IT COULD BE A GREAT SUMMER FOR RHODESIAN CRICKET

Fred Cleary's Column (Sunday Mail, 22 September 1968)

If the MCC tour of South Africa is cancelled, Rhodesia will almost certainly play two more Currie Cup games this season. And one would be a home match against Eastern Province, featuring the famous Pollock brothers.

British cricket authorities will decide on Tuesday, at a full meeting of the MCC, whether or not to try and save the tour. But there has been so much recrimination and mud-slinging on both sides since the South African prime minister implied that Basil D'Oliveira would not be welcome with the English team, that few in the Southern African cricket world expect any 11th-hour solution to a tragic turn of events which could lead to South Africa being isolated from the Test scene for many years to come.

Thus, the South African Cricket Association will decide next weekend on the alternative arrangements, and the obvious solution is to reschedule the Currie Cup programme and play a full number of matches.

That is, the A Section sides will play three matches home and away instead of the present two-and-two plan recently decided.

As things stand, Rhodesia are due to play at home against Natal on October 25-27 and Transvaal on November 9-11.

These dates may still stand, with the Eastern Province game fitted in at a date suitable to the Rhodesia Cricket Union, or, as I said, the whole Currie Cup programme may be reorganised.

Mr L H 'Weary' Maxwell, the RCU president, reflected the mood of the local cricket world yesterday when he told me: ``This MCC business is most regrettable, but we in Southern Africa must now get down to reorganising our cricket without the benefit of the touring team.

``Apart from the possibility of two more Currie Cup games for Rhodesia, I would like to see a Rhodesian Under-23 team make an extended tour of Transvaal and Natal. A Transvaal side played three games here last year and that tour was so successful that we have asked the Transvaal Cricket Union to accept a Rhodesian side on a reciprocal tour this season. Now that the Tests may fall away we may be able to send a team to the Transvaal and even Natal.''

The cancellation of the MCC tour will badly hit South African cricket finances, as each province generally gets a large slice of the tour profits. The Transvaal Cricket Union alone made a profit of nearly £40 000 on the last Australian tour, and the SACA was able to distribute £26 000 to all provinces.

Rhodesia would have shared in any profit from the MCC tour, even though we were not scheduled to see Colin Cowdrey's team.

It is ironic that the Southern African cricket world should be deprived of Test matches at a time when the Springboks have never been so dominant and popular and were being hailed as the best players in the game.

This may be conjecture as no one could really say how good South Africa was until after the MCC series. But there is no doubt that the Pollocks, Barry Richards, Denis Lindsay, Colin Bland, Eddie Barlow and the rest would between them have produced some splendid cricket.

Players around the 30-mark like Colin Bland may now have seen their last Tests, yet the political barometer is so unpredictable that by the time the Springboks are next due to tour - England in 1970 - the current enmity may have dissipated.

With Rhodesia knowing for some time that we would see no MCC this season, the RCU has been planning to win back to cricket the large crowds of the early 60s. Of course, nothing succeeds like success, and a winning Rhodesian team under Colin Bland will certainly pull back the customers - provided we win with style.

Some players like Bland, Howie Gardiner and Jono Clarke have already set the tempo with spectacular early-season centuries. If they and their colleagues can carry this form into the more serious competition of the Currie Cup and Logan Cup, fears the RCU have of the game losing its popularity hold will be allayed.

Overall, with cricketers like Richards, the Pollocks, Lindsay and others now due in Salisbury [for an exhibition match], this could be a long, hot summer of fine cricket. It's a nice thought.

ONLY FOUR TEAMS IN CURRIE CUP 'A' (Monday 30 September)

Johannesburg, Sunday

The South African Cricket Association (SACA) have explored the possibility of alternate cricket tours in view of the cancellation of the MCC tour to South Africa, but it was found to be impracticable. Instead, it was decided that a full round of Currie Cup matches with Natal, Transvaal, Eastern Province and Rhodesia would be staged.

This is contained in a statement by the SACA after a lengthy meeting at the Wanderers here today.

The full statement reads: ``In view of the cancellation of the MCC tour, consideration was given to possibilities of arranging alternative tours which, however, were found to be impracticable, and as a result, it was decided today that a full round of Currie Cup matches with Natal, Eastern Province, Transvaal and Rhodesia would be staged in the A Section.

``Outside of the Currie Cup fixtures, and as compensation for the loss of the game against the touring team, in the B Section centres, the Board has decided that each of the A Section teams would visit a B Section centre during the season.

``In addition, the winning team in the Currie Cup competition will take part in a game against a South African Games XI in March 1969, as part of the National Games Festival to be held in Bloemfontein.

``The application from the Northern Transvaal Cricket Union for Currie Cup status was referred back to its parent body, the North-Eastern Transvaal Cricket Union, for further consideration.''

TONY PITHEY COMES OUT OF RETIREMENT . . . FOR HOME GAMES ONLY

By Glen Byrom (Sunday Mail, 13 October 1968)

Tony Pithey, the former Rhodesian captain, who retired from national cricket last season, today announces his comeback.

