Yacck looks at cricket in 1933

In the first grade competition of the Southland Cricket Association some interesting results were seen.  There was big expectations between the Appleby and Union teams which was played at Appleby but this game did not live up to what was promised, as the standard of cricket was poor.  Less than 250 runs were scored for the whole game and batsmen failed to make the most of the good conditions.

As a result of this bowlers had their own way with the games with Appleby in the better position at stumps the Southenders took the better position by a 34 run lead after the first innings.  
Two games were played at the showground but again here the cricket was very drab and small scoring resulted.  Old Boy's created a surprise by dismissing Marist for 132 and then running up 145 for five wickets.  The Old Boys are now in a strong position and should have little trouble in getting their first victory in senior cricket.
Invercargill met High School and were dismissed for a paltry run score of 110 and the poor wicket more than the High School attack was responsible for Invercargill's weak stand. The wicket was in that much of a state that it caused injuries to more than one player.
B. Agnew was a particular victim and was unfortunate to receive a nasty blow from the ball to his head, requiring stitches.
Other batsmen also feared the same fate with balls hitting their bodies and heads.  Considering the pitch it was a fair score for High school to achieve 86 for seven wickets.   According to the cricketers this wicket was the worst that had ever been seen and the Showgrounds wicket was not up to any class of cricket.
At conclusion of the first days play the results were;
Marist 132 - Old Boys 145-5
Appleby 138 - Union 104
Invercargill 110 - High School 87-7

Best Performances
BATTING
Carson (Appleby) 50
Poole (Union) 49
Hawke (Old Boys) 45 NO
Mitchell (Old Boys) 36 NO
BOWLING
Dixon (Union) 5/38
McKelvey (Old Boys) 5/65
Sinclair (Union) 4/21
T. McKenzie (Invercargill) 4/28
Keast (Appleby) 4/85