The Birmingham Post from Birmingham, West Midlands, England • 8

Hutton Suffering From a Stiff Neek Compton Replaces Graveney Hutton. the England captain, has a stiff neck. but Mr. G. C.

Howard. M.C.C. team manager. said yesterday there was no doubt he would be fit for the third Test beginning at Melbourne to-day. T.

Goodman. cricket writer of the Sydney Morning Herald, quoted Hutton last night as saying he felt a bit seedy." Goodman said Hutton's trouble seemed similar to that of last summer, when he missed a number of matches. including two Tests against Pakistan. because of a sinus complaint. England's great recovery at Sydney.

after losing the Brisbane game, has put them in good heart and there are those who believe that the speed attack will turn the Third Test in England's favour. Perfect conditions prevail at present. and weather experts predict that the glorious sunshine will continue. The captain winning the toss may not repeat earlier decisions, when Hutton put Australia in at Brisbane and Morris returned the compliment at Sydney. because it is felt that the side batting last will he at a disadvantage at Melbourne.

The pitch has been prepared differently from other post-war wickets. and has been rolled while it was drying instead of when still wet. The chief problem has been to ensure that large cracks do not appear in the later stages of the game. It was at Melbourne four years ago that England broke Australia's unbeaten post-war Test record. of 34 matches so far played there.

England have won 13. loon 111 and drawn 3. hut there have been several close finishes. notably England's one-wicket win In 1908 South frica Tour of England South Africa's team to tour England next summer is expected to be announced to-day. J.

E. Cheetham has been appointed captain, and 14 more hare to be named. Ih thr absence of trial games, the inter-provincial Currie Cup matches have been carefully studied by the selectors, of whom two. Dudley Nourse and Alan Melville, captained sides in England The nucletn of the team is expected to he provided by players who drew the Test series with Australia in 1952-53. Team Manager for West Indies Tour T.

J. Burge. a leading Queensland cricket administrator. will manage the Australian team which is to tour in the West Indies during 1955. the Australian Board of Control announced yesterday.

Hedger Likely to Play Both sides remain to he finally decided. Compared with the England 12 for the Sydney Test the only change is Compton for Graveney. It thonght that Bedser will, this time. be retained at the expense of one of the spinners. Wardle or Appleyard.

Since Australia picked their 12 men they have lost Q. R. Langley. their wicket-keeper. through injury, and L.

Idaddocks will deputise. The Australian touring side will be chosen after the Fourth Test between Australia England. which starts at Adelaide on January 28. and they will leave Sydney between February 25 and March 3. Bannister the No.

1 Sportsman Amara Ma. W. Johnson. captain (Victoria). A.

Norm Net South Wak.t. Archer (Queenshineli. Renaud Net South Ka k.t. Burke Net South f. Havel' (South Narver IVKlortal.

Hoke Mouth A Johnston (Victorist. L. Maddock, oVueoriai. R. Lindrisall rondo.

Net South Wales). Twelfth nun to hi I.oool3oced. Dr. Bannister. the man to run a mile in under four minutes.

and Miss Pat Smyth, the international show Jumper. are the 1954 Sportsman and Sportswoman 0 1 the year." This was the result of the national ballot organised by The Sporting Record and announced In Londcn last night when thousands of viewers to V's Sports-View saw Lord Brabazon of Tara present trophies to Bannister and Miss Smyth. Finland captain Ilorkthire). I. H.

May Surrey (owdrey Weikel (Ewa I. Edrich D. S. Compton IA iSurrey) Statham Tyson iSinrlSlMPennshirel, Wardle INorkshirei. Shirai.

Evans 'Kent). Twelfth man. WlLsos 13 V.I. Ihorkablem. Before the main ceremony, C.

J. Chataway. the former world record holder for 5.000 metres, was elected V's oustanding athlete of the year. Bannister headed the list of 12 sportsmen nominated In the ballot. Chataway was second.

Miss Smyth was third: Matthews. the Blackpool and England footballer. fourth: Miss Sheridan. the Isleworth cyclist, fifth. and Wright.

the Wolverhampton and England football captain, sixth. Hockey Six Goals Scored by Warwickshire Yesterday's results in the Midland women's tournament at Rama ate were: Worcestershire 2. Derbyshire Staffordshire 2, Nottinghamshire Warwickshire 6 Leicestershire Shropshire 2. Bedfordshire 2: Bedford College of Physical Education 4. Northamptonshire 3.

