CRICKET.

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 21, 17 October 1929, Page 12

CRICKET.

One more instance of the progressiveness of the Hutt Club is that of purchasing a slip-catching machine for its members. Not enough attention is given by the majority of cricketers through out the Dominion to the most important branch of the game, fielding. How many games would be won if 90 per cent of the catches given were accepted and what a curtailment in the scores made by a lot of our successful batsmen. How seldom does one witness" a scoi-e of 50 or more without a chance or two going begging. Sometimes in the> early stages of an innings. A slip catching machine will improve the fieldsmen 100 per cent in taking fast balls close to the wicket off the bat and will also sharpen the batsman's eye when his turn comes to have his turn at the wicket. The machine would cost well over £50 but the enterprising members of the management committee of this club are to be commended for launching out in an 'expense which is bound to prove of great benefit to its members and materially improve the fielding of all who will take every opportunity of using it.

During the winter months both Alexander and Wall, Australia's two p^iomis ing fast bowlers hav,e been fitting themselves for the coming season. The former has been under • the watchful eyes of Edgar Mayne and Vernon Kansford, while Clem Hill and Vie Richardson have been paying attention to Wall. In the second game, Victoria v. England last season Alexander bowled-with great success and his pace was reported to be faster than Larwood, while Wall the young South Australian bowled ably in the last two test games.

Coining on top of scores made by Bradman, Jackson and Fairfax, the pie -vious week they even went one betterlast Saturday, the former compiling 180, not out, Jackson 161 riot out, Fairijf ax 57. Charlie Macartney also scored a brilliant 112 for Gordon against Manly. There is a persistent rumour in Sydney that the "Governor-General" (as Macartney is called by cricketers across the water) has consented to allow himself to be in the running in quest of those Ashes which Chapman's team took home with him last year. Let us hope it to be true. ■ "

There is some talk of W. Judd, the old Midland players throwing in Ms lot ■with the Hutt this season. With all due respect to.Juddy, who is a very good bowler providing he is bowling into a certain wind, surely the Hutt possess young : players of proitiise who would fill the bill bette-r. .

On looking over the names of the probables for Petorie senior team Brice and Hope •will, have. to bear the brunt of the bowling this season. Not a bad pair

either

The Kilbhnie team will have to dig up a wicketkeeper if it wishes to take a prominent' place in championship points. Last season this Suburban team suffered greatly for the want of a good "=j.-i cdias. of the sticks..

Ces. Daere has had a most successful season at Home. In five games running he scored an aggregate of 479 runs.

The appointment of Stan Brice "as selector for Wellington Province is sure to meet with the approval of .cricketers in general. The tall gentleman with his experience is undoubtedly the right man for i'no position as apart from his knowledge of a player's capabilities lie posse^sefe that most essential! qualification, which a selector must havecourage in his convictions.