Cricket Club

How much better Victoria College players would become if their Club had access to good practice wickets can only be a matter of conjecture. During the past season players once again found themselves losing keenness as the summer wore on, and practices of less benefit to them than they had hoped, largely because of the poorly prepared, and often rough, wickets on Kelburn Park on which they had of necessity to rely for their practice in batting and bowling.

And in the performances of the various teams was lo be seen one result of the conditions for practising with which the players had to contend. In the Club Championship we filled tenth place, all the other teams with a team in senior grade obtaining considerably more points. Our teams, five in number, competed in the Senior, Second, Junior B.l. Junior C., and Third grades, the best position being obtained by the Junior C team, which finished third.

For the seniors it was a frankly disappointing season. On paper the team looked strong—perhaps the strongest tide for years. Yet for the senior Championship proper, which comprised seven matches, the team could gain only two first innings victories. One game was drawn and the remaining four all lost. Only one team finished below us. In the special knock-out competition that followed, we fared no better, and in fact finished in the same position. Inability to hold catches, especially in the slips, was a serious weakness, but the batting was unreliable and inconsistent and the bowling lacked sting. Often the captain, W. Tricklebank, would have his team in quite a sound position, only to see his men, through poor work in all departments, fail to drive the advantage home.

However, in the performances of several players the Club had cause for real satisfaction. First and foremost came J. A. Ongley whose splendid batting in local cricket was recognised first by his inclusion in the Wellington Plunket Shield team and then, so successful was he in that sphere, his selection for New Zealand for the match against Sir Julian Cahn's team. For the Club "Joe" was second to J. R. Sheffield in the batting averages for competition matches, playing eleven innings for 301 runs at an average of 30.10, with a top score of 123. In the Plunket Shield averages he was also second, with 245 runs at 49 and a highest score of 110.

Arthur Harpur also had cause to be satisfied with his season's cricket, even though success eluded him when he represented Wellington in the Plunket Shield. In competition games he batted fourteen times for 352 runs at an average of 27.07: and with his slow left-handed deliveries, usually of good length and with some spin, he took 22 wickets at a cost of 22.50 runs each. Harpur was again as good a fieldsman as the Club possessed. Of the other senior batsmen, P. D. Wilson and W. Tricklebank both scored over 300 runs and J. R. Sheffield, allotted by the W.C.A. to ihe University Club, compiled 403 runs at an average of 36.63. Tricklebank captured 30 wickets and was well assisted by J. B. Stephenson and T. A. Harpur. Of those men who appeared occasionally for the seniors, H. H. Whiting was the most impressive. A sound, watchful opening batsman, with a good array of scoring strokes and the right temperament, he should have a permanent place in the team. In W. G. Smith the Club has a colt with ability behind the stumps and batting skill that should be capable of development.

There were some useful cricketers in the Seconds although results were very poor. H. H. Whiting was the best batsman but he played in only a few games. The mainstay was F. L. Parkin who was very consistent and had scores of 84, 78 and 69 to his credit. The best bowlers were H. E. Greig. W. C, Drake and J. R. Stevens. Drake often infused real venom into hit medium fast deliveries and Stevens, an experienced cricketer, was invaluable as a stock bowler.

The Junior B. l team had an enjoyable season, even though their rung on the competition ladder was low. Their highest score was 398, against Technical Old Boys, Edmund notching a century in this match. Of the batsmen the most successful were Walker, Bray, Edmund and Webber. Burgess did most damage with the ball, taking 37 wickets, and was well supported by Bray.

The Social team, in the June C grade, will miss the genial leadership of "Ted" Blacker, who has been their guide, philosopher and friend for some years. A warm welcome will await him if he returns to Wellington. His team had the best record of the University teams last season and at times some of his batsmen literally wallowed

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in runs. On one occasion F. Betts amassed the mighty score of 276. Other free-scoring batsmen included C. Lauchlan. G. Hoffmeister and J. Jeffs.

John Murphy occupies a similar position, in relation to the Third grade team, as Ted Blacker did in relation to the Social eleven. His team does not carry off championships but it often does quite well and the games seldom lack enjoyment. For the Thirds last season the leading

batsmen were H. Bray, who was steady and consistent, and Ramage, who developed very well. Mullinder played in one or two games and had scores of 76 and 112 not out to his credit. Of the bowlers L. Martin and J. O'Sullivan were the most effective. It was the best season the Thirds had ever had for previously they had always occupied one of the last three places. Last year they were nearly within striking distance of the leaders.