Stumping Wizard

NZ Truth, Issue 1208, 24 January 1929, Page 6

Stumping Wizard

IN cricket circles no name is better known than that of R. W. Rowntree, the Auckland wicket -'keeping wizard whose representative^ career dates back nearly two decades. Years ago, 'when cricket m this country was regarded as being well below par, Rowntree's wicket-keeping was of such a class that critics -were forced to admit that m at least one department of the game New Zealand could boast perfection. „. , Overseas teams have since testified to . the power behind the sticks when Richard "William R. has donned the gloves to take his place as the Dominion's white-flannelled aunty-Bally. This is saying much, for Australian land English cracks have a far wider opportunity of judging the import of wicket-keeping, than have we of these. Isles. . ■• . With 45 up m his life's innings,RoSvntree is qualifying for veteran honors, but by his delightful exhibition m the recent Dunedin Plunket Shield match, his "retirement" can be post-, dated to about 1939. ' . . A pair of hands as sure as a rabbittrap, infallible eyesight, skill and nerve, with just .enough, polish to make spectacular execution — -that is Dick's make-up for the popping-crease. ■ Elsewhere — affable, unassuming, solidly-built, bronzed-faced Yorkshireman — the place where they make sauces and Sutcliffes.