate c,f 1430. with an averaco of 41.68 per innings, with the New Zealand team on the English tour, stamps Domnster as one of the foremost batsmen in the game to-day. AUSTRALIA v. NEW ZEALAND (To the Editor.) Sir,—l very much regret your remarks in Monday’s Dominion stating that New Zealand could not field nn eleven which could seriously oppose the Australians at cricket. Now, tho following is my selection for a Dominion test team: Blunt, Dempster, Lowry. Bow. ley. Mills, Badcock, Newman (Canterbury). James, McGirr, Merrill. Alassey and Page (twelfth man). The first chosen eleven are all batsmen liable to make good scores in international cricket, and include nine bowlers who cannot be treated lightly. Page (twelfth man) is also batsman and bowler. J hope this selection catches the eyes of the New Zealand selectors.—l am, etc., CONFIDENT. ■ Wellington, February 33.