With Bat and Ball

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 261, 25 January 1928, Page 11

With Bat and Ball

A Cricket Causerie

tlard w UP to re P res entative stanZlnion a of b T m E n r t ' , E - Cof cricket at 'the' . Wl J l , telawr , captain School. the dockland Grammar The r l whi h thr ° w a bomb at him.” that bnmh h a to be some thing inside that bomb besides the core of a cricket Final Plunket Shield Team leave° which evening ti" Wellington express this (twelfth’ man).' We '"’ a " d * * * Anthony, Hendy, Mills, Player, and matoh tree ' VIU not be available for the wnf he samst . Manaw atu. The team tVL 1 1, completed for that game by pi.™ “Tv. 01 Bush, Whitelaw, and now nin' i° £ the ;j unior representatives, now playing at Wellington. . I Brilliant Australian Colt Cl ? iQ v.t Jackson haa been through a lirb*.? r !i‘nli y ,• stranKe experience in his l l® t rSt ' Cla f cricket. Though still in Ills teens, he has played in 10 firstclass matches, seven last season, and three recently. i n his first innings a i r SO h ?, had a singular succession of small scores: 5, 4. 4,4, o, 42, and 4 These have been followed ’this year by 104, 2,6, In his second innings, note the difference—B6, 100, 56 not out, 69 not out, 104 not out, and * * * M. A. Noble—New South Wales Coach On the recommendation of the State selection committee, M. A. Noble has been appointed coach to the first-class players in New South Wales, says a Sydney writer. Noble was in his day a great all-round cricketer—possibly the greatest Australia has produced, who won unds’ing fame as a captain. He is often voted leader of imaginative “world teams” of all time by those critics who seek to go higher than test cricket. * * * Wellington’s Decisive Win The match, which really decides more than any other the holders of the Plunket Shield for the ensuing season, Wellington v. Otago, at Dunedin, has ended in a decisive victory for the men of the windy city by 10 wickets, and with that Wellington has as good as regained the treasured tro-

phy which she lost last January at Eden Park., All interest has not yet died, however, for Auckland has yet to try her strength with her erstwhile rivals of the South, and although Wellingtonians have little reason to fear that the shield will be snatched from their very grasp, a win by our men would do much to make up for the loss of the emblem of cricket supremacy in the Dominion. The game promises to be a veritable clash of the giants, and it is indeed a pity that the resting-place of the Plunket Shield cannot be decided by the result.

Visit of the Australians Now that the itinerary of the Australian eleven’s tour of New Zealand has been finalised, to suit as near as possible the wishes of the various associations, nothing remains to be done but await and prepare for the coming of Victor Richardson and his men. A cable message stated that all but one of the players originally in • vited had accepted the Australian Board of Control’s invitation to tour, but it is understood that both Blackie and Woodfull had reviously expressed doubt about being able to make the trip. It will be a dsappointment if the redoubtable Victorian does not come, as New Zealanders are looking forward to seeing the man Who, although then a newcomer to test cricket, headed the batting averages .of the last Australian team at Home.

High Scoring Match Recalled The Otago-Wellington Plunket Shield match recalls the record scoring match four years ago between these two provinces. In that game a grand total of 1905 urns were scored for the loss of 40 wicTzets. This is the highest total ever made in a Plunket Shield match, and it is one of the

highest made in a first-class match in any part of the world. 'it finds a place in the records of Wisden. Wellington won the o-ame by 145 runs. They made 560 and 465, and Otago made 385 and 495. Otago, who had fourth use of the wicket, were ■is-* 'T’Vlf* e-HTTlft was

set 641 runs to win. The game was also remarkable for the number or centuries scored, seven in all being notched. For Wellington, A. Baker made 143, B. J. Kortlang 103. H. M. McGirr 117, J- S. Hiddlestcn 100. and D C. Collins 114. R. Worker made 106 and J. McMullan 111 for Ota, >. In 'addition, in the second innings of Otago, Worker made 94, and J. She - herd 92. * , * Wellington's Answer to Its Critics For some reas-n not made known, Wellington did not play the Nelson coach J S. Taylor, against Otago, after all the controversy on the mat That they did not withhold him ‘T™ the spirit of the game” is very evident from the reply to the A u '--k“ . n j t ’picket Association, made on b h nf Of the Wellir- ton Association by Mr P B Broad, in a Wellington M the i .tended action oi that vehemently defended optin' winch t was C crUicised°by t the A.C A. shall be allowed to gay association . professional ot anotnei the . district of thejirst association#

