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The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, June 1922

Cricket Club

page 77

Cricket Club.

Sketch of men playing cricket

First Eleven.

Versus Midland.

This, the first game of the season, was marked by good bowling and low scoring, due chiefly to the heavy state of the wicket at Kelburn Park. Victoria batting first, made only 77 (Miles 19, Cousins 13, Broad 12, Barker 11). Midland responded with 41, Watson being the only batsman to reach double figures. The bowling was divided between Cousins (4 for 21), Young (3 for 11) and Lusk (2 for 4). In the second innings Varsity did a little better, compiling 119, due largely to a forceful display by Miles, who was unfortunately obliged to retire after scoring 31. The only other batsmen to reach double figures were Hall (24) and Cousins (18). In Midland's second venture our bowlers came to light and the whole team was disposed of for 23 runs. Lusk took 4 wickets for 4 runs, and Cousins 3 for 13. Victoria thus won by 132 runs.

Versus Thorndon.

This game was also played on Kelburn Park, and the pitch again favoured the bowlers. Thanks to a good stand by Stainton and Harwocd, the opening batsmen, Victoria's first innings realised 160. (Stainton 39, Harwood 26, Lewis 19, Cousins 18, Bellhouse 15 not out, Broad 11). Thorndon replied with 143. Lusk took 5 wickets for 42, Cousins 3 for 43, and Harwood 2 for 15. In the second innings however, disaster fell upon Varsity. With the exception of Lusk none of our batsmen could get going, and the innings closed for 75 (Lusk 25, Broad 10, Cousins 10). For 5 of the wickets Martin, Thorndon's leg break bowler, was responsible. When Thorndon went to the wickets it was a question whether they could get the necessary runs in time. Owing to a forceful innings by Eton, they just managed to do it. This is one of the games in which our team did not show up well. During the last halfhour our fielding became completely demolished. The only successful bowler was Harwood, who secured 4 wickets for 26 runs.

Versus Y.M.C.A.

In this match at Anderson Park we more than made up for our defeat by Thorndon. Y.M.C.A. were disposed of for 115, of which Lynam made 43. The contempt with which this player treated every ball, good and bad alike, seemed to fascinate our players, who dropped him four times, no doubt that they might see a further exhibition of his hitting. Our most successful bowlers were Lewis (3 for 14) and Mackay (3 for 19). It was when Varsity went to the wickets that things began to happen. The best batting display of the season was given by Harwood and Broad, who put on nearly 200 runs between them. At first they were content with two or three boundaries per over, but when they warmed up to their work the hitting was a sight to behold. Both batsmen seemed to take a fiendish delight in hitting the ball over the fence and into the road where the weary fieldsmen had .to chase it. At the end of the first day's play, when the score was 231 for 3 wickets, Varsity declared. (Harwood 108 not out, Broad 69, Joplin 21, and Mackay 11). In their second innings Y.M.C.A. made 86. (Lusk 4 for 26, Harwood 3 for 16, and Cousins 2 for 19). Victoria won by an innings and 30 runs.

Versus Wellington College, at College.

College opened and compiled 184. Nelson (34) and James (37), each played a fine innings, and Berry played a very safe and solid game for 37. It was in this game that our captain came to light as a bowler. His tempting slows were too much for the Collegians, who could not resist having a good whang at what appeared to be a simple ball. He finished up with 5 wickets for 35. The other wickets were taken by Cousins (3 for 43) and Joplin (2 for 6). Victoria replied with 199 for wickets. At the fall of the seventh wicket things were not looking very bright, page 78 but a partnership between Stainton and Barker saved the situation. The chief scorers were Harwood (47), Stainton (46) not out, Smith (24), Mackay (17), Barker (15), and Lewis (14). In the second innings Nelson (31), and James (41), again scored well for College, and assisted by Mackenzie (34) raised the total to 160. Stainton took 4 wickets for 44, Joplin 2 for 3, Harwood 2 for 45, and Lewis 1 for 16 Our second venture opened very badly indeed. The two College bowlers, Renner" and Wilson, each found a spot, and to make matters worse, kept on it. Not that they were left respectfully alone. Barker, for example, had bought a new bat, and broke it by gently hitting two beautiful sixes. The second time the ball lodged securely in a cabbage tree, and the game was temporarily suspended while it was being recovered. Batting a man short, Varsity were all out for 74 (Barker 1 5, Murray 12, Stainton 10) fifteen minutes before time, thus losing by 61 runs.

