Cricket Club Reviews Summer Season

The consistently good performances this season of VUC, who now lead in the Wellington senior cricket competition, would appear its greatest asset as possible winners of the championships. Should the team be successful, it would be its first championship since entering senior ranks in 1925-26 season.

In no completed innings this season has VUC failed to top 200 runs, and only one opposing side has exceeded 200—Wellington reaching 202 in the exciting sixth round match in which 'Varsity was beaten by one run. In its seven matches VUC has aggregated 1,947 runs for 74 wickets, an average of 26 runs per wicket. Opposing sides have aggregated 1,643 runs for 92 wickets at an average of 17.8 runs per wicket, giving 'Varsity a plus average of 8.2 runs per wicket.

This column heading in bold type in Tuesday's "Dominion" must send a twinge of remorse through those stalwarts whose sporting services to Varsity have been dominated by a policy of splendid isolation which has led them either to offer generously their services to non-Varsity clubs or to refrain assiduously from participating in sport.

Varsity's Senior XI commenced the season by defeating Kilbirnie, last year's champions. Then Wellington College Old Boys suffered the ignominy of a follow-on, for the first time for years. Wilde 57, Oakley 40, Beard 50, Woolley 59, enabled the score to reach 317.

An achievement lauded by rival teams and public alike was the slaughter of Hutt. To Varsity's 240 (Larkin 55, Wilson 46, Beard 47, Oakley 53 not out) Hutt replied with 102 and 193.

An "exciting" one-run reverse against Wellington has proved the one setback to date.

Peter Wilson with a beautiful 113 and Beard 59 (the latter puiverised the cable car with malicious glee, making it dangerous for passengers) together with the usual graceful Larkin knock helped the tally to 343 against Institute. Then superb bowling by Wilson, Beard and Mullins led to an outright win in ideal rugby conditions.

Beard represented Wellington in the Plunket Shield team and Larkin was likewise requested. Brian and Wilde also attended rep. practice, and Woolley, Beard and Oakley played for a Wellington team against the Nelson Hawke Cup team.

The second grade A and B teams have at times shaped well. The A team, after initial failure, developed into a formidable combination and last week tallied 355. The B team scores include a 398 and 347.

Inter-Varsity cricket was resurrected and Victoria's 318 (declared) was answered by 265 from Auckland. Victoria thus holds the coveted "Speights" Shield.

"University's championship prospects appear to be excellent and this is due to the virile Varsity team."

Bowling

• Beard: 5 for 31 v. Kilbirnie; 5 for 69 v. Institute.
• Brian: 5 for 67 v. Wellington.
• Mullins: 5 for 47 v. Institute.

The administration of VUCCC is in the hands of Carrad (Club Capt.), Oakley (Dep. Club Capt.), Loveridge (Sec.), Wilde (Treasurer), Committee: Brian. Vance, Burrows, Moore, A. MacLeod, Stringer.