Cricketers’ Mannerisms The unconscious mannerisms of first-class cricketers are an interesting study. For many . years as a bowler George Giffen always went throu h the motion of wetting the second linger of his bowling hand on his lips, yet he never touched the lips v J. M. Blackham Was always at the same stage of preparation on his way to bat. At the gate he was fastening his left batting glove with the bat tucked under his left arm, but ID feet inside

the gate he took the. bat in his right hand and it as walking-stick. Warwick Armstrong is too recent for anyone to forget the rolling up of that shirt sleeve preparatory to each ball, and the certainty with which l the sleeve always

s rolled down again. I once suggested to him (says a Melbourne writer) that if he rolled it in instead of out it would stay up, but he didn’t want it to stay up. It had become part of his bowling action, so had to keep on coming down. * * * CLOSE FINISH AT PAPATOETOE For the third time this season a close finish provided a thrill for the followers of the game at Papatoetoe. In the University match, the last University wicket fell in the last over of the day, to give Papatoetoe a win on the first innings. Against Eden, the last Eden batsman came in seven minutes before time, to hold up his wicket, and enabled his team to register a win on the first innings, and again on Saturday, the last wicket stand of the Y.M.C.A. team prevented Papatoetoe getting a four-pointer.

The game was continued from the previous Saturday, when Papatoetoe made 337 in its first innings and Y.M.C.A. had one down for 19. Y.M.C.A. carried its total to 133 before the last wicket fell, and of these Stallworthy played patiently and correctly for 37. After the afternoon tea adjournment Y.M.C.A. followed on, and when the last man came in at 6.20, and its total at 98, things looked very rosy for Papatoetoe. However, this last pair was still undefeated at 7 o’clock, when the total was 162. A word of praise is due to the Y.M.C.A. batsmen, who attacked the bowling all the way through and did not adopt any stonewalling tactics. Especially was this the case in Paton’s innings. He scored treely, especially on the leg side, and fully deserved his- 72 not out. With the ball, honours of the day fell to Kerr, who got a total of nine wickets for 74 runs. Dr. Valentine accounted for four wickets for 28, and 4., Burnside was next °n the list with three for 84.

SUBURBAN NOTES

Luck Was On His Side E. McNeil’s 89 for Glen Eden cannot be called a chanceless innings. ™f° J l ”}®® he was lucky to get home without being run out, and more than once he scored off lucky snicks over slips heads. He did show. judgment, however, in his pull to leg. The field was surprisingly vacaht here, and McNeil took full advantage of it. First-Class Bowling Bowiing was of a high standard in the Glen Eden-Green Lane match. Consequently scoring was low. Kerr showed he has not lost his sting and added another to a fine, list of performances. He was a thorn in the side of Green Lane, taking nine wickets for 73 runs. There is a good understanding between Kay, the wicket-keeper, and Kerr, as witness the three catches and one stumping behind wickets off the bowler.

More Good Bowling Wroath had perhaps slightly better figures than Kerr. He took fewer wickets certainly, but they were taken at an average of five runs apiece. The batting was more uniform in Glen Eden’s innings, and this adds merit to Wroath’s bowling. It is a wonder that Watts did not keep him longer at the crease, Kendall bowling for quite a time in his place. * * * An Acquisition Shepherd, who joined Green Lane early in the season, came on for the first time since the New Year. He has a fine variety of strokes and is not afraid to hit out. His defence is sound and he should make good scores soon. His 43 against Glen Eden’s bowling was a great effort among a lot of mediocre scores. *' * * Two Good Bats The respective displays of Paxton (25) and Badeley (22), for Harbour Board were treats to watch. Both men excel in fast hitting and hard driving. A pleasing feature of the play of both is the manner in which they cover each ball, whether played or punched. Badeley’s jabs/through slips were cleverly executed and received well-merited applause. Fielding—And Funnelll A “personification of alertness in the field” is perhaps the best description of Funnell at point for Ellerslie. His single-action movement when fielding and returning the ball could well be accepted as the best illustration of snappy fielding by his fellowplayers. Good “Keeping!” For Ellerslie against Harbour Board on Saturday, Yates gave a good exhibition of wicket-keeping. Throughout the board’s innings he let only one bve go. He affects a pleasing stance f - hind the “timber,” and gets over toe top of every ball. Shades of Oldfield!

