FIRST OVER

NZ Truth, Issue 1144, 3 November 1927, Page 12

FIRST OVER

Good Opening Games

In Auckland

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Rep.) The summer pastime made a really auspicious start at Auckland on Saturday and both m bowling and batting there were creditable performances. DLAYERS m all grades appeared to * welcome the change to flannels, and throughout the afternoon there was an atmosphere of enthusiasm. A good deal of interest centred m the initial appearance of Langridge, the new Sussex pro., who has been allotted to Ponsonby. United Suburbs, the latest addition to the Cricket Association, were the opponents of Ponsonby and at one stage appeared as though they were to signalize their entry by a meritorious win. Only Snedden seemed to show any resistance to Suburbs' attack and the first eight wickets only took the score to 55. Langridge, when he appeared to take the crease, was accorded a hearty welcome. He was very closely and critically watched. The Sussex man is a left-hander with a finished style, showing graceful action and clever placing. His innings, unfortunately, was short, for he had only reached the devil's number when he was dismissed by a really brilliant running catch. He was at the wicket long enough, however, to demonstrate that he will be a great acquisition to the game m the north. There were flashes of really brisk batting m the V.M.C.A. — Varsity match and an 81 by Bowley had many delightful features. The coach hit all round the wicket and was m great form. Elliott, last year of North Shore, opened with the Sussex batsman and set a solid foundation with a well played 51. Don Miller, for the brief period he was at the wicket, showed the utmost disrespect for the bowling of the intellectuals and knocked up two sixes with vigorous strokes.

Leather-Hunting

Varsity do not appear to be too well off for trundlers and could only produce four to share the attack. Matheson, who was last year's "discovery," came out best with 4 for 40, but his fast deliveries have not yet the consistent accuracy attained last season. V.M.C.A. innings terminated with 191 on the board, to which the Varsity had only scraped 56 when play ceased. An impressive start was made by North Shore against last season's champions, Eden, and the respectable total of 220 was compiled before the last wicket fell. A 68 by Frater was the outstanding performance, but some of the colts introduced into ' the Devonport team this season showed pleasing batting promise. Eden was left but ten minutes to bat. The tallest score of the afternoon was that of Grafton, -who gave Parnell an afternoon's leather-hunting. Veteran Ernie Horspool set the side an excellent example and rattled up 87 m his best style. The innings, however, was not a oneman show, Pope and Goodwin getting close on the 40's, while five others had double figures. Parnell's attack was almost com j pletely collared and no fewer than six bowlers were tried.