The 35-year-old Springbok batsman will be available for home Currie Cup matches only and has informed the selectors of his decision.

Pithey retired from the national scene early last season when he left his teaching post to start a new career in the Merchant Bank in Salisbury after gaining a BSc economics degree.

He told me: ``At the time I retired there was no possibility of my being able to complete a full season and I did not think I would be able to play for Rhodesia again.

``However, circumstances have changed and, added to this, I now have accumulated some leave and will be available, if required, for home games only.''

During the past decade Pithey has been Rhodesia's most reliable batsman and he still has much to offer Rhodesian cricket. The Salisbury Sports Club skipper is in great form this season and is the top run-getter in the country.

As a batsman he is still in his prime and Rhodesia should take full advantage of his vast experience and technical perfection now that we are back in the A Section of the Currie Cup.

The convenor of selectors, Alwyn Pichanick, commented: ``We welcome the fact that Tony will be available in the future.''

Did I detect a gleam in his eye?

PITHEY'S RETURN SHOULD BE WELCOMED

By Glen Byrom (Sunday Mail, 13 October 1968)

Today's news that Tony Pithey will come out of retirement, if required, to play in home matches only for Rhodesia this season will be criticised by an unthinking few. They will argue that to select the former Springbok on this basis would be a negative, retrograde policy and that if he cannot tour he should not be considered for other matches.

But cricket's cognoscenti will know better. They will welcome Pithey's decision and immediately see its immense value to Rhodesian cricket.

We are fortunate to possess many talented young players who are eager to establish themselves and, in the B Section last season, the selectors seized their opportunity to inject youth like Brian Davison, Jack Heron, Roy McLoughlin, Derrick Townshend and Jono Clarke.

But now we are in the A Section. The difference is immense and these young players are untested in the major arena and real experience is needed to support them.

Who better than Tony Pithey? He is still a master batsman and the most reliable run-getter in the country, as a glance at today's averages will show.

Perhaps Rhodesia needs him more now than ever before. In all our former appearances in the A Section the batting has been brittle, but fortunately counteracted by bowlers like Joe Partridge, Godfrey Lawrence, David Pithey and Jack du Preez.

Now only du Preez remains as a tried and experienced campaigner of undoubted class, while outstanding batsmen like Colin Bland, Ray Gripper, Peter Carlstein and Rob Ullyett have had chequered careers in the A Section.

Therefore the solidity and experience of Tony Pithey at number four is essential, even if only for three home games.

We will be making a tremendous effort to retain our place in the A Section and it is a simple fact that our chances will be better if Pithey plays. If the criterion is to select the best team for each match, as it must be, then he is a certainty.

With Rhodesia's opening match against Natal in Salisbury only a month away the likely side is beginning to take shape.

A pleasing feature of the league season so far is that so many players have run into top form quickly and the competition for places will be tough.

Take Stuart Robertson, for instance. This Salisbury Sports Club 21-year-old left-hander is a batsman of brilliant potential, as he displayed in Umtali last weekend by hitting an undefeated 174 against Manicaland. He is obviously a Rhodesian star of the future and will put a lot of pressure on the more established players this season. He is also a brilliant slip fielder.

John McPhun is back in Salisbury and will be fighting for a berth as opening batsman at the expense of Jono Clarke or Ray Gripper.

But perhaps the sternest competition will be among the bowlers. Big Eddie Parker will have to work hard to keep out young pacemen like left-hander Wayne Lawton, Noel Peck, Roy McLoughlin and Peter MacKenzie, all of Bulawayo.

A second spinner to back up du Preez, if needed, could come from any one of John Traicos, Derek Hinde, Mike Shacklock, Derrick Townshend and Jimmy Mitchell, while an interesting newcomer is Dave Murray, a former South African Universities off-spinner who has joined Old Georgians. He is a grandson of Rhodesian former chief justice, Sir John Murray.

Howie Gardiner and Tony de Caila will again be the contenders for the wicket-keeping berth. Lanky Gardiner has been in great batting form this season and must be first choice at the moment.

The line-up for the first match against Natal in Salisbury on November 9-11 could be: Jono Clarke, Ray Gripper, Peter Carlstein, Tony Pithey, Colin Bland, Jack du Preez, Brian Davison, Howie Gardiner, Roy McLoughlin, Eddie Parker or Noel Peck, Derek Hinde or Mike Shacklock.

TRAICOS BACK SOON

By Brian Streak (Sunday Mail, 13 October 1968)

The revised Currie Cup itinerary has alleviated one problem for the Rhodesian selectors - they will need to replace last season's first-choice off-spinner, John Traicos, for only one game before he returns from Natal. If the former itinerary had stood he would have been unavailable for three games before completing his final year BA examinations at the end of November.

Traicos, who made a commendable debut for Rhodesia against Transvaal B last season, is, however, having a lean spell at the start of the Natal first league season. But a glance at the Mashonaland bowling averages for the new season suggests he is not an odd man out.

Nevertheless the new season holds a lot of promise for this determined, ambitious Natal University student of 21, although he will encounter stiff competition.