A Good Knock Hopkins, as a rule, likes to step out to them, and on Saturday his method of treating the bowling did not vary. Solidly built, he opens his shoulders to all manner pf bowling, and punishes it severely. He had a number of “lives” during his innings, but otherwise his term at the crease was one of spectacular hitting. His contribution of 53 to Harbour Board’s score was acceptable. Still a Chance Can Harbour Board B rise to the occasion and pass Ponsonby’s 370? It is certainly a hard task with which they are faced. Although Ponsonby has only lost seven wickets it is notlikely that it will resume batting next Saturday. A total of 370 is not the easiest thing in the world to pass, and the “Poiyes” will try for an inning’s victory. It looks a very slim chance of Harbour B winning, but it is not impossible. If Ponsonby declares, Harbour Board will have all afternoon to knock up 370. If the dry weather continues, the bowlers can hardly hope for good averages, and the batsmen should reap a harvest of runs. Pongonby bowlers will be trying their best, so it is up to Harbour Board B to show its mettlf with the bat.

A Promising Trundler Playing for Tamaki against Takanini in the third grade suburban competition on Saturday, Hill, a young trundler, captured 15 wickets at the very small cost of 34 runs.

LODGE MATCHES

A redrawing of the second round of the A section owing to the withdrawal of Wynyard left only one match to play last Saturday. Alberta and Remuera clashed, and a keen game ended in Remuera’s favour, a result which places Remuera at t.he head of the section, and gives it the satisfaction of being the only team to, so far, come best in a match with Alberta.

Remuera batted first, and by careful playing carried its score to 8l for the innings. Lyons 38, Cory 17, and Robinson 11, being the mainstay of the batting. Remuera’s steadiness saved it during this innings, for the Alberta bowlers are noted for the few loose balls sent down during an innings, and, backed up by keen fielding, they require constant watching. Buckle proved the pick of- the bowlers and took four for 13 runs. Graham took three for 15, Atkinson two for 25, while Moyle took one for 21.

A nice opening stand of 33 for the first wicket looked well for Alberta, but the other hvickets fell fairly cheaply, and had it not been for a last-wicket stand, they would not have reached Remuera’s score. As it was the last wicket fell at 91, 10 runs more than their opponents. Buckle showed his capabilities as an all-rounder by top scoring with 29, Hewson made 18 not out, while Mitchell contributed 15 toward the score. Dunning proved Remuera’s best bowler. He took five wickets for 17 runs, whil x e Snell took three for 16.

Remuera again batted steadily, especially after its best batsman, Lyons, was unfortunately run out, and again scored 81 for the innings. Cory, who is showing up as a batsman, scored 23, Noble 13 not out, Potter 12, and Hamilton 10, also reached the double figures. Buckle again proved Alberta’s best bowler by taking three wickets for 11 runs, but Satchell ran him close with two for 14. This player should become a force to be reckoned with before the competition finishes, for he appears to be paying more attention to sending down a good length ball than was the case earlier in the season, and as a result is meeting with success. Mitchell took one for 10, Moyle one for 16, and Atkinson two for 24. During this innings, Alberta’s fielding became very lax; the men only half-heartedly gathering in the ball, and by the time Alberta’s turn came to bat it seemed as if the sting was taken out of the team. The team’s batting display, when only 72 runs were required, was dismal. Against the bowling of Robinson and Hamilton, only Hewson seemed at home, and he was unlucky enough to hit his wicket in playing back to Robinson. The rest either poked or scratched, while at the crease with the inevitable result, a quick return to the bank. Hamilton finished up the innings with a bag of five wickets for 12 runs, while Robinson took the rest for 26 runs.

AMENDED

AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS NEW ITINERARY AUCKLAND DATES CHANGED CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. Following is the amended itinerary for the Australian cricketers’ New Zealand tour: — s V. Nelson, at Nelson, February 15 and V. Wellington, at Wellington, February 17, 18 and 20. V. North Otago, at Oamaru, February 22 and 23. . or V. Otago, at Dunedin, February 24, 25 and 27. _ _ V. Southland, at Invercargill, February 28 and 29. V. Canterbury, at Christchurch, March 2, 3 and 5. V. Waikato, at Hamilton, March 7 and 8. V. Auckland, at Auckland, March a, 10 and 12. V. Taranaki, at New Plymouth, March 14 and 15. V. Wanganui, at Wanganui, March 16 and 17. V. Poverty Bay, at Gisborne, March 20 and 21. First test at Auckland, March 24, 26 and 27. Second test at Dunedin, March 31, April 2 and 3. - AUCKLAND SATISFIED At last evening’s meeting of the Management Committee of the Auckland Cricket Association, Mr. N. C. Snedden reported having had a telephone ring from Mr. Dan Reese, of Christchurch, stating that the New Zealand Council* could put the Auckland v. Australia match forward to March 9, 10 and 12. Mr. Snedden’s action in accepting those dates on behalf of the Auckland Association was endorsed. Mr. E. E. Nalder (chairman) said Auckland would be quite satisfied with the change, as although Dacre would have left, they would be able to play E. H. Bowley and J. Langridge, who leave for England on March 17. A letter from the Eden Cricket Club pointed out that as four of its regular senior team would be away in Wellington, in addition to Mr. Hockin, one of the emergencies, it would be difficult to place a team in the field if matches were played on Monday next. The club asked for reconsideration of the matter. ' Mr. E. C. Beale moved, pro forma, and Mr. J. H. Miller seconded, that the previous resolution deciding to play on Monday be rescinded, but the motion was defeated.

