THE SECOND DEFEAT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 50, 21 May 1927, Page 1

THE SECOND DEFEAT

N.Z. V. MIDDLESEX TO-DAY As pointed out in yesterday’s notes. New Zealand slipped back considerably on the second day’s play, although at one stage the visitors were in a particularly good position. Yesterday, the Maorilanders gradually lost their grip on the match, and Cambridge, largely as a result of a splendid century by Dawson, the captain of the side, won rather easily. This much is clear from the two defeats the team has met with this week: The bowling is not strong enough to give the side a winning chance, unless the bats men can establish a commanding lead. In the game at Cambridge and the previous one against Essex at Leyton, New Zealand was defeated by consistently good batting rather than by anything else.

Dawson, who played such a big part in Cambridge’s victory, succeeded that fine player, H. J. Enthoven, as captain of the Cambridge XI. this year. Dawson made a great reputation as a public school batsman and has already played for the Gentlemen, but in the last two seasons has been somewhat disappointing. His return to his best form will be welcomed in England. MIDDLESEX’S STRONG SIDE Ho-day, the New Zealanders will return to Lord’s, where they did so well in the second game of the tour. Here, they will meet one of the strongest counties in England, Middlesex. Although Middlesex was only sixth on the championship table last year the side led by F. T. Mann had a good deal of bad luck one way and another.

Well-known players whom the New Zealanders will probably meet in this match are F. T. Mann, the captain and a mighty hitter when in form: “Patsy” Hendren, one of England’s greatest batsmen: J. W. Hearne, the famous all-rounder; T. J. Durston, the fast bowler; and G. T. S. Stevens, who played against the Australians last year. All of these players are either bordering on Test match standard or have already played for England.