CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1927, Page 3

CRICKET

(Australian it N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON. July 20. New Zealand met the Army team at Folkestone, tin- attendance being about 1500. Notwithstanding they had the advantage of batting first on a fast pitch, the visitors failed against the Anny howling. Although Blunt and Dempster made a fair stand three wickets were down at lunch time for 08. Joy did all the damage at the beginning but alter lunch .Miles took up the running and put in isome deadly work, till ( uniiingiiam the last man joined Merritt, He got both Oliver and Henderson in the same over and nine moil were out for a wretched total of 113. Merritt then came to the rescue and as lie has so often done, batted beautifully in the filial stage of the innings. Cunningham assisted him gallantly and the two added 70 in forty minutes before in/ unlucky run out put ail end to their stand which had redeemed the score from u total of insignificance. Merritt who reached 50, hit two sixes, a live and two fours. Joy and Miles both came out with excellent averages. The Army found no difficulty in scoring though W ilkinson and Bi.van. their two best bats, were got rid of cheaply, but were greatly assisted by James missing \\ illiams at tbe wickets when only 27. After this let off he knocked the bowling about, in all directions, driving in particular with great power. \A ith only three wickets down for 163 when stumps were drawn. New Zealand are in great danger of defeat.