CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1928, Page 1

CRICKET.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

HAMILTON, .March 7. The Australian cricketers commenced their match here this afternoon, against the North Island eleven. Ponsford and Grimmett were out of the Australian team. The weather was fine but following the rain of the two previous days, the wicket was very sticky when tire proceedings opened, and the howlers were getting a lot of work on the hall. Richardson won the toss, hut elected to send his opponents in to bat.

In three and a-half hours’ actual play, the North Island put together 186 runs for the loss of nine wickets. None of the five players from outside file Waikato who were included in the team made much of a stand. Snndel, who was the top scorer, played a solid, if not a stylish innings, and stayed there when runs were required. The brightest display was to the credit ot Badeley, who partnered Badeoek for the opening wicket, lie ran up his score in quick order, by well executed strokes, getting a six and three tours. Ilnwke, who was unbeaten at the close of the day, also played attractive cricket once he had got his eye in. Kavanagh’s display was of a finished order, hut not as aggressive as Badelcv and Hawke. Badeoek was just getting set when Tie gave Oldfield a chance that was not overlooked by the Australian wicket-keeper, who also snapped up Lambert at the very first error. MeGirr, the captain, was out second hall. Morton, Blackie, and MeNamoe were all howling well, though it was significant, that only one batsman was clean howled. Scores: —

NORTH ISLAND XI.-rFirst timings. Badeley. <• and b Oxeiihain 31 Badeoek, e Oldfield, b Mc-Namee ... 15 Kavanagh, c Richardson, l> Morton 19 Lambert, e Oldfield, b McNamce ... 2 Gallic-ban, <• Oxenham, b Blaokie ... 14 Sanded, c Woodfufl, b Schneider ... 47 MeGirr, c and h Morton () Garrard’ 8 Lenihan, b Blackie 9 Everest (not out) H llawke (not out) 31 Extras 8 Total for 9 wickets 186 Rowling analysis: Oxenham. I for 41; McNamee. 2 for 50; -Morton. 3 for 17; Blackie, 2 for 48; Kippax. 0 for 2; Schneider. 1 for 20. OTAGO V. SOUTHLAND. INVERCARGILL, March 7. The inter-provincial cricket match between Otago and Southland commenced this morning in dull hut fine weather. Southland had the first use of a fast wicket, and compiled 304 runs, Lee (98) and Groves (78) being largely responsible for the bulk of the runs, their second wicket partnership totalling ISO. Lee just missed a century by two runs, after having given a limitless exhibition of sound but bright batting. Groves also gave a eluinceless display, and appeared set lor his century when lie was dismissed Ibw.

Otago’s howling, although possessing variety, lacked sting, the majority' of the latter Southland batsmen getting themselves out.

With an hour and a quarter to play. Otago replied with 63 for two wickets, Alloo ami Conrndi, the not out men, batting confidently for their runs. The out i rieket nt both sides was good. The game will Tic continued 10-innr row. The following are the details ol the scoring;— SOUTHLAND.—First Innings. Groves, 1.h.w., h Cava Hugh 78 Campbell, c Esquilant, b Leader ... 1 Leo, o and b Cherry 98 McGowan, b Cherry 29 Least, st. Esquilant. Ii Aslin ... 41 Carson, c Proctor, h Conrndi ... 31 Anderson, e Lender, h Aslin 8 Agnew, run out 8 Nisbet, b Proctor ... 1 Cox, b Proctor Poole (not out) 0 Extras 18 Total 304 Rowling analysis; Conrndi, 1 for 70; Leader, 1 for 52; Cnvaiiagli, 1 for 28; Proctor, 2 lor 10; Aloo, none for 48; Cherry, 2 for 52; Aslin, 2 for 26. OTAGO.—First Innings. Cnvaiiagli. e Nisbct. b Agnew ... 8 Cherry, c Agnew, b Nisbet 0 Conrndi < not out) 2n Alloo (not out) 29 Extras 2 Total for two wickets 63 Bowling analysis: Groves, U lor 15; Nisbet,"o for 2; Agnew, I for 15; Anderson, 0 for 18; AlcGowan. 0 for 11 ; Poole. 0 for 0. WTIAT THE AUSTRALIANS TTTTNK• WELLINGTON. March 6. The manager of the. touring Australian team stated in an interview that they had been impressed with the batting bv Hamilton and Newman in the Canterbury match, and with the bowling by Dickinson in the Otago match.

Alembers of the team also appear to be impressed with the form shown bv a number of players in the teams which have opposed them to date. Dempster is generally regarded as easily the best batsman whom they have soon in action, and the visitors speak in high praise of James, Radcock, and Massey for their showing in the Wellington match. Dickinson had 'bowled particularly well at one stage of the game in Dunedin, and some of the visitors also bad a good word for Hope, of Nelson, who, it was pointed out. had bowled on a wicket which did not suit him.

Bead impressed most of the bowlers in the Canterbury match, and tribute was paid to the batting performance of the left-hander. Hamilton. His “knock’’ was regarded as the best played against the visitors in the South' Island. Torrance (Otago) lmd bowled well, though not regarded as being very dangerous. Merritt (Canterbury) bad been dealt 'with severely by Schneider and Oldfield. but. would no doubt make further development as a slow bowler with further experience.