1934-08-31 — Page 20

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. FRIDAY, AUGUST $81, 1934.

A WORD OR TWO ABOUT THIS BODYLINE QUESTION

IT NEEDS CLEARING UP

SAYS R. ABBIT

DEFINITE STATEMENT BY THE M.C.C. IS NECESSARY

OBJECTORS AND DEFENDERS ARGUE ON DIFFERENT PREMISES

FUTURE TESTS THREATENED

(By R Abbit).

Now that the tumult and shouting of the Test matches has died, the so-called Bodyline question can be regarded is somewhat truer perspective. Opinions regarding the legiti macy of this type of bowling as practised by Larwood and Voce, as well as views on the attitude of the M.C.C., to the controversy, In the accompanying are wide and varied. article, our cricket correspondent. R. Abbit, sets out his impressions of the dispute, while in an 'adjoining column, "Veritas" describes his conversations with a prominent London journalist, who has been an eye-witness of bodyline bowling in Australia.

It is midnight in the Pavilion atj Voce used to bowl at or outside the Lordes in this present month and year | leg stump with a packed fald on the of grace, but the long room looks as leg sido and only three or sometimes if it was being used for a Committed two elders on the of side of the wie meeting. It is difficult to identify most let, The Australians regarded this of those present, though some seen to us del Berate intimidation of the bats. rocall famous pictures to one's mind. man and objected in no measured The garb in that of well over a hun-tones.

dred yours ago. The earlier members The Larwood side was that it was of the Marylebone Club have met to nothing of the sort, but merely an at- consider the dreadful thing that has tack on the leg stump or an attempt come about. On main point there to got the batsman caught in putting is but little divergence of opinion; the ball to leg. Both Oldfield and Hard knocks were parts of the game in Woodfull received nasty blows. The their day. Over, there in the corner, fact however that both were hit when E. H. Budd is reminding Squire in front of their wickste by straight Osbaldestone who had resigned from balls has most conveniently been for the Gleb two years before--of that gotten. single wicket match he played in 1820 Anyway, the Australians, and Wood. egainst Brand, the, Sussex, fast bow-} full personally, definitely accused the ler, when, after making seventy, be English cleven of playing unsporting was afraid that his injuries would cricket. The M. C. C. refused to stiffen und so provent bloy playing the accept this and suggested dropping the next day. You can hear him chuckle | rest of the tour If the Australian us ho describes how he knocked_down Board of Costrul persisted in their his own wicket and then bowled Brand aliegation. It was withdrawn, tho' for a duck, made thirty more notches, Woodfull has neither withdrawn nor and once more put Brand out for no apologized.

William Ward however is not so impressed.. Eight years after that Jnatchi he had subscribed to the views; of Mr. Denlaon over the new bowling,| which included the dletim that is must lead to a dangerous pace, auch as cannot be faced on hard grounds save at the most inminent peril."

.runn.

MATTER PUT ASIDE.

J. P. Metcalfe of Australia, winning the Hop, Step and Jump erant at the British Empiro Gamas last month. He created a new British

record.

RACING

NOTES

THE NEW AUSTRALIAN

GRIFFINS

LATEST CONTINGENT, PROMISE BETTER THINGS TO COME

INTERESTING BREEDING POINTERS

(By "Captain Foster”),

The new batch of 42 Australians have been drawn for, with the exception of four, which were rejected, and these four were sold by Public Auction last Monday work. They were literally given away, as the entire lot fatched about $75, showing a very very smart loss to the suppliers. The Auctioneers must also be out of pocket as the commission carned would hardly cover their expenses!

At home, the matter speedily was—

On the whole I would say that these if not forgotten, at least put aside. Larwood had developed a foot injury animals were landed in good condi- and most of the cricketing world was tion, considering the length of the so anxious to know if he would ever voyage, and doubtless in a couple of bowl-fast again that they rather let month'stimno wo shall see a very DOYENS OF THE GAME. the other question slip. It was de- marked improvement in their appear- cided that bowling, deliberately, diance. From, a roving inspection I like One member in clerient garb, in rested at the batsman, was not in the following:-: pacing the floor in much perturbation. | nccordance with the spirit of the Lord Frederick Benuclerk would beat

Orewar, drawn by Messrs. Ha!! the other alde by all means, and yet,

and Shenton. to question the pronounements of his M. C. C. is the sin beyond forgiveness. Ife scoma, to get some comfort from Sir Horatie Mann who tells him what he would have done to his bailif Aylward had he flouted the Club as Sir Júlion's agent has.

ante.

