SPORTING TRIBUTE TO N.Z. CRICKETERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 185, 26 October 1927, Page 13

SPORTING TRIBUTE TO N.Z. CRICKETERS

SIDE PRAISED AT HOME FIVE COACHES ARRIVE (Special to THE SUN.) WELLINGTON, To-day. “They did not sit and wait for it, but went right on with the job/’ This sporting tribute to the performance of the New Zealand cricketers in the Old Country comes from E. H. Bowiey. the

noted English coach, who is again in the Dominion in the interests of the game. Four other English coaches who, with j Rowley, lined the rail of the Corintliic i this morning, were generous in their praise of the Dominion side at Home, ;l nd gave the impression that the Eng- ; lish public was surprised and delighted with the, showing made by the young eleven. Bowiey and .T. Langridge, both of Sussex, go to Auckland; L. C. Eastman (Essex) goes to Dunedin; B. B. Wilson (Yorkshire) to New Plymouth, and J. A. Newman (Hampshire) to Christ- ; church. All will remain in New Zealand coaching till the middle of March next. It is universally conceded by the visitors that New Zealand performed better than was expected, and, as Bowiey said, the further they went the better showing they made. While admitting that the bowling let the side down to some extent, Bowiey said that all it wants is plenty of cricket to make it a splendid side. Jt was already a fine batting side, and did not hesitate to tackle anything that came. A FORMIDABLE SIDE Eastman, who represented his own county against the New Zealanders, said that as soon as they adapted themselves to English conditions, they became a most formidable side. • They were not afraid to crack the bowling,” he said, “and delighted the English people, because they were young and fearless. One of the greatest tributes ever paid by Englishmen to a cricketer was given to Merritt, whose bowling astounded them. Dacre did some stupendous hitting and created a great impression at Home." Newman expressed disappointment that arrangements had not been made to play in his county, some misunderstanding having prevented the lfatch taking place.

Eastman shared the opinion of Bowley that the bowling - was the weak spot in the eleven. “They lack a real good fast bowler,” he said, “and although they have two slow rig l -handers, they must have slow left-hainders as well. They have fast left-handers now. This would complete a very fine side.” Bernau, who accompanied the coaches, paid a short but gratifying tribute to the hospitality of the players at Home. ‘T never met a finer set of people,” he said. All were agreed on their desire to leave the ship after an exceptionally rough trip. “We have had a rotten spin during the past few days,” Newman said, “so let’s get ashore.” PRACTICE_AT SYDNEY NEW ZEALAND CRICKETERS FORM GREATLY IMPROVED By Cable.-—Press Association.—Copyright SYDNEY, Tuesday. Although they were tired after a night in the train, the New Zealanders to-day commenced work at the nets at the Sydney cricket ground in preparation for the four-days’ match against New South Wales, to be begun on Friday. The visitors say they were a happy family throughout the tour. The performances of Merritt, James and Blunt particularly delighted the crowds. Lowry said the weather in England greatly militated against the financial success of the tour, badly reducing the attendances. It was impossible to expect people to sit shivering in bitterly cold weather watching games. The New South Wales Cricket Association is to give the team an official reception on Thursday. Critics who watched the New Zealanders at the nets to-day were greatly impressed by their form, which has wonderfully improved since they were last seen in action in Sydney. The team to meet New South Wales will not be selected until Friday morning.—A. and N.Z.