Versus Wellington, at Duppa Street.

Another disaster. Who of us will forget the gentle breeze that blew that day! Our bowlers, by aiming about ten yards away from the wicket, sometimes bowled a straight ball. The batsmen had to commenco their strokes before the bowler started to run, owing to the resistance of the wind. Indeed Murray made one hit at the ball which missed, but so strong was the wind that his bat split. In the first innings, batting two men short. Varsity scored 145. Bellhouse, coming from windy Auckland, was naturally in his element, and scored 31 in about 2 overs. The other batsmen who succeeded in hitting the ball were Broad (26), Lusk (22), Joplin (18 not out) and Stainton (15). Wellington replied with the staggering total of 292, for which Anderson (113) and Wilson (74) were chiefly to blame. Bowling for Victoria, Cousins took 6 wickets, Mackay 1 and Lewis 1. In the second innings Victoria did a little better, reaching 220. The star batsmen on this occasion were Broad (67) and Murray, who scored 41 with vigorous cricket. Other scorers were Joplin (33) and Cousins (28).

Although less than half an hour was left for play, Wellington made a desperate effort to secure enough runs to give them a three pointer, but though they secured 67 for 1 wicket, they were 8 runs short at the close of play.

Versus Railways, at Duppa Street.

This was another decided win for Varsity. Railways, batting first, made 49, Lusk (4 for 16), and Joplin (3 for 12), doing all the damage. Not content with this, Joplin then went in to bat, and made 74 not out. When six wickets had fallen for 141, Stainton declared. The other scorers were Stainton (25), Lusk (17), and Broad (11). Railways, returning to the wickets, bad put on 83 for 5 wickets at the close of the first day's play, and did not continue on the following Saturday. Stainton's slow breaks were responsible for 4 wickets at the cost of 36 runs, Lusk securing the fifth.

Versus Poneke, at Newtown Park.

This, if we omit the Thorndon match, was the most exciting game of the season. Victoria College in the first innings made 154. With the exception of Broad, who is always expected to make a score, none of the opening batsmen got going, and eight wickets fell for 96 runs. Fortunately Barker and Lewis then made a decided stand and brought the tally up to 154. The chief scorers were Broad (43), Barker (35), Lewis (24 not out), and Cousins (15).

Poneke then commenced their innings, and at the close of the first day's play had lost eight wickets for 148. When play was resumed the following Saturday, the ninth wicket fell after four runs had been added. The last man was nearly caught in the slips first ball, but the score was raised to 179 before the last wicket fell. The wickets were taken by Cousins (4 for 49), Stainton (3 for 37), Lusk (2 for 48). and Joplin (1 for 19).In the second innings Varsity's batting improved considerably. Harwood in particular, was in good form, and again reached the coveted century. At the fall of the eighth wicket for 261 runs Stainton declared. (Harwood 112, Barker 28 not out. Cousins 28, Lewis 21, Lusk 17 not out, Smith 13, Joplin 10, Broad 10). Poneke started fairly well, but at the fall of the fourth wicket began to get rattled, and were all disposed of for 119. Lusk (3 for 10). Harwood (2 for 24), Stainton (2 for 25), Cousins (1 for 50). Varsity thus won by 11 7 runs.

Versus Petone, at Petone.

This game was played on the Petone Oval, on a batsman's wicket. Varsity's first inuings realised 205 (Barker 38, Harwood 33, Lewis 26, Stainton 23, Lusk 21, Joplin 18, Broad 15, and Bellhouse 14). Petone replied with a very patient innings for 87. (Cousins 3 for 30, Lusk 2 for 15, Stainton 2 for 25. and Harwood 1 for 12). Their second attempt, which was even more patient, realised 150. (Harwood 5 for 19, Joplin 3 for 30, Bellhouse 1 for 14). The runs necessary for a three pointer were secured at the cost of two wickets (Murray 14, Cousins 12, Bellhouse 10 not out.)

page 79

Versus Kilbirnie, at Kelburn Park.

This was another of our off days. Varsity's first innings closed for 08. (Broad 21, Barker 19, Anderson 14 not out, Murray 13). Kilbirnie batting steadily, replied with 216. Harwood took 4 wickets for 73, Lusk 3 for 58, Station 1 for 34, Cousins 1 for 34. In the second innings Broad evidently decided to have a shot at the century. At about ten to six he reached the nineties, but owing to his anxiety to complete the hundred before 6 o'clock, was bowled when 95 had been reached. The innings remained unfinished with six wickets down for 180.

