Newspaper Article – Nine 6’s In Dashing Century

Cricket

Nine 6’s in Dashing Century
(By F. F. CANE)

COMPETITIVE CRICKET was resumed last Saturday afternoon following the holiday break, and that we have already embarked upon the initial series of matches in the second round is a gentle reminder that the season is passing rapidly behind us.

Sun-baked grounds encouraged heavy scoring, an aggregate for the afternoon of 940 runs at an average 23.5 being a distinct advance over the opening day of the season when, in the corresponding series, only 661 runs were taken at slightly over 16. The three teams that batted first all established themselves firmly behind formidable totals, and there appears to be a distinct possibility that Havelock North, the present leaders, may have some difficulty in gaining a favourable decision over Old Boys-Hastings, on present form their most dangerous rivals.

Without wishing Havelock any harm, a reverse for the leaders at this stage would certainly provide spice for the championship.

Batsman’s Opportunity

In the favourable circumstances several batsmen made it the opportunity for improving upon flagging averages. Totty was a notable case in point. In many ways a remarkable batsman, on Saturday he quite surpassed, in powerful driving, anything that he has previously attempted.

Not only did he hit nine sixes in his total of 140, but off Owen’s sixth over he took no less than 18 full-blooded runs, and then exactly repeated the feat from Hornibrook’s twelfth. This, I should say, would be quite unique in any company.

Newman also has accomplished an astounding resurrection. Totally no more than 110 runs for the whole of last season, his splendidly aggressive 82 on Saturday already takes his current aggregate to 511, which at the moment is beaten only by Kivell’s by one. Each has a golden opportunity of achieving a thousand runs in the present campaign.

Particularly pleasing was Axford’s 70 for Tech., and his continued success at No. 1 should help to solve the problem […]