CRICKET.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 358, 12 February 1937, Page 2

CRICKET.

(By “Late-cut.”) If the Stratford A team has been unfortunate to be beaten by small margins on several occasions this season, it can have surely no complaint about its narrow defeat last Saturday at Patea: for at least half the Stratford batstnen literally threw their w-ickets aw-ay to Edw-ards, the Patea slow bowler, who secured the surprisingly good figures of nine for 66. Although these are flattering Bgur-s the tact remains that Edwards was bowling really w-ell and certainly should not have been treated with the liberty that several oi the batsmen took.

Of the batsmen Hall (35) ana B| ere (14) were the only doublefigure scorers and the only batsmeZ to play the bowling with any confidence. However, it must be ad mitted that the wicket was a bowler's paradise.

Bowling for Stratford E. Cole (thr; e for two), Beere (four for 46) and Hunter (one for 13), all trundled well. Cole, a veteran of 62 summer; and for many years a provincial

i -presentative, bowled with considerable sting and r markable accuracy to secure his wickets at less than one run apiece. In keenness, fitness and enthusiasm this grand old player can give points to many young players 40 yt ars his junior.

Stratford B in Itj3 game against Hawera T.H.S. was able to compile only 47 runs in the first innings (Tocker 10, Aldridge 10). Then H.T.H.S. replied with 63. Collins who came on late, took five for nine in four overs. The consistent Pollard took three for 18, while Stallard assisted handsomely with a useful two for eight.

Batting vigorously in the second innings Stratford declared at 78 for five (Collins 27, Tocker 25, not out, and Faulkner 22). H.T.H.S. then set about stonewalling so as to secure a win on the first innings and at stumps had lost seven wickets for 25 runs—a rather tame ending to what might have been a good game had the schoolboys elected to take a few risks.

Against S.T.H.S., on the School ground, Opunake was able to reach only 59 in its first innings. The wickets were secured by Anderson taking five for 17 and B. Ryburn three for 13. Both of these young players are very hostile bowlers, who take a good deal of keeping out. School, in its reply, had lost seven for 30 w-hen I. Ryburn (on holiday from Otago Universily and au old boy of the school) and Foley (who

joins.' the school this year), became associated with such effect that the innings closed only at 140. Ryburn contributed a splendid knock for 7” and Foley an attractive innings of 27 Both batsmen are to be congratulat ed on a very fine stand.

In the second innings Opunake attacked the bowling to sc or 139 for ■ ght. The best bowling figures were secured by Anderson (four for 51) and B. Ryburn (two for 37)