Trevor Goddard, the former Springbok captain and all-rounder, has recently been appointed as the Sports Supervisor at the university and under his expert coaching Traicos has gained far more confidence as a bowler and lower order bat.

There is, however, one big problem Traicos will have to overcome when he returns to Rhodesia at the end of November.

He lives in Chiredzi and told me recently in Durban that unless he could get a vacation job in Salisbury he didn't think any amount of dedication would overcome the difficulty of training in the uncomfortable heat and the poor facilities of the Lowveld.

One can only hope he is given the opportunity of making the Mashonaland first league in those vital first two months of the New Year before he enrolls at the University College to complete his teaching diploma.

FAST BOWLERS ARE LUXURY RHODESIA CANNOT AFFORD

By Cecil Whittaker (Wednesday 16 October 1968)

All three Rhodesian selectors - Alwyn Pichanick, Joe Partridge and Percy Mansell - will be at the Logan Cup cricket semi-final between Mashonaland and Mashonaland A at the Salisbury Sports Club this weekend, and the big question facing them will be: Who will handle the new ball in the Currie Cup match against Natal at the Police Ground on November 9, 10 and 11?

Since the retirement of Partridge, Godfrey Lawrence and Dave Napier, the gap has never been filled. It was partially filled by Eddie Parker, who had his best Currie Cup season last year, but there is still a crying need for a good pair of new ball bowlers.

Of the young men recently arrived on the scene, left-hander Waine Lawton looks about the best bet. A bright future was forecast for Noel Peck, Errol Laughlin and Roy McLoughlin, but none has fulfilled his early promise.

Huntsman Williams was a favourite at one time, but he appears to have faded from the scene, although his League bowling lately appears to have been successful. Peter MacKenzie has his ups and downs, but seems to be prone to injury and would be a gamble.

On the local scene, Ken Tonkin is bowling well, Brian Davison has proved his worth as a seamer, and Neville Williams is bowling better than ever. But none of these bowlers has any real pace.

Some batsmen I have spoken to claim that Peck is the fastest man in the country. But he, too, is prone to injury and unlikely to see a match out.

Where are the days when Partridge and Lawrence bowled 25 to 30 overs each in a match and were upset when they were relieved? They thrived on hard work. But today's bowlers have to be wet-nursed and handled like prima donnas.

If pace bowlers are going to be a luxury and an expense, then it would be better to forget them and rely on fast-medium men who are accurate, make the batsmen play at every ball, and get the wickets. Too many of our so-called real pacemen waste new balls as though they have gone out of fashion.

There appears to be little trouble about leg-spinners and left-arm spinners, but once again the hunt must be on for a good off-spinner, and from what has been on view this season, the selection of an off-spinner at this stage would also appear to be an uncalled-for luxury.

When off-spin bowlers prove themselves; when they start taking wickets; then and only then should they be put in the side. Some will argue that an off-spin bowler can be used to seal up an end while the bowler at the other end gets the wickets. This could be true; it could also be negative thinking.

If there is no off-spin bowler good enough, then dispense with one. Leg-spinners and left-arm bowlers are more difficult to play and the more successful wicket-takers. Matabeleland must have realised this to their cost last weekend; and cricketers elsewhere are little different.

CRICKET SELECTORS WILL NOW NEED SOME TIME TO THINK

Monday 21 October 1968

It is not yet known when the Rhodesian selectors will name the Currie Cup team to play Natal at the Police Ground (Salisbury) on November 9, 10 and 11, but they will certainly need a little time to think this one over after watching the Logan Cup semi-final at the Salisbury Sports Club over the weekend. [Mashonaland A, under Eddie Parker, beat Colin Bland's Mashonaland, who had a weak bowling attack, on first innings.]

Some reputations were enhanced; others looked a little tarnished, writes Cecil Whittaker.

I doubt whether there will be any real surprises in the team; no doubt the selectors will stick to players of proven ability, at least for the first match. If any doubtful player fails in that match, obviously he will get the 'chop'.

The bowling department is obviously the number one problem, and it certainly was not eased much over the weekend. One man who must have made the selectors' hearts a lot happier, though, must have been Eddie Parker, whose new-found fire gladdened the hearts of many critics.

But Parker will need a partner. Several names come to mind, such as Waine Lawton, the left-hander, Noel Peck, Roy McLoughlin, Neville Williams, Dave McVey and Ken Tonkin. The selectors could almost be forgiven if they put this lot into a hat and draw out the required number.

On performance alone, Lawton and Williams could have the edge on the others. Lawton is a promising young bowler who could develop well.

Williams is probably the best bowler of an old ball in the country. He keeps a good, nagging length, puts a lot of thought into his bowling, and as a stock seamer he would probably be the best bet against A Zone batsmen.

Mike Shacklock has proved that he is an infinitely better bowler than ever before. He keeps a good length and can take a 'caning' without throwing in the towel.

Jack du Preez bowled an abnormal number of loose balls, but he is too good a man to be overlooked. He is a must, and could prove to be the side's greatest asset. He can bowl tirelessly, and gets better as he goes along.