The highest score so far in the tournament was registered by a lively Warwick-shire aide. whose forward line found little difficulty In breaking down Leicestershire's defence. Scorers in the first half were Woodhall. Jenkins and James. After the interval Woodhall.

Beeny and Jenkins brought the total to six. Potts netted for Leicestershire. The defeat of Northamptonshire was unexpected. Staffordshire held Nottinghamshire to one goal after scoring twice in the first half hour through Banks and Baugh an did Worcestershire against Derbyshire after scoring through Stephenson and Godwin. There was little to choose between Shropshire and Bedfordshire.

who each scored first-half goal and netted again In the second period. Both Sides Stronger After the Australian's victory at Brisbane and England's bad start at Sydney, It was thought Australia were on the way to regaining the Ashes. But Tyson's grand bowling played a notable part In England's success at Sydney so that people have revised their opinions and rather fear the England fast bowlers. Should Bedser play he may not be given the new ball. unless Tyson and Statham have short spells, leaving Bedser to dominate the other end.

With Compton back in the side and Edrich likely to get another chance to open with Hutton. Bailey can return to his normal position which would strengthen the middle batting Providing his stiff neck does not prove troublesome. Hutton should Improve on his mediocre batting displays, which have given him scores of only 4. 13. 30 and 28 in Tests to date on this tour, and in that case England's batting should be more consistent all round Australia.

too. will be stronger with their captain. Johnson, back in action. and Miller apparently fit again. The loss of Langley is a blow.

but Maddocks has a good reputation not only as a wicketkeeper but as a useful bat. Snooker J. Rea (Belfast) leg if. Stokes (Glasgow) by 23 frames to 17 at the end of yesterday's sessions in their professional match play Quarter-final at Edinburgh. W.

Donaldson gained a lead of 8 frames to 4 against A. Brown in their heat of the Netra of the World professional tournament in London yesterday. Donaldson concedes 12 points in each frame. WINTER CAR ATTENTION real service Severn Home, SUFFOLK BIRMINGHAM 1. Telephone: 6281.

0153-4-5. Woherhampton Birmingham 32. Telephone: BEArwood Grams: Phones: Spgtl ta e. 9 tun Mgarrg V62 P.O. Box 76.

S.llDiand 2971 GUILDHALL .0 TURF Accouwimirr BUILDINGS. BIBMINIGNAM. 2 New starting Price accounts opened subject to approted oillv VERITAS NAP: Newbury, I.o—Blue Baby Friday, December 31, 1954 The Itirmingham Po THE WEST WARWICKSHIRE FARMERS' HUNT moving off from their meet yesterday at the Town Hall, Alcester. GREENORE CAUGHT IN LAST STRIDE Deathheat Forced by Le Voyageur There was a fine finish to the Long Distance Hurdle Handicap at Cheltenham yesterday when Le Voyageur caught the northerntrained Greenore on the post to force a dead-heat. The Iron City was third another three lengths away.

Solar Link. the favourite. ruined his chance when hitting the fifth hurdle from home. Fleet Air Arm was a disappointing favourite for the Western four-yearold Steeplechase in which he finished third to Carola Pride ridden by T. Molony.

M. de Pret-Roose, the trainer. and B. Marshall. the rider of Fleet Air Arm.

were interviewed by the stewards later. De Pret-goose afterwards said: "Our explanations were accepted." Another jockey to be interviewed by the atewarde was J. Haslam after his mount. Tormond. had finished fifth to Precipitator in the Bihury Handicap Steeplechase.

Later Hasiam said: To-day's Runners at Manchester 12.45--STRETFORD SELLING STEEPLE. CHASE of L2OO. second IS. Two -110 Icy Calm IG. Archllmldl Lynn 110- Comm 111-12-.

I A. P. Thompson 41181 IM L. Marsh) 8-12-3 P. Hogsn -311 Dosmethsehml IS Porker) 9-11-12 Shone 0-44) Mr.

Neo IW. Easterhyl 8.11-12 Roddy (helm. 1W Stephenson) 0-11-12 T. 4102 Prises Walsh, (Twllteln 941.12 P. Pickfoed Inabsy IR.

