AUCKLAND CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 19804, 1 March 1928, Page 5

AUCKLAND CRICKET

club competition ROY PERFORMS “ HAT TRICK " TEST MATCH PROSPECTS.. [Special to the ’Stab.’] AUCKLAND, February 29. H. Roy’s feat in taking five wickets for 22 runs for Ponsonby against North Shore last Saturday again brings him into the limelight as a representative possibility. The “hat trick” is a rare performance in. big matches these times, and Roy’s success in this respect is all the more creditable. His first victim went out leg-before, the second man played the ball on, though it would probably have bowled him in any case, and the third was clean bowled. The ball clipped off the bails and sent one of them flying 44yds behind the wickets. It is unfortunate for Auckland and New Zealand that J. E. Mills will be unable to play against the Australians. Ho has had so much time off that he cannot obtain further leave for cricket this season. Players in other parts of the dominion may be in a similar position, and, if so, the test sides which play against the visitors will bo a good deal below full strength.

The present indications point to Eden and Ponsonby playing off for the senior championship of the Auckland Cricket Association. Each of these teams is in a strong position in the matches commenced last Saturday,' and a first-innings lead looks assured in each instance. The iday off will be commenced on March 17, and the match will bo concluded on March 31. On March 10 and 24 the Australians will be playing' at Eden Park. Ponsonby will not have the services of J. Langridgo, who sails for the Old Country on March 17. He will be a big loss to Ponsonby, as he has been in good form since Christmas. In his absence Eden will be strong favorites.