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The Spike or Victoria College Review June 1930

The Christmas Cricket Tour

The Christmas Cricket Tour.

[This Report is not published by arrangement with Cook's Tours, Ltd., or the Government Tourist Bureau, but merely to chronicle another glorious page in the history of V.U.C. Sport.—Sports Editor.]

Owing to the Manawatu Cricket Association being engaged in a Hawke Cup fixture, the match at Palmerston was omitted, and the invitation of the Taranaki Cricket Association was accepted. The team sent away was much stronger than the previous one, especially in bowling, whereas the batting strength compared favourably with that of previous touring teams.

Much to the regret of the rural police, R. H. C. Mackenzie was unable to captain the side, as he was engaged in the Wellington-Canterbury Plunket Shield match. "Crow" was badly missed, as, in addition to being useful in cases of friction with the police, he has had experience of previous tours. The side was captained by H. C. Bailey, who led the team exceedingly well, and had a most successful tour, culminating in his engagement and marriage on New Year's Eve, after which he scored a fine century on New Year's Day.

The team left Wellington on Christmas Morning for New Plymouth, where they arrived at tea-time, to find that the telegram sent by the Taranaki Association ("Accommodation clean, but cramped together") was true only in part. The accommodation certainly was cramped altogether, six being in one room and four in the other. The lack of hat-pegs was remedied by some nails driven in by Robin-eon's cricket boot.

As V.U.C. were one man short owing to the defection of McCarthy, who was to join the others at Hawera, a local player, A. Jackson, was enlisted. (This is not the A. Jackson who played for Australia against England.) The match was played in showery weather, the venue being Pukekura Park. Taranaki, batting first, were dismissed for 151, Mahoney's 36 being the top score. Leys bowled exceedingly well to take five for 54, four of his victims being bowled. Kirkcaldie took two wickets and P. Caldwell and H. Osborn one each. V.U.C. opened with Robinson and Osborn, who went cheaply, but Bailey played a stubborn innings, and although Leys failed to stay long, the tail-enders all did well, and the last wicket managed to pull the score past Taranaki's total, the innings closing for 155. Bailey's 48 was the top score, and A. Jackson was next with 16. Ewart and Crawford were Taranaki's most successful bowlers. In their second innings the home side scored 144, thanks to Barker, who got 77. His innings, although he was dropped a few times, was invaluable to his side. He was finally brilliantly taken by Kirkcaldie at point.

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Kirkcaldie was our best bowler in this innings, although Leys again bowled well. V.U.C. were thus left with 141 to get in well under two hours. But for several heavy showers, which caused temporary stoppages, they might have succeeded, but time was eventually called with three wickets down for 74. Robinson and Osborn opened well, and Osborn and P. Caldwell carried on in good style, but the task proved impossible, and time was called with the game a draw in our favour. Details:—

Taranaki.—First innings 151 (Leys took five for 54, Kirkcaldie two for 26, Osborn one for 25, Caldwell one for 27), and second innings 144 (K. Kirkcaldie four for 45, Leys three for 48, H. Osborn one for 30, P. Caldwell one for 18).

Victoria College.—First innings 155 (Bailey 48, Macfarlane 11, R. Osborn 13, Jackson 16, G. Caldwell 13, Kirkcaldie 11, Carey, not out, 12), and second innings 74 for three wickets (H. Osborn 28, P. Caldwell 26, Robinson 13).

Unofficial incidents of the team's stay in New Plymouth were the "Inter-Varsity Boat Race," which was rowed, or, leather, took place, on the lake in Pukekura Park, to the accompaniment of "The Song of the Volga (Vulgar) Boatman" and "Alouette," sung by the respective crews.

As both crews claim (a) a win outright, (b) a win by default, and (c) disqualification of the other crew, we are not able to say who won.

On their way to Marton to play Rangitikei, the team were met and interviewed at Aramoho by their Press representative, the author of these notes.