The announcement by Tony Pithey that he is available for 'home' games must have set the selectors thinking wildly.

Stuart Robertson has forced his way into contention with his great knocks at Umtali [174 not out] and at Sports Club on Saturday [99], and at 21 he must be the best prospect Rhodesia has had in a long time. Already he is a mature batsman, ready for the big time.

My side would come from the following: Clarke, Gripper, Carlstein, Bland, Pithey, Robertson, Gardiner, Davison, du Preez, Parker, Williams, Lawton, Shacklock. And the best of luck to the selectors!

SEVERAL SURPRISES IN RHODESIAN XI TO PLAY NATAL

By Cecil Whittaker (Tuesday 29 October 1968)

As expected, there are a few surprises in the Rhodesian cricket team to play Natal in the first Currie Cup match of the season at the Police Ground, Salisbury, on November 9, 10 and 11. The team is: Colin Bland (capt), Ray Gripper (vice-capt), Peter Carlstein, Jono Clarke, Brian Davison, Tony de Caila, Jack du Preez, Roy McLoughlin, Eddie Parker, Tony Pithey and Derrick Townshend. Twelfth man is Stuart Robertson.

Opening bowler Roy McLoughlin must have influenced the selectors when he took six Police wickets for 28 runs while playing for BAC in Bulawayo on Sunday. McLoughlin has played for Rhodesia, but lost both form and favour.

McLoughlin will partner Eddie Parker with the new ball. Obviously both have been selected for their penetration - Parker for his hostility, in particular - but neither figures in the bowling average this season.

I can see the selectors' thinking in their choice of off-spinner Townshend. He is obviously the stock bowler whom they hope will bottle up one end, forcing the batsmen to 'have a go' at the other bowlers.

Leg-spinner Jack du Preez could be the man to profit from this plan. Although his league figures have not been startling, he is the man for the big occasion.

Mike Shacklock, the left-arm spinner who has come back to form this season, could be considered unlucky. He may not be as economical as Townshend but he gets more wickets, sustains interest, and is not a bad batsman.

Brian Davison, and possibly Bland, are the other seam bowlers. Davison has not been bowling well this season, but he is a more than useful middle-order batsman and a keen fielder. Perhaps his bowling will rise to the occasion.

The recall of wicket-keeper Tony de Caila was not particularly surprising, for as a specialist 'keeper he is the best in Rhodesia. Howie Gardiner has lacked concentration this season, and has missed too many chances behind the stumps. A little more application and he could get back into the side. His forceful batting, especially against teams likely to amass huge totals, would be most welcome.

On his current form, Peter Carlstein will be the first man to admit that he is lucky to be in the side. But he is too good and experienced a man to drop at this stage, and when it comes to batting against a side like Natal, Carlstein could play inspired cricket. He has done it before; he will be only too anxious to do it again.

Stuart Robertson, who heads the batting averages and has come on tremendously this season, will undoubtedly play for Rhodesia this year. He is 12th man, which won't do him any harm at this stage. Stuart is only 21, has not been pushed, and is maturing like a vintage wine.

The top batting should ensure a reasonable showing for Rhodesia, with men like Gripper, Clarke, Carlstein, Pithey, Bland, Davison, du Preez and Parker all capable of making big scores. And there is no 'tail'.

STUART ROBERTSON HAS GOLDEN FUTURE

By Glen Byrom (Sunday Mail, 3 November 1968)

Stuart David Robertson stands on the threshold of what promises to be a golden cricket career.

The 21-year-old Salisbury brewery trainee takes his first steps into big-time cricket next Saturday at the Salisbury Police Ground where he will be 12th man for Rhodesia against Natal. This is surely a stepping stone to bigger things and Robertson must be a certainty to tour South Africa with the Rhodesians next month.

The 6ft 1in left-hander has improved steadily over the past few years and is now a confident, stylish batsman with a near-faultless technique and has the ability to develop into one of the best - and most exciting - players ever produced in the country.

Robertson is a cautious batsman, but seldom becomes 'barnacled' and takes full advantage of any loose bowling with aggressive, graceful strokes. His driving through the covers, particularly, is a joy to watch.

'Stewie' Robertson first started cricket at David Livingstone Junior School in Salisbury, where he played for the first team for four years (from Standard II) and hit a couple of centuries. He went on to Churchill School, where he made the first team at the age of 15 and was chosen for the Rhodesian Nuffield Schools XI for three years in succession (1964-1966).

Since leaving school he has had five representative games for Mashonaland A and this season has revealed his brilliant potential with two magnificent innings - 174 not out against Manicaland and 99 against Mashonaland. He also hit an elegant 80 against Country Districts in a pre-season game.

He is also a superb slip fielder and will be a valuable asset to Rhodesia in this department.

``I think I've been applying myself better this season,'' said the soft-spoken, unassuming Robertson. ``Tony Pithey has been giving me a lot of help in the nets and I'm trying to follow him for technique.''

