CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1927, Page 3

CRICKET.

SHEFFIELD SHIELD. MELBOURNE, Dec. 30. The Sheffield Shield cricket match Victoria v. South Australia, was com--nieiioed to-day. The weather was cool

and the wicket good. The destiny of the Shield probably depends upon this match, as if the Victorians win, they will have an almost unassailable lead. Ponsford and Woodful opened slowly until they had taken their measure of the bowling; then runs mounted'rapidly, Ponsford being the faster scorer. Quick changes were made, in the bowling, in the hope of separating the pair but without avail. Ponsford opened out and runs came rapidly, when the wicket, which was wet overnight, commenced drying, and became fast. At lunch the score was none for 115. Runs mounted quickly. Ponstord gave a good chance to the. wicket keeper, but the ball bounced off his hands. The second slip made a dive for it but missed. The batsmen continued in great form, and at 158 made a new first wicket record for Victoria against South Australia in Sheffield Shield cricket. After Woodful was dismissed caught by Richardson, Ponsford was joined by Ryder, who played a sound innings, and the pair scored fast; never being troubled by the bowling, which was of a good standard. Details of the scores are: Victoria. 4 for 472—Woodful 106, Ponsford not out 258, Hendry 35, Ryder 52.