In an exclusive interview the team mentioned the "porter-gaffs" of the New Plymouth Club, which, to use the words of one member, "Went down like mother's milk." Criticism of the failure of the senior batsmen in the first innings was freely made by the Junior's members. Bailey's 48, we are given to understand, was compiled in about seven hours. Jasper hotly denies this, saying that it took him less than half that. The New Plymouth Press, in commenting on Osborn's one for 30 in Taranaki's second innings, said that he bowled with the success he deserved. The rest of the team are not prepared to comment on this, though some say they refuse to go half as far. A wire was sent to R. H. C. Mackenzie, playing against Canterbury at the Basin Reserve, as follows: "Rural police anxiously enquiring after your health. Good luck and best wishes from Ten Live Ghosts and Jasper." An official and altogether exclusive photograph was then taken. In Marton the team had a week-end to spare. They managed to find an opportunity to try out the theory that one glass of beer drunk through a straw will cause drunkenness, finding that it is quite erroneous, and will not hold water (or should we say "beer"). In further activities, the deadly low tackling of one member excited the admiration of all who witnessed it, and the wrath of all who experienced it.

The above facts were given to their Press representative on the morning of the Rangitikei match, for which the V.U.C. team was changed somewhat from that which played against Taranaki. P. C. Caldwell had returned to Wellington and his place and the other vacancy were filled by C. H. Hain, who had come down from Wanganui, and E. J. Aim, who arrived from Wellington that morning. Rangitikei sent 'Varsity in to bat, when they won the toss, and at lunch time three wickets were down, and half an hour after the resumption V.U.C. were all out for 73. Robinson, with 16, was top-scorer, and Leys and Aim were the only others to reach double figures, getting 13 and 12 respectively. M. Lyon, a good bowler at any time, was assisted by a strong cross wind, and came out with the fine figures of five for 16. Smith took four for 31, these two bowling unchanged. Rangitikei opened with Cameron, the Plunket Shield representative. He was dropped at point off the first ball of the innings and later was missed at mid-on, before being disposed of by Aim. Rangitikei reached 109, Kirkcaldie taking four wickets and Leys and Aim three each. In their second innings, 'Varsity opened with Robinson and Osborn, with forty minutes to go. Robinson was unlucky to lose his wicket on the last ball of the day. Continuing next day, we managed to reach 109, the same score as Rangitikei had got in their first innings. Staples was the chief bowler for Rangitikei this innings. Kirkcaldie batted well for 33. Robinson's 20 being the next best score. Rangitikei, with 74 required to win, lost Cameron and Marshall early, but Burke and Hayward stayed together until the runs were hit off, Rangitikei winning by eight wickets. Following are the detailed scores:—

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Victoria College.—First innings 73 (Robinson 16, Leys 13, Aim 12), and second innings 109 (Kirkcaldie 33, Robinson 20, G. Caldwell 14, H. Osborn 11).

Rangitikei.—First innings 109 (Kirkcaldie four for 23, Leys three for 33, Aim three for 38) and second innings 78 for two wickets (Leys one for 18, Kirkcaldie none for 30, Aim one for 17, Hain none for 3).

While at Marton the team staged an impromptu tableau vivant, entitled "The Bells of St. Stephen's," to which reference was made in the Marton "Tribune."

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (played by a well-known member of the Football Club) was playing a leading part until the arrival of "The Vicar of Wakefield" (in person), who so far entered into the spirit of the proceedings as to attempt to come to blows with one of the "acolytes." The latter, however, not wishing that the cleric should lower the dignity of the cloth, tactfully effaced himself quam celerimme and ventre a terre (a course which the other members of the quartette, led by the "Hunchback of Notre Dame," had already adopted), thereby saving both his own skin, and the Vicar's self-respect, at one blow.

These details were mentioned in a special interview accorded to the writer in a taxi from the Wanganui Station to Spriggin's Hotel on New Year's Eve. The taxi carried fourteen besides the driver, together with their luggage. We are directed to state that the "Tribune" is mistaken in saying that the players apologised for their conduct. Apparently they did nothing of the kind. Mention was also made of the ill-timed remarks of the proprietor of the Marton Hotel. The team do not wish to dwell on this, but they are sure they will never stay there again. They send their New Year Regards to the Marton Cop, whom they hope to see again next year, and of whom they treasure the happiest memories, both of this tour and its immediate successor.

As stated before, the taxi from the station had fourteen passengers and their luggage on board, but nevertheless it delivered its quota safely. A Marathon bridge rubber was commenced at Marton and at Aramoho was unfinished, the score being 0—0. At St. John's It had to be abandoned owing to one of the players having to get off there, although he was nearly carried past his station. The score was still 0—0.

