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The Spike or Victoria College Review 1936

Cricket Club

page 79

Cricket Club

It cannot be claimed that the 1935-36 season was a particularly successful one for the Club, although there is no doubt that the players enjoyed their games. Although six teams were entered in the competitions none finished first in their grade, the Junior D team, nevertheless, being somewhat unfortunate in not doing so.

First Eleven.

Starting off well against Kilbirnie in a match in which rain on the second day probably deprived V.U.C. of the game, the eleven had a similar exasperating experience in the next game against Petone. The ill-luck which had thus attended the opening games seemed to dog the team throughout the season, and apart from a handsome win against the champions, Midland, no other victories came the side's way, although on two further occasions rain interrupted play when the eleven was in a winning position. The Team thus finished last on the senior championship table with one five-point win, four drawn games, and five losses. The team was handicapped by the absence of Tricklebank in Japan with the New Zealand University Rugby Team for the greater part of the season, and the frequent absences of Blandford from the side owing to Representative and Test games. Vietmeyer, a century scorer, was in particularly good all-round form, and Blandford was as consistent as usual both with the bat and gloves. Wiren was a tower of strength both in batting and fielding, and Harding, a newcomer, played several fine innings. McMillan, another sound bat was a consistent all-rounder, and the side was ably captained by J. R. Stevens. The eleven should do well this coming season as most of last season's team are again available.

Second Grade.

The performances of the second grade were very disappointing as the team to all appearances was a strong one. Simpson was captain in most of the games. Victories were recorded against several of the leading sides in the grade although the inconsistent form of the team saw it lose on several occasions to the lower teams on the championship ladder. With the bat. Stephenson (a century maker), Fortune, Masters, and Betts were prominent, and the side's main bowlers were Knowsley, Masters, Stephenson, and Fortune. Taken on a whole the side played somewhat inconsistent cricket and it is hoped that this season more attention will be paid to practice.

Junior B.

Under the captaincy of Arthur Wicks, the Junior B's experienced a successful season, and were well up in the championship, although the team appeared to lose ground towards the end of the season, mainly owing to changes in personnel. Revell made a century for the side and Henry Moore was again among the runs. The batting on the whole was really consistent, but the bowling was not of the strongest, the stock bowlers of the side being Geddes, Wicks, and Evans, although at one stage as many as nine bowlers were in the team.

Junior C.

The Junior C's under the captaincy of Pat Kane had a most enjoyable season, and although here again the material appeared to be there, the performances were on the whole disappointing judged from the results point of view.

Junior D.

Ted Blacker's social eleven once again performed well and were well in the running for championship honours. The side ended up third equal for the championship after a most enjoyable season both on the field and off. Among the outstanding performers were Porteous, Roberts and Camp (who performed the hattrick).

Third Grade.

Captained by "Mac" McGhie the Thirds did not win many games, but undoubtedly enjoyed their cricket, judging from all reports. Their theory appeared to be to build up the team as an all-round combination and the players certainly all appeared to get their fair share of batting, bowling and fielding. Johnston and Walker were probably the most promising players.

Christmas Tour.

The annual Christmas tour was not undertaken this year owing to the difficulty in getting together a side, but games were played at Levin early in the season, and at St. Patrick's College, Silverstream, where a most enjoyable afternoon was spent, thanks to Father Bell.

page 81

Rep. Honours and Blues.

J. A. R. Blandford, the senior eleven's wicketkeeper was a regular member of the Wellington Plunket Shield Team and also represented Wellington against the visiting M.C.C. team. His splendid performances gained him a place in the New Zealand team for the second and third Tests in which he figured on each occasion in century partnerships, his Test average being 38,00. The congratulations of the Club are extended to "Gin" for his outstanding performances. Blandford also represented the Town against the Country.

The New Zealand University Cricket Council has recommended W. F. Vietmeyer and W. Tricklebank for New Zealand University Cricket Blues.

N.Z.U. Cricket Council.

After several years of negotiation the New Zealand University Cricket Council was finally formed this year and the Council has now recommended to the New Zealand University Students' Association, the names of several players for the award of New Zealand University Cricket Blues for last season. It is hoped that a North-South Varsities' game will be played this coming season, and the Council is hopeful of obtaining games with visiting touring teams in the near future. Mr. A. M. Cousins was elected the Victoria representative on the Council.

Auckland University Game.

At Easter, the annual match for the Speight Trophy was played on the Wellington College grounds and the game resulted in a win for V.U.C. by nine wickets. Neither side was at full strength but the cricket was of a good standard. A splendid innings by A. G. Wiren, and a fine partnership between Wiren and J. R. Stevens who scored a fast 69, saw V.U.C. well ahead on the first innings, and the Auckland team could not recover, although Lewis played two very sound innings. Knowsley bowled well for V.U.C.