CRICKET.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 352, 5 February 1937, Page 2

CRICKET.

(By '“Late-cut.") Last Saturday Stratford A met their old rivals, Hawera A, and were defeated by them for the second time this* season. The game could have been turned into a draw if Stratford had elected to cease play at 7 o’clock as they were entitled tc do. However, Hawera was given an opporunity to make a win of the same and this they did with two wickets in hand and only a minute or so to spare. The Stratford fielding was a little disappointing at times and a couple of missed chances probably lost the game for the home side. Batting for the local side M. Gray (29), Beere (26), Lay (17), Adlam (17) and Hunter (16) were the most valuable contributors to a score of 158. * * * M. Gray, who opened, played a very useful innings. He Is putting more power into his shots and several of his square cuts to the boundary were delightful to waltch. With enthusiasm and plenty of practice Gnay pould reach ,the top flight of batsmen. * * * The -successful bowlers were Lay (three for 42), Beere (two for 32) and M. Gray (two for 11). All thesf bowlers performed well.

Against Eltham at Eltham, Stratford B were defeated by 21 runs on the first innings. Faulkner (26) wat the only double-figure contributor to the moderate total of 60. In the second innings, however, Cuff played a valuable innings for 41.

Bowling for Stratford, Aldridge performed successfully to secure the excellent figures of six for 32. Stallard secured three for 21 and Clements one for 15.

The High School team playing at Hawera defeated Nolantown by 16 runs on the first innings. School compiled 69 and 94 for seven to Nolantown’s 53.

B. Ryburn batted successfully to secure 36 and 38 respectively. He alto bowled well, sharing the wickets with his brother, I. Ryburn and J. Anderson. The latter secured the excellent figures of six for 12.

There is a certain amount of slovenly fielding noticeable: in local cricket. Of a,II faults In the cjarrxe this is the least lexcusable especially In players who pre young and vigorous, for it Hets down the retet of the team and especially fhe bowlers who often have to keep going in the face of considerable difficulties. The bowlers job is a difficult on): at ,the best of times and wben he is not satisfactorily supported by the field it Is a)n impossible one.