Blske 1 4-11-8 'Worm 5-4 Lockertne. 0-4 Cariboo. 5-1 Dominance. 10-1 Icy Calm and Prince Walvis. 100-8 Thk stewards accepted my explanation." B.

Marshall persuaded Farrington to win the Malvern Novices' Hurdle Race after Eastern Chance, the favourite. had looked the likely winner two hurdles 1 -OLDHAM HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE of C3OO, second 160. third L3o Th ree mile. -011 kianersie Mutton, 7-11-1 Molons Gaulle Moya isewickei 1-10-12 Mr. J.

Sinker -ratio O.F.D. (Renton) 11-1041 Slack -444 ikaintheasi iW. 11. Francis) 9-104 Power 4-20 Kilwaraby iCrunini 6-104 P. Ironipson lea tlm.p (Stores) 6-10-4 Thomnson 4412 Priam Wehrle (Twilielli Pickford Pondapatarri, at 5-4 against.

was the only succesaful favourite. He won the Fairford Handicap Steeplechase to complete a riding double for T. Molony. Forecast: 1.4 Kmacnte. 4 110 5-1 Gentle biota.

7-1 Q.E.D.. 100-6 others. 1.45 -VICTORY HANDICAP HUDDLE MACE with 000 added. second 10 pet cent. third 0 per cent of stakes.

Two miles. 1-12 Stir Kwr iW Stephensnn) 7-124 Moinny 1-01 elresnOi 1 Burns -MN Lissy Lord A. Robinson) Mr. A Metaled IRe sikel 6 1 1 1.12 lt ru ko2 Cre 0 tr Newbury To-day I.O—VATS BRUME AFILLING HVROCE RACE of 4 second £lO lsn miles and half. -003 Maiden WrayMr 16.

Burn Mr. H. J. Manners 4100 Faial IF tendril) A Cnrhett 0.00 raeriehlsay Warren, n-11-9 Clarte Mn- MwSMw (W. Marshall a-11-9 W.

Marshall 113- Harsobl Price 10.11.9 Winter Sir reorient 4Galnl 11-11-9 Inennistouro 9-11-9 nr 7 4.11 Rime Treat (Denntstount 11-11-9 hAseshall ACM 3. Goldmith) 6-11-9 Finery -010 Iftppy 11Inve (Pullen) 6-11-9 Lynn 120 St Blame Lone) 12-11-9 Gilsenan Mh 0 Sprmeate CIYIIe (Hermon) 11.11:1 M. Reeve, Piggott 1-42 the Baby (Piggott) 4.11-4 i-2 Slue Rabe, 7-2 Rood 9. 9-2 Red Oxide for Weer Thom. 11-1 Sir D'Orient.

10-1 Nordest. 1004 Emil. Itnearitodoor, 1004 Happy Slave. St. Matey, 20-1 others.

1.30-1.AM111111211114 ITFTPLYCHASE of Elm). second 160. third 630 Three miles -301 ghiserrie Pew 41 Itisherrsi 6-11-9 T. Cusack -4)00 IW. Marshall) 7-11-2 Brown 200- likirtider 7-I A Corbett 02-0 lhutelad O.

ticildentitlr 6-11-2 00-0 Tall babe (Morley Lawson) 1.71-2 03- Sass 0.3 0 471111 1 131 7 1 2: 11 ne. The iPhippsl 1411.2 1. Hamel 711ses 11. Spiels 112ensertell 7-11-2 Pret-Reereell 7-11-2 $. Marshal, vo Revolution U.

Powell) Roberts iPetts) 9-114 A. GrallthST Goiter 5.1141 A. A. Piper -n Psis. Pre Morawdle) 5-1141 Emery Forecast: 914 iieen's Poirst.

4-1 Caveat. loran. 6-1 Dancins Warrior. 08-1 Revolution. 10-1 Skyliner.

1004 Monty Bon. 1004 others. 2 .0 -11 IN VIPZit AL gjT ri. per cent, third in per cent of makes. Two miles.

-203 Martiomme (Beebe) Francis Blr Dill (Payne-Gallwee) 8-11-5 ..11, Lowry 23.2 Armorial 111 (De Pect-Rooee) S-10-11. J. Mershon -111 Alfarosio M. Foal 5.10-11 Winter -301 IC. Cooper) 5.10-6 Cusack -314 13.1:.k.W.

diestl 4l6 11 1 1 1 96) 11-19-9 R. 3. Hamer -041 CAM Ireei (F. Ilerreff) 6-10-7 Ponch -lot Unarm VG. Ilekllnsi 6-104 M.