New Year's Eve was suitably celebrated, by parading down the Avenue, doing the ballet step invented on the last tour by "Crow. In spite of several police raids on the hotel, no members of the team were involved in any friction with the authorities. The celebrations were concluded when the team were asked to subsidise for the orchestra at the Luxor Cabaret. We hope that Mr. and Mrs. Murray appreciated the way in which their toast was drunk. On their return to the hotel the team were put to bed by their Press representative after a final toast had been drunk to "Mr. and Mrs. Aim."

Next morning, in spite of several dry throats, the team were afoot early. It was a glorious day and V.U.C. winning the toss, elected to bat, Robinson and Bailey opening. Owing to J. Mete Kingi being unable to play (reason not stated), the vacancy in the Wanganui team was filled by H. J. Bishop, who had turned up at the ground to report the match and to take the place of any of the players whose condition prevented their playing. Happily, everyone was on deck and the team was able to take the field without any casualties. The first wicket fell at 33, Smith bowling Robinson, just as he was beginning to settle down. Aim was next, and both he and Bailey played very carefully, being content to stonewall until well set. The rest of the team in the meantime went away and had a sleep. After the "married couple" had put on 53 for the second wicket. Stewart came on at the crease and bowled Aim. He had compiled a good 30. V.U.C. were able to declare with eight wickets down for 315, Bailey reaching 113—a really good innings—Osborn 76 (another great effort) and Guy Caldwell 30. Wanganui, in their first knock, totalled 287, Aim taking four for 67, Leys three for 64, and Hain one for 41. In their second strike V.U.C. reached 65 for the loss of three wickets when time was called. Hain was 16 not out and Aim 28 not out. H. J. Bishop took two wickets for 28 in this innings. Solely owing to professional jealousy and a narrow-minded spirit of parochialism, the Wanganui Press made no mention of Bishop's bowling performance, which is here chronicled for the first time. Detailed scores are as follows:—

Victoria College.—First innings 315 for eight wickets, declared (Bailey 113, H. Osborn 76, Aim 30, G. Caldwell 30, Robinson 16, R. Osborn 10 not out) and

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V.U.C. First XI.—1923-30

V.U.C. First XI.—1923-30

Back (left to right): N. P. Robinson, P. C. Caldwell, E. Aim, H. W. Osborn, W. H. Dormer.

Front: C. S. Harrison, R. H. C. Mackenzie, E. McLoed (Capt.), I. A. Macallan, H. C. Bailey.

Absent: E. T. C. Leys, T. B. Nelson, P. D. Wilson, R. J. Bagge.

—Crown Studios.

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second innings 66 for three wickets (Aim not out 28, Hain not out 15, R. Osborn 10).

Wanganui.—First innings 287 (Aim took four wickets for 67, Leys three for 64, and Hain one for 41).

The residents of Niblett Street were entertained that night with song, the V.U.C. team bringing a surprise party round to visit their special correspondent. Although this necessitated an expedition on the part of the host to the nearest pub, to buy beer for the party, no complaints were received from the police or nearby residents.

The following morning the team departed for Wellington, where they were due to play on the following day. The Seniors' win over Institute, due to Leys's century, may be attributed to the practice obtained on the tour. There are some, however, who say that they won in spite of the tour, which we are assured is contrary to fact.

The averages for the tour are as follows:—

Batting.
Innings N.O. H.S. Runs. Avge.
H. C. Bailey 4 113 163 40.75
E. J. Aim 4 1 30 78 26.00
H. W. Osborn 5 76 120 24.00
P. C. Caldwell 2 26 32 16.00
A. Jackson 1 16 16 16.00
G. L. Caldwell 4 30 58 14.50
K. Kirkcaldie 4 33 58 14.50
R. W. Osborn 5 2 10* 41 13.66
N. P. Robinson 5 20 67 13.40
D. K. Carey 4 2 12 18 9.00
C. H. Hain 4 2 15 18 9.00
Bowling.
Overs. Maidens. Runs. Wkts. Avge.
Aim 49.4 12 112 8 14.00
Leys 97.6 16 217 15 14.46
Kirkcaldie 66.3 11 190 10 19.00
P. C. Caldwell 12.0 1 45 2 22.50
H. W. Osborn 30 4 85 2 42.50
Hain 9.0 43 1 43.00
G. L. Caldwell 4.0 13

* Not out.