No. 16 Bay Mare Sire: Amanus drawn by Messrs. Early Birds.

No. 22 Brown Mare Sire: Double Court drown by Mr. D. J.

Lewis,

A LONDON JOURNALIST TELLS "VERITAS"

WHAT BODYLING BOWLING REALLY IS

BATSMEN FORCED TO MAKE' FALSE STROKES IN SELF-DEFENCE

DELIVERIES ARE PERNICIOUS

(By "Veritas".

The question “What is bodylino bowling?” continues to at- tract attention in Hongkong because, so far as I know there is nobody in the Colony possessing first hand knowledge of the

Larwood-Voce method of bowling.

PERRY TO START DEFENDING

AMERICAN TITLE

· TO-MORROW

FACES TERRIFIC OPPOSITION

U.S. YOUNGSTERS

(By "Veritas").

To-morrow at Forest Hills, Fred Perry starts twelve months of defending national tennis titles. Daring the last year the Englishman has won three of the four most import- ant national championships, the only honour to elude him being the French title.

Unhappily I too cannot give an to make a definite stand on the eye-witness description of "body-question of the danger or other line" as practised by tho two wise of bodyline bowling, chiefly Notta players, but recently I did because English wickets did not have the privelege of hearing allow it to be half so effective as very clear and reasoned expiana-the Australian wickets. tion of the whole thing from a There is little doubt, he said, prominent London Journalist, and that Larwood is doubly as possibly his worda may prove of dangerous with bodyline on Aus strength during that period, and Ha, has gone from strength to assistance to those who are in two tralian wickets as he is on the has now to consolidate. minds about the theory, practice English pitches, and it would be and effect of so-called bodyline diflcult for the M.C.C., to condone Perry has an enormous task

colleague R. Abbiti).

bowling (not to mention mythe practice on the one and con-confronting him at Forest Hills

demn it on the other. The M.C.C. in defence of the United States Mr. J. Hughes, with whom had given their verdict in an far national singles crown. Not only spent the better part of two days as much bowling affected the will be arrayed against him discussing this vexed problem, is spirit of the game, and that was American Davis Cup players both one. of London's best known sports tantamount to denying the fair-past and present, but a new school writer, having contributed au-ness of bodyline bowling.

of youngsters, whose exploits on the thoritative reports and articles to Mr. Hughes maintains that courts in States, Inter-State, Inter the Evening Standard and Sunday Larwood is bowling a ball quite Collegiate and Invitation tourna- Chronicle for the past 15 years. distinct from anything soon in ments during recent months have He has specially described three cricket before, le compares the fully demonstrated that America series of Test matches in England bowling of Gregory and Mac. is aboundng in talent, waiting the and in 1932 saw Larwood adopt his donald, who adopted a fast legpportunity to express itself. New type of leg bowling in theory in 1921 and of Root, whose Australia.

leg trap in 1926 upset the Austra- He enjoys the friendship of allians, and says that they have the lending English and Austra practically nothing in, common lian cricketers and knows well with Larwood's deliveries. their characteristics. He has been in close touch with officials of the M.C.C. and tho Australian Board of Control and is therefore. fairly well qualifed to speak on subjects pertaining to inter- national and first class cricket.

..

The

sence.

CHOR

the

TENNIS LEAGUE don. He has made himself one of

the dominating figures on the In- ternational tennis court to-day, and an opponent not to be regard. ed lightly.

POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS.

pions are Bryan (Bitsy) Grant, Among these potential cham

Frank Parker, Gene Mako, Donald Budge and John Tidball. Any of INDUCED FALSE STROKE.

them are capable of upsetting the Larwood, at least, In Aus-world's best players. In addition tralia, definitely followed the Porry has to face Frank Shields batsman across the wicket. The and Sydney Wood, both thirsting primary object was to force for Davis Cup and Wimbledon the batsman to give a catch | revengo, and both enjoying the ad- "BODYLINE" DEFINED..

through a defensive stroke. vantage, na did Perry a Wimble.

way to induce that particu- don, of playing. before their own. Furthermore Mr. Hughes weighs lor stroke was to send down a supporters and on their own well his words very carefully on this ball which demanded the bats-known courts. subject, is in no way blassed, and man to defend his body.

