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The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, June 1929

Senior Team

Senior Team.

Considering the calibre of the players at the disposal of the Club, the season cannot truly be called a very successful one. No club in the City had more promising material to choose from, and in view of that, the record of "Won 5, lost 5," does not read very convincingly. Nevertheless the team finished fourth in the Wellington Championship table, and had the distinction of beating the team which afterwards won the Championship.

Owing to the comparative failure of the more sparkling batsmen of the side, the burden of making runs fell largely on the more sedate members of the team. Mackenzie, the wicket-keeper captain, was in excellent form with the hat and with the gloves. He was remarkably consistent, scoring two centuries—158 and 128—and on two other occasions made the two fine scores of 94 and 87. Hollings, our all-rounder, finished up the season with a batting average of 29.09. He had hard luck in the manner of his dismissal on several occasions. Although he was not in so good form as two seasons ago when he was hailed as the most promising young batsman in the City, he was always a very valuable member of the side. His fielding was again a lesson in itself. We sincerely hope that the rumour, that he will not be playing for V.U.C. again next year, is unfounded. Vietmeyer batted remarkably well during the season. Originally placed in the team as bowler, he finished up third in the batting averages for the season. Theo. Nelson was very consistent, but for some reason, Tripe, Osborn, McLeod and Leys could not strike form, although "Tiny" scored a good 56 against Institute. These were the freest batsmen in the side, and their failure weakened the side as a match-winning combination. Bailey was always painstaking, and possessed a splendid defence, while Peter Caldwell was a real find, and should do extremely well in the Senior Grade next season. Jack Greig batted very well, saving both the Old Boys and the second Petone games. His transfer to Palmerston North has left the Club minus a fast bowler, we wish him luck in the future.

The Club lacked a good match-winning bowler. Eddie McLeod, with his slows, bowled excellently throughout the year, while Vietmeyer, Nelson, Greig, Hollings, Bagge and Tripe all took over ten wickets, and were dangerous at times. "Tiny" Leys did not have much success at the bowling crease either. Bagge, a new-comer with a delightfully easy action, was a decided gain for the Club, but although a steady bowling side, the team never possessed a real "shock attack."

The fielding of the side in general was good, and although catches were dropped the team compared more than favourably in this department with any other team in the Competition. McLeod and Hollings were the best of a keen lot.