CRICKET

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 December 1939, Page 6

CRICKET

PLUNKET SHIELD. WELLINGTON v. AUCKLAND. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Plunket Shield cricket match between Auckland, the holders, and Wellington, which commenced on Saturday at the Basin Reserve on a firm wicket and fast outfield, was remarkable for the collapse of both sides. Auckland had first strike, and good bowling by Pritchard, Lamason. and Ashenden saw the whole side dismissed for the small total of 134. W. M. Wallace, the Auckland captain, was the only batsman to shape confidently, and he played an enterprising innings for 47. Weak as had been the Auckland batting dislay, Wellington could only head the northerners' total by 30 runs. Du Chateau and Hepburn gave the side a good start by putting on 44 for the first-wicket, but Cleverley, Weir and Matheson bowled so well that the total only reached 164. The fact that the wicket was lively no doubt accounted for the double batting collapses. It is long since two innings were completed in the one day on a good wicket in a Plunket Shield match, and credit must be given to the bowlers. Auckland, when stamps were drawn on Saturday evening, had lost one wicket for 18 runs in their second innings. 1 Resuming in perfect weather at 2 p.m. yesterday. H. T. Pearson and V. S. Sale made a stand which completely redeemed the fortunes of the Auckland team. The pair put on 146 for the second wicket, Pearson scoring 50 and Sale going on to reach 97. Weir hit lustily for an even half-century. Nine wickets were drawn for 254 runs when stumps were drawn at 6 o'clock. OTAGO v. CANTERBURY. CENTURY TO DONNELLY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH. December 25. The scores in the Otago v Canterbury match so far are: — Canterbury: First innings, 374 (Donnelly 104, Anderson not out, 79, O’Brien 65, Hadlee 58 (Lemin, 5 for 96): second innings. 36 for 2 (Hadlee, not out. 23. Donnelly, not out, 20). Otago:—First inning. 249 (Robertson, not. 83. Fraser. 47, Elmes. 46; Mcßae, 4 for 58). RESUMPTION OF PLAY DELAYED. FOLLOWING HEAVY RAIN. CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Following heavy overnight rain the resumption of the Plunket Shield match Canterbury v Otago was delayed till later in the day. The wicket is to be further inspected at noon.