CLUB FIXTURES

A.CA, MATCH-LIST SATURDAY AND MONDAY The usual club cricket fixtures will be played in Auckland on Saturday in addition to which all-day matches will be played on Monday (Anniversary Day). The draw for the two days is as follows: Saturday’s Matches First Grade.—Ponsonby v. Grafton, Eden Park No. 3: United Suburbs y. Eden, Eden Park No. 2; Parnell v. University, Eden Park No. 1; North Shore v. Y.M.C.A., North Shore. Senior B Grade. —Parnell v. Ponsonby, Victoria Park; Papatoetoe v. North Shore, B, Papatoetoe; University v. Y.M.C.A., Domain No. 4; Eden v. North Shore A, North Shore. Second Grade A.—Parnell v. Eden, Eden Park No. 4: University v. North Shore, North Shore; Y.M.C.A. v. Balmoral, Domain No. 5. Second Grade B.—All Saints v. Windmill, Victoria Park; Ponsonby v. Epsom. United, Domain No. 9; Grafton v. Takapuna, Victoria Park. Third Grade A.—Eden v. Birkdale. Birkdale: “Herald” v. Remtiera, Domain No. 10; North Shore v. Bycroft's, North Shore; Grafton, a bye; Papatoetoe v. Western Springs, Papatoetoe; Balmoral A v. All Saints, Eden Park No. 5; Northcote v. Windmill. Victoria Park; Mount Albert V. Technical Old Boys, Mount Albert. Third Grade 8.—W.Y.M.1. v. City. Domain Xo. 13; Henderson v. Onehunga, Henderson; Comrades v. Glebe, Domain No. S; Y.M.C.A., a bye; Swanson v.

Balmoral B, Swanson; Western United v. C.C.C.C., Domain No. 12; Point Chevalier v. Parnell, Domain No. 16. Fourth Grade A.—Birkdale v. “Herald,” Birkdale; All Saints v. Y.M.C.A., Domain No. 14; Comrades v. Takapuna, Takapuna; Eden A v. St. George’s Outer Domain No. 1; Onehunga v. Te Rami, Onehunga. Fourth Grade B.—Ponsonby v. Unity, Victoria Park; Victoria, a bye; North Shore B v. Cambria, Puhunui; All Saints B v. Mount Albert, Outer Domain No. 2; Swanson V. Eden B, Swanson; Point Chevalier, a bye. Fixtures For Monday First Grade.—Ponsonby v. Y.M.C.A., Eden Park No. 2; United Suburbs v. Grafton, Eden Park No. 3; Parnell v. Eden, Eden Park No. 1; North' Shore v. University, North Shore. Senior B Grade.—-Parnell v. North Shore A, Domain No. 4; Papatoetoe v. Ponsonby, Papatoetoe; University v. North Shore B, North Shore; Eden v. Y.M.C.A., Eden Park No. 4. Second Grade A.—Parnell v. University, Domain No. 8: Eden v. Balmoral, Domain No. 9; Y.M.C.A. v. North Shore, North Shore. Second Grade B.^—All Saints v. Ponsonby, Victoria Park; Windmill V. Takapuna, Victoria Park; Grafton v. Epsom United, Domain No. 5. Third Grade A.—Eden v. Northcote, Eden Park No. 5; “Herald” v. Birkdale, Birkdale; North Shore v. Remuera, North 1 Shore; Grafton v. Bycrofts, Victoria Park; Papatoetoe, a bye; Balmoral A v. Western Springs. Domain No. 13; Mount Albert v. Windmill, Mount Albert; Technical Old Boys v. All Saints, Victoria Park. Third Grade 8.—W.Y.M.1. v. Western United, Domain No. 12; Henderson v. City, Henderson; Comrades v. Onehunga, Onehunga; Y.M.C.A. v. Glebe, Domain No. 14; Swanson, a bye; Balmoral B* v. Parnell, Domain No. 16; Point Chevalier v. C.C.C.C., Victoria Park. Fourth Grade A.—Onehunga, a bye; Birkdale. a bye; All Saints v. “Herald,” Outer Domain No. 1: Comrades v. Y.M.C.A., Outer Domain No. 2; Eden A v. Takapuna, Takapuna; St. George's v. Te Rami, Grey Lynn Park. Fourth Grade B.—Ponsonby v. Point Chevalier, Domain No. 10; Victoria v. Community, Grey Lynn Park; North oiiore B, a bye; All Saints B v. Cambria, Puhunui; Swanson v. Mount Albert, Swanson; Eden B. a bye.

