WITH THE BAT

NZ Truth, Issue 1142, 20 October 1927, Page 12

WITH THE BAT

Season Opens In Wellington

yrprom "N.Z. Truth's" Special Wellington Rep.) The opening of the cricket seaaon In Wellington last Saturday was more a day for "muddied oafs than "flannelled fools." A strong •northerly breeze with a minimum of sunshine made the play anything but pleasant, especially in the outfield. FRIDAY night's rain made for a bowlers' wicket, and this was borne out in the scoring. The only side ♦to reach over 200 during the afternoon s -play was Hutt in the senior grade. This was due to the meritorious performance of H. J. Tattersall, who compiled 120 not out. That cricket is in the boom in tne •capital city is noted by the enthusiasm of players and the greatly increased jiumber of teams in all grades, right down to the juniors. The Mercantile Cricket League is also placing 23 teams in the field this season, "A" and B division matches being played. With practice wickets crowded out, and an early return of members of the touring cricket team to coach along their various clubs, a healthy improvement in all-round displays should become more, marked as the season advances. Moreover, Wellington's . greatest drawback in lack of grounds should, to a certain extent, be overcome shortly, if the council can open up some of the new playing areas during the season. Although a comparatively safe game, cricket, owing to the present overcrowding of existing grounds, oecomes a trifle dangerous, and a few minor casualties are reported. Last Saturday's matches still remain in a state of indecision, and if the ■wickets at all favor the batsmen this •week, anything might happen to reverse what looks like certain victories into losses. x ■ Hutt, in their match against Varsity, are in a very safe position with 207 on the board for their flrst innings. At the call of time, Varsity had lost tour wickets for 16 runs, so if their batting form does not improve when the match is continued, they look to have but poor, chances. In the Midland v. Institute match at the Basin Reserve, Institute appear to have the game . well in hand, having dismissed their opponents for the moderate score Of 140. W. A, Baker, the top scorer for Midland made a comfortable 56, and was then unfortunate to be dismissed with an l.b.w. decision. J. Banks and H. Foley, who opened for Institute, did well for a first-of-the-season match. Banks went 1.b.w., and H. Prince took his place. When stumps were drawn Institute had 58 up for the loss of one wicket. Thorndon's clash with Wellington also proved that it was a bowlers' day, the former team all being dismissed for 130. Wellingto'n have 50 on the board to start them off when the. game recommences on Saturday. Of this total Airey compiled a nice 34 by solid play, although when he first took his stand he narrowly escaped being stumped. Old rivals in Petone and Y.M.C.A. met on the Petone Oval. There was nothing outstanding in the innings of Petone (all out 151), except the performance of A. Finlayson, who knocked up a tidy 55. Copeland, for Y.M., had the batsmen thinking, his average of 3 for 28 being good. Y.M.'s chances, unless their batting improves on Saturday, do not appear to be very bright,. they being seven down for 55. \ For Petone, Smyrk was in deadly form with the ball, all seven wickets falling to his credit. At the Kilbirne Reserve, Old Boys and Kilbirnie fought out a hard battle. Although a number of. the Kilbirnie batsmen reached double figures, none was of any great total, and the whole side was out for a modest 141. Duncan was the dangerous man with the ball, taking seven wickets for 57. When time was called, Old Boys, with the loss of three wickets, were 115 up, and therefore are in a very comfortable position.