Versus Old Boys, at Kelburn Park.

This, the last game of the season, was another triumph for our bowlers. Old Boys were dismissed in the first innings for 88. (Lusk 3 for 22, Harwood 3 for 25, and Joplin 3 for 27), and in the second innings for 35. (Lusk 5 for 11, and Harwood 2 for 18). Varsity's first innings of 180 was sufficient to secure a three pointer. The rungetters were Joplin, who played a sound game for 62, Lusk 41, Harwood 27, Broad 15, and Lewis 14.

Auckland University College v. Victoria University College.

This annual fixture was played at Eden Park, Auckland, on Easter Saturday and Monday, 15th and 17th April. Heavy rain left the wicket very sodden, and the outfield dead. Neither team was at its full strength. Auckland won the toss and elected to bat. The first wicket fell at 25 and the next at 40. With the advent of Garrard the scoring improved and the score was steadily taken to 156 for the seventh wicket, when Garrard who had played a solid innings for 73, was bowled by Anderson. The innings closed for 176. The fielding of Victoria was keen, and the bowling steady. Anderson secured 7 wickets for 53 runs.

Victoria made a sound start, 49 runs being put on before the first wicket fell, and there was a prospect of a fine stand; but with the exception of Ronaldson, who played a good innings for 34, and Miles who made a very lucky 19, the batsmen were not impressive, and the whoke side was dismissed for the small total of 90. The bowling of Auckland was good, particularly that of Goodwin who came out with the fine figures of five for 17. Saunders secured 5 for 40.

In their second venture Auckland had 220 to their credit for the loss of eight wickets at the luncheon adjournment, and declared their innings closed.

This left Victoria 307 to win, but they were all disposed of for 137. Donaldson (44) and Cousins (48) were the chief scorers.

At the luncheon held on the second day, Mr. Speight, of the Auckland team, very kindly offered to give a trophy for annual competition between the four University Colleges, and it is our hope for the next cricket season to win that trophy. The following are the detailed scores:—

Auckland.

Goodwin c. Gilson b. Anderson 22 c. Niven b. Ronaldson 34
Dunning c. Miles b. Anderson 13 c. Niven b. Anderson 83
Saunders b. Anderson 5 b. Ronaldson 34
Speight b. Anderson 9 run out 13
Garrard b. Anderson 73 run out 10
Smeeton b. Lewis 2 b. Ronaldson 0
Weir l.b.w. b. Lewis 14 run out 0
Macklow not out 22 c. Anderson b. Cousins 4
Johnston b. Cousins 4 not out 12
Buttle l.b.w. b. Anderson 0
Gray b. Anderson 0 not out 1
Extras 12 Extras 29
Totat 176 Eight wickets declared 220

Bowling Analysis.

Ist Innings. 2nd Innings.
Anderson 7 for 53 1 for 28
Lewis 2 for 6 0 0 for 32
Cousins 1 for 34 0 for 35
Niven 0 for 22 0 for 26
Ronaldson 4 for 61
page 80

Victoria.

Miles c. Garrard b. Smeeton 19 st. Garrard b. Saunders 3
Ronaldson l.b.w. b. Goodwin 34 c. Smeeton b. Saunders 44
Broad c. Gray b. Goodwin 0 l.b.w. b. Saunders 3
Cousins c. Weir b. Goodwin 9 c. Buttle b. Saunders 48
Lewis b. Goodwin 1 b. Saunders 5
Anderson b. Saunders 6 b. Smeeton 0
Roberston c. Smeeton b. Saunders 0 b. Saunders 8
Gibson not out. 7 st. Garrard b. Saunders 13
McKay b. Goodwin 5 c. Saunders b. Smeeton 0
Niven b. Saunders b. Smeeton 2
Whiteman b. Saunders 1 not out 3
Extras 8 Extras 10
Total 90 Total 137

Bowling Analysis.

1st Innings. 2nd Innings.
Goodwin 5 for 17 0 for 20
Saunders 5 for 40 7 for 70
Dunning 0 for 26 0 for 17
Smeeton 3 for 20

In conclusion we would take this opportunity of thanking the Aucklanders for the hospitality they showed towards our team during its stay in Auckland. We can only sincerely hope that we will be able to show them as good when they revisit us next season.