Springbok ambitions? The freckle-faced Robertson has obviously given it little thought - ``My first ambition is to play for Rhodesia . . . first things first.''

RHODESIANS FINISH CURRIE CUP NETS

Friday 8 November 1968

The Rhodesian cricketers have been performing well at practice for their Currie Cup A section match against Natal, starting at the Police Ground tomorrow. They had their final practice yesterday afternoon, and today will be a rest day, writes Cecil Whittaker.

Peter Carlstein, who hit a century yesterday when suffering from a bout of flu, is fully recovered, and his patient and workmanlike innings last Sunday has put him back in the right frame of mind. He hit a fine century against Natal B at the Police Ground last season.

The Police pitch promises to be a good one, and this could be an important toss for Rhodesia to win. Rhodesia will need plenty of runs on the board against the champions if they are to have a psychological advantage. They would probably need in the region of 500 runs to be in with a chance - weather permitting.

Colin Bland lost all six tosses last season; it will be interesting to see if the law of averages swings in his favour this time.

The Natal team, who arrive at 11.50 a.m. today, will no doubt practise at the Police Ground this afternoon.

BATSMEN LIKELY TO DOMINATE THIS CURRIE CUP MATCH

By Cecil Whittaker (Saturday 9 November 1968)

Weather permitting, the A Section Currie Cup match between champions Natal A and Rhodesia at the Police Ground, Salisbury, over the weekend should see a spate of runs, with a possible decision on the first innings. The toss could prove vital to the home side in this match, for they badly need to bat first and amass as many runs as possible against a side that is packed with good batsmen.

If, as seems likely, Mike Procter is used only in short spells, and because of his knee injury he cannot work up to full pace, neither side will have a particularly penetrative attack and the batsmen could dominate on what should be a good pitch.

Natal have the better attack, particularly with Trevor Goddard in their line-up. He will be supported by Graham Pistorius, having his first game for the senior side, and Pat Trimborn, another useful seam bowler. There are three good off-spin bowlers in Norman Crookes, Grayson Heath and Barry Richards, but the side lacks a leg-spinner.

The Natal batting line-up is impressive. Richards, the man everyone will be wanting to see after his spectacular season in England, and Goddard are likely to open the innings. They will be followed by newcomer Bruce Groves, Lee Irvine, Procter, skipper Berry Versfeld, Heath, wicket-keeper Gamsy and Crookes. Pistorius and Trimborn constitute the 'tail'.

Breaking through the Natal upper crust batting represents a mammoth task for the Rhodesian bowlers, and if they get the champions out for under 400 runs they can congratulate themselves. I have seen better Natal sides, but only rarely.

The Rhodesian batsmen are, fortunately, right in form, and there appears to be no 'tail', for at the bottom are Tony de Caila and Roy McLoughlin, both batsmen in their own rights.

Ray Gripper and Jono Clarke, the Old Georgians opening pair, have struck up a good understanding and have been performing well for Mashonaland and Rhodesia. They will probably be followed by Peter Carlstein, back to form just in time, and Tony Pithey, who has never batted better.

Then comes Colin Bland who, on his current form, would be an automatic selection for South Africa. Jack du Preez, performing a lot better with the bat than the ball so far this season, will probably bat ahead of Brian Davison and Eddie Parker, both of whom have been among the runs this year. Rhodesia has an aggressive middle order, and should the stage be set for them, they could capitalise on it.

But does Rhodesia have the bowling to get Natal out for a reasonable total? A heavy responsibility rests on Parker, who showed a welcome return to his hostile form recently. He will be badly needed for an early breakthrough.

Roy McLoughlin, who will share the new ball with Parker, has not been seen in Salisbury for some time. He is reported to be bowling well. In support will be seamers Brian Davison and, if necessary, Bland.

Du Preez, who has the temperament for the big occasion, could come right with his leg-spinners. He has been the backbone of the Rhodesian attack for the past two seasons and will be sorely needed this weekend.

Derrick Townshend, the 'stock' bowler, will be used to close up one end with his off-spinners. But whether the Natal batsmen will allow him to do this remains to be seen.

To sum up, Rhodesia have a hard, uphill battle. If they hold Natal to a first innings victory, they will have done very well.

CHANCES MISSED - NATAL FIGHT BACK STRONGLY

By Len Brown (Sunday Mail, 10 November 1968)

Well done, Natal. Well done indeed. After being perched precariously at 103 for four wickets just before lunch on the first day of this A Section Currie Cup cricket match at the Police Ground yesterday, they fought back magnificently and at stumps were well placed with a handsome 354 for six on the board.

After lunch heroes for Natal were Lee Irvine (72), skipper Berry Versfeld (72) and Grayson Heath, still there on 70 not out after the most elegant and attractive innings of the day.

It was Irvine and Versfeld who held the innings together and set it back on an even keel, for they added 109 runs at a most critical stage. Had either fallen shortly after lunch there is not much doubt that Rhodesia would have been firmly in the saddle at the close of play.

