CLAUDELANDS PREVAIL

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20735, 20 February 1939, Page 13

CLAUDELANDS PREVAIL

COMPETITION GAMES RESUME HAMILTON SPRING SURPRISE J. EVEREST’S RETURN TO FORM Leaders In the Hamilton Senior A cricket competition, Hamilton East were defeated by Claudelands on Saturday, suffering 1 their first loss of the season. Although it is unlikely on their past performances that East will be overtaken for their leading position, for they still hold a fourpoint margin over Claudelands, it is expected that the latter will play them to a close finish. Claudelands batted on the first day against East and ran up 194 runs. This total was too formidable for East, whose early batsmen were somewhat slow in getting going against the accurate trundling of the Lyon brothers, and T. Lyon had three of them when 21 runs were up. Going made amends to some extent, but his 37 was not enough to ensure victory for East. T. Skeet (27) tried to carry the score forward, and apart from him and Jackson (16), the later batsmen failed badly. The whole side was out for 148, leaving Claudelands victorious by 46 runs on the first Innings.

Another surprise was sprung on Saturday when Hamilton, who had only four points in the competition table, defeated Old Boys on the first innings. Hamilton set Old Boys a difficult problem the previous week when they compiled 234. Old Boys could do no better than reach the double century when they replied, and thus left Hamilton victorious by 34 runs. J. Everest Bats Well When Hamilton batted again tor wards the end of the afternoon J. Everest, who has failed to strike batting form of late, came to light with a brilliant and aggressive unconquered 50. He should be more confident in the future and it would not be surprising to find him again included in the Waikato eleven. Everest was ably suported by O. Harding, whose 43 not out was marked by some superb driving and splendid cover shots. Harding has showed better form this season than he has since he Joined Senior A ranks, and more should be heard of this colt, who reveals definite promise. Bowling honours on the day were fairly evenly shared, hut several are worth noting. Pedrotti, for Hamilton, captured three for 11 when he was put on late In the game, while T. Lyon ''Claudelands) did a great deal towards ensuring victory for his team against East by taking four for 36.