The American challengers'nise subject in approaches the

These observations, of course, include Lester Stoefen, Wilmer are not the last word on body. Allison, George Lott and Berkeley strictly objective manner.

His first definite contention that line bowling, but they can be Bell, the latter a Wimbledon "bodyline" is a dangerous form of regarded as impressions of seme nominee two. years ago, who has bowling

naturally drew a demand body who has an extensive know- enjoyed several outstanding suc- No. 13, Chestnut mage drawn by

for more details in support of ledge of the game, and whose job cesses in United States tourn. Messrs. Shiu Pang and Edger.

auch à general statement.. it is to regard cricket from the amenis during the past two No. 37, Chestnut, mare drawn

What is bodyline?" "How is analytical viewpoint without the months. by Mr. S. W. Tang.

the ball delivered?" "In what influence of partisanship

Neither can one ignore the prez Nr. 39, Brown gelding.drawn.by....way la suchbowling intimida, național bias..

.of. Menzel, the. Cze Mr. E. L. Hoste.

choslovakian, who gave Perry tory?" These were the questions

such a fright and fight in Sire: Double Court has two repre- hurled at Mr. Hughes' hoad, and

forth the

following

third round at Wimblo- sentatives; No. 1, n bay mare drawn brought No. 10 Bay Gelding Sire:

by Dr. S. N. Chau and No, 22, brown answers:- mare drawn by Mr. D. J. Lewis, while Bodyline, bowling da hurling a Sire: Mazarin will have No. 24, a ball down the pitch at lightning to chestnut mare, drawn by Mr. Dunbar, speed to induce a bataman and No. 35, bay mare, drawn by make a defensive stroke, not so Mr. Li Tee Fong,

much of his wicket, as of his body: The majority of these new Aus- One of the Australian cricketers tralians are doing light work at the in 1932 definitely complained of course, They seem well behaved and opening his innings against Laz- No. 22 impresses me very much in wood with a two-leg guard, and, deed. No. 10.also shows good action finding the English bowler aiming and should prove a galloper. for his hody, moved his guard to Recreio in a firat division lawn middle stump: Larwood followed him: he went further across to tennis league match on Wednes- and still bowled directly at his were beaten by six sets to three, a middle and off-guard and Lar- day, the Hongkong Cricket Club

body.

F. J. Remedios and H. A, Barros Bradman and McCabe both winning all three sats for the experienced this and found that visitors.

Scores: South game in 1838 at Leicester, Every one in the controversy is

the only way to counter it was G. W. Sewell and A. L. Sullivan whero so injured in proilminury prae- simply chasing his own tail. What

to take a guard outside of the tice that he could not bowl, he went obviously needs to be done is to get the

leg stump, thus leaving their (H.K.C.C.) beat. A. V. Remedios In to bat, and thought honvlly punished question settled "Which set of pro-

whole wicket exposed and trying and J. Gonsalves 6-1; lost to F. J. by Redgate's fast bowling, made 140 mises is right?" That is, is the cor-

to cut Larwood off the leg and Remedies and H. A. Barros 4-6 Hot out and won the match, only zeet term for the bowling "body ling" gelding, and this animal, strangely. F. J. Perry, the Wimbledon middle and. leg stumps.

beat C. A. Barretto and J. J. retiring after showing his leg to hisor "leg theory? Or in other words, enough, has gone to the Kong Stelle, and Davis Cup champion, may

Remedios 6-3. Captain, Lord Fredericks, who at once in this type of bowling intended to being drawn by Mr. E. 8. Kong. This achieve fame as the first unpaid

P.. I. Scoones and R. H. Wild sent him from the ground. They cuuso personal danger, and so to he a Stable has yearly drawn an outstand despaired of saving his leg, hut after force operating against the bateman, ing Sub; and I wonder whether it has film star if the Lawn Tennis Mr. Hughes,, why Larwood took Gonsalves 0-6; lost to Remedion That is the chief reason, said (H.K.C.C.) lost to Remedios and belog laid asido until 18d8 he returned or is it not? In the former case the again drawn another "flyer.“ Association approves of the con- so many wickets clean bowled. and Barres 2-0 lost to Barrette to the game to become it's finest ex- "anti-Larwoods" are right. In the

hatter, the "pro-Larwoods. What hus by Nell Gwyn, Bobniak Star and

Sire Bobniak, this year represented tract a Hollywood film company He gradually forced the batsmen and Remedios 3-0. ponent.