Versfeld chose to anchor the innings by stifling all his powerful attacking shots, and there were those in the crowd of just over 3000 who showed their displeasure at times. But I'll guarantee if Versfeld had been batting for Rhodesia at that stage, he'd have been their hero.

If I could fault Versfeld it was for the manner in which he hogged the bowling while fighting his rescue action, instead of giving as much of the bowling as possible to the more militant, and eager, Lee Irvine at the other end.

But maybe Versfeld had in mind that let-off shortly before lunch Irvine enjoyed when, with only 10 runs to his credit, he swung lustily at Jackie du Preez out to deep mid-on and Peter Carlstein, who seemed to have difficulty in picking up the flight of the ball against the background of the far stands, had to dive after the ball, and as his elbows hit the ground the ball bounced away.

Had that catch been held Natal would have gone into lunch at about 120 for five - right up the creek and in danger of losing the paddle.

Versfeld went down the pitch and exhorted Irvine to keep his head down, and from then until he was out to a brilliant tumbling catch by the same Peter Carlstein at backward point, Irvine didn't put a foot wrong.

With Irvine out, Versfeld found another willing partner in Heath, who also had his share of luck before he had reached double figures. Again it was the luckless du Preez who was the sufferer as Heath swung lustily to midwicket and Gripper, about forty yards from the bat, looking straight into the sun, dropped the shoulder high catch.

Earlier in the morning, du Preez himself had grassed a sharp gully chance off Barry Richards which also cost Rhodesia runs. Had these three sharp chances been held, Rhodesia would almost assuredly have been batting before the day's end.

As it is, they still have to ferret the remainder of the Natal batting out on what is likely to be a good batting pitch for the rest of the game.

Goddard and Richards got Natal off to a handsome 89-run start before Richards was out to a grand diving catch by Tony Pithey backward of square leg, as Richards went for a sweep off du Preez. Then Groves was out to a shocking hoick, third ball, and Mike Procter pulled a shortish ball straight to Bland at wide mid-on.

And when Goddard was out at the same total - 103 - to a most university-Goddard-like shot prodding at a shortish ball outside the off stump, Natal were struggling.

In this period, the Rhodesian opening bowlers had not troubled the batsmen at all, and it was left to Brian Davison and du Preez to shoulder the burden of the attack. Du Preez varied his pace excellently all morning - and then seemed to forget about this art later in the day.

Davison was easily the pick of the morning bowlers. He kept the ball well up to the bat, his direction was good, and he cut the ball both ways on occasions to keep all the batsmen on tenterhooks. In the afternoon he bowled too short as the wicket lost its morning freshness and plumbed out considerably.

Not that it was ever difficult during the day, but before lunch the odd ball did tend to bend off the pitch. Some of Eddie Parker's earlier deliveries turned considerably, but they were too far off line to be effective.

Apart from those missed chances, the Rhodesian fielding was good, with Bland, Gripper, Carlstein, du Preez and Jono Clarke outstanding.

And a special pat on the back for skipper Colin Bland's handling of his bowlers, and his excellent field settings.

Although the Rhodesian attack didn't use the early morning pitch as I think Natal's Goddard, Procter and Trimborn would have done, they did a fair job, and I'll wager Versfeld and his team were well satisfied with themselves when the day ended.

RHODESIA FACING DEFEAT ON FIRST INNINGS: NINE FOR 276

By Cecil Whittaker (Monday 11 November 1968)

Rhodesia, who dismissed Natal in their first innings yesterday for 444 runs, are facing certain first innings defeat with 276 runs for nine wickets at the close, and possible outright defeat if they do not improve on the last day at the Salisbury Police Ground yesterday. This A Section Currie Cup match has been most absorbing over the first two days, and a crowd of more than 3500 saw some fine cricket yesterday.

Yesterday, Natal took their overnight score of 354 for six wickets to 444 scored in 506 minutes, and when play ended, the Rhodesians had been at the crease for 326 minutes.

Rhodesia, who dropped some vital catches on the first day on Saturday, fielded and caught brilliantly yesterday to dismiss the remaining four visiting batsmen for 90 runs, and leg-spin bowler Jackie du Preez finished with the creditable bowling figures of six wickets for 149 runs in 54 overs.

The Natal middle order batsmen certainly saved the day for their side. On Saturday, they were in trouble with four wickets down for 103 runs, but Lee Irvine (72), Berry Versfeld (72), Grayson Heath (78) and Dennis Gamsy (76) all batted well to help put their side in an excellent position on a pitch which gave little help to the bowlers.

Heath (70) and Gamsy (18), the overnight batsmen, took up from where they left off in brilliant sunshine and hot weather. But at 372 Heath hung his bat out to a ball from Eddie Parker and Davison took a simple catch at first slip. Heath and Gamsy had added 73 runs for the seventh wicket.

Then Gamsy was joined by Crookes, and these two quickly settled down to raise the 400 in 468 minutes, with Gamsy pulling and cutting most effectively. But at 421 Crookes pulled a full toss from du Preez to midwicket where Davison took a great catch. Crookes was out for 21.