Averages.

Batting Total Runs Innings. Average.
Broad 418 15 27.9
Lusk 167 12 13.9
Stainton: 178 10 17.8
Barker: 184 12 15.33
Cousins 183 12 15.25
Harwood 365 9 40.56
Lewis 180 10 18.0
Joplin 272 10 27.2
Murray 87 8 10.9
Bowling. Wickets. Runs. Average.
Lusk 39 371 9.5
Cousins 26 460 17.7
Harwood 29 322 11.1
Lewis 5 94 18.8
Stainton 21 270 12.8
Joplin 14 115 8.2

Second Eleven.

Versus Y.M.C.A.—Won by an innings and 18 runs. Varsity 134 (Lewis 57, Main 18, Anderson 18, Robertson 14).Y.M.C.A. 82 and 34. (Anderson 4 for 19 and 1 for 9, Niven 3 for 6, and 3 for 12).

Versus Centics.—Won by 70 runs. Varsity 183. (Robertson 37, Gibson 36, Stewart 34, McCrae not out 25, Greiner 17, Wiren 12), and 114 for 2 wickets. (Robertson 49, retired, Hain 51, retired). Centics 113 and 2 for 74. (Anderson 4 for 45, Wiren 2 for 14 and 1 for 4, Hain 1 for 1).

Versus Scots' College.—Lost by 12 runs. Varsity 113. (Robertson 44 not out, Pope 19, Young 18), and 142 for 8 wickets declared. (Gibson 40, Anderson 25, Robertson 18, Stewart 10, Wiren 10 not out). Scots1 College 125, and 115 for 9, Young 4 for 36, and 4 for 34, Aitken 1 for 17, and 2 for 24).

Versus Wellington College.—Lost by 1 wicket. Varsity 108. (Graham 45, Stewart 34, and 145. Gibson 58, Graham 24, Hutchison 20, Anderson 10).College 111 and 141 for 9 wickets. (Anderson 2 for 28, and 5 for 33, Hutchison 4 for 10).

page 81

Versus Thorndon.—Lost by an innings and 15 runs. Varsity 216. (Graham 109, Gibson 47, Hain 19. Anderson 15, and 79, Gibson 32, Graham 18 not out, Hain 10). Thorndon 310.

Versus Poneke.—Won by 7 wickets. Varsity 345. (Gibson 63, Graham 55, Hain 28, Wilson 45, Hain, C., 35 not out, Young 28, Poke 17, Stewart 21, and 41 for 3 wickets, Anderson 16, Pope 12). Poneke 117 and 268. (Hain 3 for 30).

Versus St. Thomas.—Lost by an innings and 126. Varsity 102. (Gibson 42, Hain 25, Mackay not out 10 and 67, Gibson 80 not out, Pope, J., 39, Graham 22). St, Thomas 395. (Mackay 6 for 115, Gibson 3 for 14).

Versus Eastbourne.—Lost by 9 wickets. Varsity 52. (Gibson 22 and 134 Gibson 40, Aitken 31, Pope J. 14.) Eastbourne 87 and 104 for 1 wicket. (Mackay 2 for 12, Anderson 3 for 17, Wiren 4 for 11).

Versus Wellington.—Won. Varsity 64. (Gibson 39). Wellington 160 for 2 wickets. This match was awarded to us by the Cricket Association, because our opponents played two men of a higher grade. It must be understood, however, that the protest was entered by our Club.

Versus Institute.—Lost by 6 wickets. Varsity 208. (Aitken 61, Martin 26, Virtue 24 not out, Wakeford 23, Mackay 20, Graham 19, Kent 13 and 97, Wakeford 25, Stewart 22 not out, Graham 19, Atmore 10). Institute 145 and 172 for 4. (Mackay 4 for 23).

The following are the best averages for the season. In batting at least five innings must have been played, and in bowling at least five bowled in, in order to qualify in the list.

Batting.

Innings. Not Out. Total. Average.
Robertson 5 2 164 54.00
Gibson 16 1 508 33.86
Graham 13 1 322 26.83
Stewart 12 1 153 12.09

Bowling.

Wickets Runs. Average.
Wiren 14 100 7.1
Anderson 29 3.2 13.1
Mackay 13 199 15.3
Aitken 10 205 20.5