Other figures were there. The upset things most is this lack of clear Vriday, will only have two representa as offered him.

outside of the wicket and then let T. A. Pearce and J. Bathurst normous man, sented by a table, with thinking, and many people think that tlves next year, namely:No. 8, a

Before leaving Southampton in on the middle or off stumps.

drive with a inst and straight one (H.K.C.C.) lost to Remedios and the Club snuff-box in hand can be whore the $1.0.C. have gone wrong cream mare drawn by Messrs. Mackio

Gonsalves 4-6; lost to Remedios the liner Majestic for the United But the none other than ok, Ben Aisluble, is in falling to give a decision as tond Grayburn, and No. 8,, a bay gold states, whore ba is to defend his title) deliver danger of Larwood's and Barros 3-6; beat Barretto and oversans competitors, Secretary from 1822 to 1842 retiring what they really think of this bowlinging drawn by Mrs. Dunbar,

on the log side were not Remedios 6-1. only when Death claimed his wicket. wo used in Australia. They took n Sire: Carwelkin of The Goone and of American Open Amateur Cham- only that they were directed to He was President too in 1823, and he strong line at first but sinco have Sunny Chance, will have No. 20, a plon, he told newspapermen that the batsman, but that he bowled is torn both ways. He believes in hedged, and hence the spate of con bay mare drawn by Mr. Fatshan and manly cricket, but the M. C. C. musi

The present controversy is that one aide says that Larwood's and Voco's Howling definitely comes into this category, and call it Body Line, which, if their promisca are correct, is fair enough; while the other say that it is: nothing of the kind and that there is na attempt or intention to hit or

Sumewhat apart, three founders' of intimidate the batsman, and call it the Club, the Eight Earl of Winchclsen, Leg-Theory. and John Sackville the Third Duke of

Now the trouble is that the adher-

Dorset, (who both looked a little hurtents of each side argue cheerfully on

at being omitted from the 1991 their own promisca. But when two

No. 19 Chestnut Gelding Sire: Jack March drawn by Mr. H. A. Seth.

No, 39 Brown Gelding Sire: Narraquong drawn by Mr. E. L Hasic.

I can say very little relative to the

edition of Wisden after ninety eight conclusions are put forward each breeding of these now' Australians but

and a hundred and thirty four years based on an entirely different set of 1 am told that the majority of them PERRY UNPAID

respectively) with Charles Lentex, premises, it is impossible to compare are well bred Fourth Duke of Richmond, were talk them or to decide between them.

ing to a cricketer whose day had been after their dentha. Alfred Mynn was telling thom of the great North an

be the supreme arbiter, and to flout it in an unforgivable ain.

CHASING OWN TAILS.

troversy.

The first shadows of more trouble showed when negotiations about the Australian visit in 1934 bogan. The

people began to wonder when, from)

SHORT SHRIFT FOR LARWOOD. M.C.C. were pretty firm outwardly, but

profound secret, has happened.

THE JUNE WEEK MYSTERY.

ANOTHER KONG "FIND"? :

Tho leading Stre, so for as this course is concerned, is King's Trea- sure, through the performances of his daughter, Able Amazon, in the Kong Stable. He will again be represented next year by his son No. 41, a black.

30, also a bay mare drawn by Afr. Raldy to represent him. ...

NARRAQUONG BLOOD. Racing Heart and High Finance,

FILM STAR?

Ready To Act If L,T,A. Approves

J

"TREMENDOUS JOKE".

ANOTHER IMPORTANT FACTOR.

H.K.C.C. LOSE TO RECREIO

IN "A" DIVISION

Entertaining the Club

Yesterday's

Mr. Hughes explained that cold Results

SMART WIN BY COVENTRY

UNBOUNDED CONFIDENCE.

Quite apart from his sightly superior all-round gamo, which is generally acknowledged, now. Perry's chief asset at the moment on the top of the world, and dels unbounded confidense. Ho in player who enjoys a sigh: moral ing American exponcito, ascendancy over most of the lead.

