Cricket to Otago

After live days of near perfect playing conditions, Otago ran out winners of the cricket section of tournament. Canterbury, who won the tournament at Dunedin last year, needed an outright win in the final round to repeal their success, but after they had scored 220, Auckland batted soundly enough to prevent an outright decision.

Massey emerged as the surprise of the series when they filled second place ahead of Canterbury. In their final match with Otago Massey scored 116. Morton scoring 53 of these. But the Massey bowling held little terror for the Otago batsmen, and with Hutchison in fine form, the Massey total was soon overhauled.

Hutchison, who earlier scored an excellent 101 against Auckland, was perhaps the outstanding batsman of tournament, but fine performances were also registered by Plunket Shield players Garrod and Mitchell.

These two players were particularly aggressive against Lincoln, Mitchell scoring 69 including 5 fours and 5 sixes and Garrod being not out 72 when Canterbury declared at 254 for 3. Their partnership put on 122 runs in 81 minutes.

Much was expected in the match between Lincoln and Massey for the Mike Martin Memorial Cup, after Lincoln had won on the last ball of the game at their last meet, but the match petered out to a draw, after rain had rendered the pitch completely docile. Still attractive batting was seen by Gleeson and Armstrong for Lincoln.

Victoria did not fare particularly well in the series, and this can probably be attributed to lack of genuine pace in the attack. G. Gewland was sorely missed by his team, and his illness prevented him from playing in all but the final two rounds of play. In his absence Bibby and Beban both bowled well.

For Otago Plunket Shield player Matatamumua was the outstanding bowler, turning in good performances against Lincoln and Auckland. He was ably assisted at the bowling crease by Hutchison and Ellis, the latter being responsible for the rout of Massey in the final match.