CRICKET.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 364, 19 February 1937, Page 2

CRICKET.

e (By “Late-cut.”) | Owing to w’et weather which was experienced over most of South Taranaki last Saturday, only one of the local teams played its last fixture, viz., Stratford B at Patea. The B team has not enjoyed the best of success this season, but at Patea it secured a well-earned victory. Gaining a comfortable lead of 31 on the first innings the team w nt on to consolidate its position in the second strike. Stallard (four for seven), Collins (three for eight), A. Aldridge (two for 11), and Pollard (one for four) all bowled well to, dismiss Patea for the meagre total of 33. Batting in their first innings .Stratford collected 70, thanks chiefly to a useful stand by Faulkner who was credited With 21 and to scores of 12 10 and 10 made by Stallard, Pollard and Hickey respectively. *. * * In its 1 second innings Patf'a did a good deal better, but Faulkner and Collins ran through the tail quickly so that the innings closed at 79 leaving Stratford 51 to win. Faulkner took four dor six in two overs and Collins four for 25. Only with the loss of six .wickets 1 did Stratford reach the required total. Faulkner was again the best scorer with 27, while Bradshaw (20 not out), Brinkhurst (14) and Pollard (13) were also useful contributors'. * * * I The South Taranaki selector is. for [ the most part, to be congratulated upon the team he has selected to meet Rangateiki next Saturday at Hawera. If the local team plays up to form and expectations, it should have no difficulty in securing a victory over the visitors who are unlikely to be at hill strength. M. Beere and McKenzie of the Stratford side have justified the confidence of the selector and are to be congratulated on their inclusion. -x- -x- * It in rather a pity that Patea, which lies second on the championship ladder has bo representative in the team. Edwards, or Pedersen, one would think, deserves a game before Court whose representative days are surely over—in spite of his keenness. Why Kaponga, at the bottom of the ladder, should have more representatives than any other team is still a bit of a mystery. * * * Donnelly apparently gave quite a good account of himself at Auckland. With scores l of 22 and 23 he did satisfactorily, if not brilliantly. H’s fielding was, by all accounts, outstanding. It is a pity that the youthful Ney’ Plymouth player did not make larger scores. With an average of 50 for his first Plunk et. Shield match, he would probably have been selected for the team to tour England. As it is, . with some very promising young players still in the running and eight men picked, his chances cannot be said to be rosy. * * * All. eyes will be on Melbourne for ! the next Test which, incidentally. . will decide the rubber. Much will depend upon the toss and upon Bradman! If the Englishmen can win the toss'and get Bradman cheaply they, have a good chance of winning the game. If not, the odds are in favour of Australia. All cricket lovers Would like to see chance ruled out o far as it can be in cricket. May ! the better team win!