Porry is bound to have some uncomfortable moments during the next week, but there is no come through with flying colours reason to feel that he will not and retain the crown which he so deservedly won from Jack Craw ford last year.

the Hollywood offer made by length, just short of a pure Universal Studios to appear in a

with the result that if the Blm entled "At Your Service" deliveries were not played at they was definitely subject to LTA would strike the batsman either Football approval.

near the waist or up by the "If I appear in the film and lose shoulder. But it is pretty clear that if things India, Jardino launched the bombshell both by Finmark, wili have a half my amateur status it will cost had got to the present state of affairs, that not only did he not wish be sistar running next year, No, 7, 4 Universal £100,000," Perry and words failed to demonstrate the Larwood would have had sortshrift considered for the Captaincy, but also brown mare drawn by Mr. Chang with a laugh. from those old gentlemen. But it that he did not wish to play in the Wing Yung.

absolute, viciousness -of-

such would never have come to it! They Teats. It is the inevitable conclusion Sire: Jack Marsh of Empire Day, bas

bowling, but that Larwood's por would have taken action, and strong that something which has been kept a No. 19, a chestnut gelding drawn by

formances in Australia proved t action too, early in 1933, had they then

Bir. Young Wing Hong, to do duty I will return to England an time and again. boon the governing body, Thore Wars!

for him next year. no halt measures or ambiguous utter-

amateur," he aded firmly, "avall It was, he said, an interesting A half sister, No. 14, a brown mareable as an amateur for the Davis point that the only time Australian ances in their day. They had shot out

drawn by Mr. S. M. Kong, to Alacrity Cup and Wimbledon champion- batamon were seriously injured But after this, things quietened will uphold the reputation of Silver ships next year and the year after was when Larwood bowled piece of work to-day when they the bookmakers. from Lord's pretty promptly in the twenties, and with down. All was poaceful at the Bank. them William: Lambert, the first man beginning of the Tour and it is stated.

Biros: Trusty Servant (Saucy Face) that. The report that I am to -in 1817—to make a century in each in the "Cricketer of 14th July that Flourinto (Asian) Best Vale (Mutiny appear in a Hollywood film with Innings at Lord'sleeperbodenver Larrood had been invited to play in Bay) Bronsine (Bronze Era) Vallant Mille. Longion is absurd as she le But now, to come down to practical the first Test match but had refused Princess Angeline and Just That professional and if I played with facts after all this romancing what is on the

and Magpie (Bag Tory ww not be her I should lose my amatour all this Larwood business? I think Ho apparently stated them that he was represented next year by new animals, we shall be better able to size things willing to play, H fit, in the Second

We whail, however, have plenty of ca rp. If we go back to the beginning and Test which began on June 22nd. Narraquong blood, as four of his offim, even without a salary. It should enfor appearing in a very briefly recapitulate the facts. But somewhere between June 8th Nghe controversy started in Australia and June 17th, when the Sunday Dia. No. 12 Chestnut are drawn by would be a tremendous joke and In the 1902-1033. tour. Larwood and

Mr. Tinson, KR

Inew thrill

(Continued on: Page 9.)

springs will; boʻracings.

a

London, Aug. 30. Coventry accomplished and yet it was purely by the visited Clapton Orient and defeat ed the London team by the only grace of God that nobody WIS killed with his bodyline de goal scorod, thus claiming the liveries" he added.

maximum points from two matches and maintaining a clean record in IN DEFENCE OF THE M.C.C. the "goals against" column.

The London Dorbý Queen's In defence of the M.C.C., Mr. Park Crystal Palace ended in a Hughes contended that they had division of snolls, both teams not really been given a fair chance adoring thrice, and in the northern

WILDE'S CHANCE. The championship this year flavour which has hitherto boon rather lacks the Internationai feature. The Australians have decided to not compete ant the Japanese Davis Cup team aro other absontecs. In fact Perry and Menzel are the

only important England will turn expectant over on youth- ful F.H.D. Wildo, who is obvious- ly being given his big chance." If he acquits himacit well, Eng- land will feel that another first clags Davis, Cup playar is” in the making.

Sydney Wood, Frank Blifolds and George Lott are the men most dangerous to Porry and Hist aspirations, although one cannot but have a sneaking regard for the chances of Frank Parker, who is a belliont tennis player on his, own courts.g

Accrington, where section of the third division, Car- lisle scored a homo victory against

The results as cabled by Reuter,

were:

THIRD DIVISION (SOUTH). 2egends

Clapton 0.0. Coventry Queen's PR. 3 Crystal P.

THIRD DIVISION (NORTH)

Carliste 2 Accrington

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