HAURAKI PLAINS CRICKET

THE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS TURUA LEADS COMPETITION (From Our Own Correspondent) NGATEA, Tuesday.'. The Hauraki Plains Cricket Association’s inter-club competitions are now midway through the second round, and the secretary of the association, Mr. F. L. Wallis, advises that the championship points of the teams are as follow: Turua, 17; Waitakaruru, 10; Kaihere, 11; Kopuarahi, 11; Ngatea, 9; Pipiroa, 5; and Orongo, 2. The Waitakaruru and the Kopuarahi teams will replay their firstround match, which was abandoned on the breaking of the only regulation ball on the ground, if the result is likely to affect the winning of the competition. Four matches are yet to be played by the Kopuarahi, Turua, and Waitakaruru teams, but the N»atea. Orongo, Pipiroa, and Kaihere teams have yet to have their byes.

ROTORUA BOWLING

NEXT MONTH’S TOURNEY THE SECTION DRAW I (From Our Own Correspondent) ROTORUA, To-day. Following is the section draw for the Rotorua Bowling: Tournament, which begins on Monday, February 6: Section A. —l Carlton (Ritchie); 2 Onehunga (Robertson); 3 Grey Lynn (Buckley) ; 4 Remeura (Bray); 5 Rawhiti (Thomson); 6 West End*(Ure); 7 City (Sydney) (Boylan); 8 Poverty Bay (Wilkinson); 9 Ponsonby (Letham); 10 Devonport (Pascoe); 11 Auckland (Moir). Section B. —l Auckland (M. Walker); 2 Rocky Nook (Jenkin); 3 Carlton (Clarke); 4 Remuera (Kissling); 5 Ellerslie (Godfrey); 6 Grey Lynn (Whittle); 7 Papatoetoe (Smytheman); 8 Wellington (Marriott); 9 Rawhiti (Macpherson); 10 Ponsonby (Kelly); 11 West End (Bremner). Section C. — 1 Wellington (Hill).; 2 Ponsonby (Parsons); 3 Poverty Bay (Hartley); 4 Rotorua (Brown); 5 Carlton (Perry); 6 Whitiora (Higgott); 7 New Lynn (Wells); S Epsom (Blanchard); 9 Masterton (Kerr); 10 Otahuhu (Harper); 11 Devonport (Lowe). Section D.— l Remuera (Russell); 2 Rotorua (Pakes); 3 Auckland (Scantle bury); 4 West End (Garry); 5 Ellerslie (Dickson); 6 Carlton (Truscott); 7 Waitemata (Potter); 8 Whakatane (Forrest); 9 Gisborne (Sinclair); 10 St. Heliers (Keys); 11 Masterton (Ewington). Section E. —l Rotorua (Loffley) ; 2 Remuera (G. Walker); 3 Taneatua (Ferguson); 4 Dominion Road (Ramsay); 5 Carlton (Coltman); G Whakatane (Ramson); 7 Tauranga (Moncur); 8 Hamilton (N. Bell); 9 Mount Albert (Thomas); 10 St. Leonards (Maher); 11 M orrinsville (Branch).

MT. ALBERT TOURNEY

ENTRY OF RINKS The following skips have entered teams for the full rink tournament at the Mount Albert green on Monday next: Allely, Blamires, Bromley, Buckley, Clark, Dawson, Floyd. Francis, Jones, Pook, Randall, Stevens, J. Thomas, Tomlinson, Whittle. There are a few vacancies.

JNTER-CLUB TEAMS

The following teams have been selected to represent the Papatoetoe Bowl - ing Club in an interclub match with Dominion Road Club on Saturday:— # At Papatoetoe.—McConky, Runcirnan, De Ath, Hall; Wills, aDisley, Nesbitt, Wilcox; Trimble, Nettlingham, Couling, Knight; Hosking, Gillard, Wilson, Smytheman. , At Dominion Road. —A. Ritchie. C. Ritchie, Balderson, Mclvor; Moe, Watson, W. Brown, Rawnsley; H. Bryant, Booth, O’Loughlin, Tidmarsh; S. McCullough, Whyte, Crawford. Andrew.