Pistorius did not last long. Du Preez bowled him off his pads before he had scored. And then du Preez had Gamsy caught off a full toss by Bland in the covers and Natal were all out for 444 after having added 90 runs in 85 minutes yesterday.

Rhodesia got off to a bad start. Ray Gripper was bowled second ball by Mike Procter, who beat the bat on the inside to flatten the off stump. This was a bad blow and had the Rhodesians on the defensive immediately.

Then Procter, who worked up quite a pace with his unorthodox bowling style, had the crowd gasping when he uprooted Tony Pithey's middle stump. But the umpire had called 'no-ball' and Pithey, who had obviously heard it, had merely tried to deflect the ball by turning the blade of his bat.

Then Pithey and Jono Clarke quietly added 30 runs in the first hour, and at lunch they had 41 on the board, with Pithey on 18 and Clarke on 17. Pithey took 10 runs off Trimborn's first over after lunch, and he and Clarke raised 50 in 74 minutes.

But at 57 Natal struck again when Trimborn got Clarke to edge a catch to wicket-keeper Dennis Gamsy. Clarke had made 21 in 90 minutes.

Peter Carlstein joined Pithey, but only four runs later Pithey cut a ball from Procter to the safe hands of Goddard in the gully and Rhodesia had lost three valuable wickets for only 61 runs.

Then skipper Colin Bland and Carlstein set about salvaging the Rhodesian innings against an all-seam attack, well handled by Versfeld who 'rang the changes' frequently from both ends. These two raised the 100 in 139 minutes. Both men were stroking the ball well while they put on 50 together in 48 minutes. Bland got his personal 50 in 81 minutes, and then they saw the 150 go up in 158 minutes - 13 minutes faster than Natal.

The 100 partnership came in 103 minutes, with Carlstein getting his fifty in 113 minutes, and at tea Rhodesia were 167 for three. Things were looking much brighter for the home side, with Bland on 56 and Carlstein on 50.

But straight after tea Goddard trapped Carlstein leg-before without further score. With Bland, Carlstein had added 107 for the fourth wicket and had hit four fours in a responsible stay of 115 minutes.

Du Preez then joined his captain and the 200 was raised in 233 minutes. But seven runs later Bland was out. He cut a ball from Goddard fine, and Gamsy took a fine diving catch. Bland had hit 82 in 139 minutes, including 13 fours, and at that stage he looked set for a century.

Brian Davison came in at a crucial stage, and Rhodesia were in real trouble when du Preez tried to pull Goddard, only to get caught at short square leg by Versfeld, who held the catch at the second attempt. Du Preez had scored 14 and six wickets were down for 214.

Then Parker was run out at 239 while attempting a fourth run with Davison, and Natal closed in for the 'kill'. Davison, who had been playing a restrained innings, suddenly jumped out to drive a ball from Crookes, missed, and was given out stumped. He had hit 28 in 65 minutes and eight wickets were down for 254.

Roy McLoughlin was caught at long-on off Crookes for 14, and with the last pair at the wicket, Tony de Caila and Derrick Townshend, Procter took the new ball at 273. But the last pair held out and will bat again today.

The Rhodesians have only themselves to blame for being in this plight, for several of them got themselves out. The Natal attack was steady, particularly Goddard, but the home side batsmen were scoring at a much better rate than the visitors and none of them looked really unhappy at the wicket.

The pitch is still playing well, and if the last pair do not get the 18 runs necessary to avoid the follow-on, it will be interesting to see if Natal ask Rhodesia to bat again with the possibility of spending a day in the hot sun.

NATAL WERE HAPPY WITH THEIR FIRST INNINGS POINTS

By Cecil Whittaker (Tuesday 12 November 1968)

Natal A, who set Rhodesia the task of scoring 297 runs in 176 minutes for outright victory, must surely have been quite content with their first innings points in this A Section Currie Cup match which ended in a draw at the Salisbury Police Ground yesterday. After scoring 444 in their first innings and then dismissing the Rhodesians for 310 yesterday morning, Natal declared their second innings at 162 for four wickets. When the match ended, the home side had scored 204 for the loss of four wickets.

This challenge was never on. Against a near-Springbok attack such as Natal commands, the Rhodesians had no chance whatsoever of scoring at the rate of 98 runs an hour. Had Natal declared a little earlier, Rhodesia would almost certainly have accepted the challenge, and Natal would certainly have stood a better chance of gaining an outright victory.

As it was, the ending left the crowd of some 2000 colder than the overcast, windy weather which persisted all day. In fact, when the match ended, there could have been no more than a hundred spectators braving the icy wind.

But this morning the crowd warmed to the performance of the two Rhodesians, Tony de Caila and Derrick Townshend. These two, who were the overnight batsmen - Rhodesia were 276 for nine and facing a follow-on - batted like seasoned veterans to take their side safely past the 295-run mark and add 44 runs for the last wicket.

Every run was cheered as the Natal bowlers desperately tried to end the innings. But the batsmen stuck manfully to their task, despite many bowling changes and some aggressive bowling, until finally Townshend was bowled by Goddard.

