CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1931, Page 5

CRICKET

N.Z. CRICKETERS.

(United Press Association. —By Electric

Telegrap h. —Copyright.)

LEAVE FOR HOME

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, -September 24

New Zealand cricketers left London this morning on their return to New Zealand. They embarked on the Ruahine at Royal Albert docks, and were accompanied by a party of English cricketers and friends making the trip to Southampton.

The ißuahine leaves Southampton at noon to-morrow. All members of the team are fit and well.

Several played in charity matches in the last few days. Before their departure Mr Lowry said he was highly pleased with the results of the tour. Although the weather frequently handicapped the side the record was quite satisfactory and showed the* continued progress of New Zealand cricket. The players had all done their best to make the tour a success. Personally he was highly pleased with their performances on the field and behaviour off. He thought the side has been a credit to New Zealand.

Mr Donnelly who is not returning with the team, expressed admiration for the high reputation the players had left behind, He said he understood that never had a more popular side visited England. MILLS MARRIED. Mills was married quietly in London a few days ago. His bride, a young Canadian is proceeding to New Zealand by a later boat. DISTINCTION FOR DEMPSTER. Dempster lias gained tile distinction of a portrait in Wisden’s Almanack as one of the five cricketers of the year. The other four are Pataudi, Verity, Bowes and Langridge. INTERESTING PARTICULARS. MERRITT’S 99 WICKETS.

(Received thin dav at 12.25. p.m.) LONDON, September 24. Chapman, Duleepsinhji and Gilligan saw off the New Zealand cricketers aboard the Ruahine. Lowry stated the youngsters had . gained invaluable experience despite the weather. Merritt is disappointed, because he failed by one wicket ..to take his hundred. Talbot walked up the gangway swinging the Bat he -split when hitting a ball over Lord’s Pavilion. ! M. .11 . -'-S