De Caila had batted 107 minutes for 20 and Townshend got 23 in 99 minutes. And with 310 runs the Rhodesians were certainly not disgraced. Goddard ended the innings with the best bowling analysis, having taken four for 63 in 40.4 overs.

When Natal batted a second time, they got off to a slow start, which did not help any hopes they may have had of an outright victory. Their first 50 runs came in 62 minutes, with Richards and Groves batting quietly. There was little urgency about their play up to this stage.

When Richards was out, he had scored 59 in 94 minutes, which included a six and eight fours; he speeded up when joined by Lee Irvine, the forceful left-hander.

After the lunch interval, the Natal batsmen went for the runs, and at the end Irvine was undefeated with 44 and four wickets had fallen for 150. It was shortly after this that Versfeld declared his innings closed.

Rhodesia got off to her usual poor start, losing Jono Clarke at 8. But Ray Gripper, bowled second ball in the first innings by Procter, got his head down, and he and Tony Pithey took the total to 74 before Pithey was caught for 40.

With Gripper, Pithey had added 50 runs in 54 minutes, and he took 70 minutes over his 40, which included five fours. When Pithey had 19 runs, he was hit on the left ear by a rising ball from Procter and had to have attention before he could carry on.

Peter Carlstein did not stay long. He had five when he mishit a ball to mid-on and was caught off Richards.

Then came skipper Colin Bland and, after a life at one when he was dropped behind off Richards, he and Gripper proceeded to get on top of the bowling and they took the total to 155 before Gripper was out.

This was a most unfortunate incident. Gripper, who was backing up while Bland faced the bowling of Richards, had his bails lifted by the off-spinner and, on appeal, the umpire had to give him out - run out.

Gripper was batting extremely well, and had hit eight fours in his 80 runs scored in 144 minutes. It is usual in this type of cricket to give a man warning, and the crowd were not a bit happy to see Gripper leaving for the pavilion. Richards certainly won few friends for his action, and at least one of his team mates was more than a little disgusted.

So, with four wickets down for 155, Jack du Preez joined his captain and these two saw out time.

Bland raised his fifty with two towering straight sixes and a four off the bowling of Richards, and at the end he was undefeated with 53 scored in 76 minutes. He hit two sixes and five fours after a rather quiet and restrained first hour. Du Preez had 14 at the end.

Bland, who had scored 82 first-innings runs, had a good match once out for 135 runs.

PERSONAL MEMORIES - John Ward

The first day of the match was my first full day at any Currie Cup match, so it was a memorable occasion. It was a very hot day, and I found a seat beyond the long-leg boundary when the bowling was from the North End of the ground.

It was the first time I had seen any of the Natal players in action, but I knew of their reputations, especially Goddard, Richards and Procter, so it was an exciting experience. The first two shared a sound opening partnership with few memorable strokes, but the first turning point came when Richards paddled du Preez just backward of the square-leg umpire, for Pithey to dive to his right and take a good catch, rolling over as he did so.

Groves and Procter both hit a four to get off the mark and then fell to soft dismissals to du Preez. The crowd buzzed with excitement when Goddard was fourth out to Davison and Rhodesia were on top. But it was a temporary situation as Versfeld and Irvine dug in, with Versfeld in particular very solid. Versfeld walked in to bat without a hat and the sun blazing down, and I remember commenting to a neighbour, ``He can't be expecting to stay for long!'' Irvine always kept the score moving, but Versfeld appeared to carry his anchor role to extremes, even when his eye was in. He became stuck on about 29 for an inordinately long time, causing considerable barracking from Castle Corner. At one stage he split his flannels down the back and left the field to change them, causing a long hold-up in play.

Irvine hit his six off the second new ball, and when he was out Heath looked just as good. Versfeld eventually tried to open out a little more, and was uncharacteristically stumped. Heath enjoyed a lucky escape when he played a ball which appeared to bounce off the top of his stumps without dislodging a bail. Gamsy looked a neat, compact player who handled du Preez very well, and these two were still together at the close.

I was there again on the third day, morning only, to a completely different atmosphere. The weather was cloudy and cold, and there was high tension in the air as de Caila and Townshend battled with magnificent determination to save the follow-on. Procter, long hair flapping, thundered in from one end, sharing it with Trimborn, while Goddard wheeled away from the other with unerring accuracy, a tremendous challenge, but these two were up to it. It took them almost an hour, I think, to eke out the 19 runs needed to avoid the follow-on, the runs eventually coming with an overthrow or two.

This took a lot of the tension out of the game. The stand eventually came to an end when Goddard knocked back Townshend's off stump and Natal batted again, but nobody really expected an outright result now. Groves opened with Richards and looked aggressive, but not overly impressive. He was dropped on the long-leg boundary by Parker, who may have had a temporary sun in his eyes, the ball also carrying on to the boundary for four, and then miscued a cut, so du Preez in the gully stretched smartly to his right to hold the catch. Irvine came in next, and he and Richards moved the score along nicely until lunch, when I had to leave.