Thiele) 9-10-3 .3. 'testy -210 The lobe di. Price) 9-10-0 ns Penrease: 7-2 Afflorlel 111. 9-2 Ng Kill. 0-1 Mercienes.

11.2 61 Clouds Mend sod 104 Catch sad Tbs igloo. 100-7 2.30130 11111 f. 1111111111114, I ACT. tzni in per cent of staked Tbsse-mr-colds. No sides end yards.

.210 MI Pope) 11.7 Westlota -I (Welwyn) 11-7 Marshall belorporg II (P.Tbrak) 11-0 Dewar Solobeeme (Thomson loop) 11.0 A. Corbett -0 Qoeerb Coolleiblor (Peree-Defteti) 11-0 T. Deorle (DO Morarllkl 114 Emery -0l .03 of Cl.b. 114 -non Punhth 1 Goidamithl ti -0 Winter Nlrrlesc Grove (Pullen) 114 Lvim -go R. Roberts) 114 IPaynt.o•llweyl 13, Hicks Erd74) 4311.16:4rii; 6-4 Shute.

4.1 Narration. 6-1 Thirteen of Chills. IS-2 Pion Jan. 10-1 Pronto. 10041 11.

100-6 Birdies' (home. 20-1 others. 3.n-WROUGHTON HANDICAP STEEPLPNY CHASE of 4)00; second 360. third 30. Tem miles and a WU 0 -fin WO, IC.

Mitchell; 7-11-0 Winter -011 KW. Medbew (Minnow 10-10-11 Reeves Red Inn, IT 11.10-7 R. Emery .224 Csedinsi's Drees ilCdpeiriclii 5-10-4 R. Morrow -000 Terns roller's (Wallington) Irameast: 1.1-$ Red 11-4 Cardinal's Drum. 7.2 'One Si Fibs d'Or.

10.1 Yonne Porter's. 3.30 -LEARNERS' HURDLI RACE of 000. wcond LOO. thsrd CIO. Two maks sod AS .111 Si, (Kilpatrick) -I Floor.

Mow (Staalitalli 4-1(-7 -I 71 -32 Path t' Waugh) -totat Clsreville 11. T. CMOs sorroaltill Sailor IH. W. Smith) 11414 Notanigi iV, Rowel 9.114 04-3 The Cahn Wangs) 3-11-9 I.

Muskat. 014 moon IK .0 Royal I 4-114 lOU .0 Reel Eton. me 1 ore 41iti 4114 R. tarn -o itTriuseii77.1 -0 non- Wow (0 Williams) 1- 11 .0 M. monism, Pestffinwes Peas twat wait for race tomorrow.

lhaislenel: 11-11 Sir Edmund. 11.1 Floor Shoat. 6-1 The Caher. 10-1 Junior I amassand Reve Einik. 100-11 Rove! Task.

1004 Snonshill Sailor. 20-1 others. Clultenham Returns GOING GOOD IA (hurdles. 2m. and fen suds.

Value to grinner I. M. North's 1110LIMOULE (7-1, 0. Francis). High Gear (1-1).

2: Illook.r II (5-2 oast. 3. Alec' Ballyvite 4. Briman 5. Holytoon 6, Golden Fon 7.

Flying Beau N. Pharira 9. nautilus 10. Fantod 11. Holiday Spirit (last).

Tote 2604: pingo 6(9. 413. 316. OR 1.2. Trained V.

North. 4 lengths, 2. 4min. 19-I-ssec. Winner bought In.

360 as. 1.36 (steeplechase, A. Macnamars's CAROLA PRIDE (7-2. T. Molonyi, Dutchman non Ale Arm el-.

mist. 3. Also: Hyde Park 4. Gayrnorin 5, Noisy Pal 6, Annagh Call (unsealed rider). Aureus (last).

OR 1 33. Trained T. F. Rimell. 3 lengths.

It, 4mln. 23sec. 2.11 (hurdles. 1696 to be shared between Z. Lambert's LE VOVAGEVE (7-1.

G. Slack) and 4 01 Lord Jo)cey's GREENORE (5-1. R. dead-heat. I.

Tbe gems city (5-11, Also: NM trAbeilles 4. Don Blanco S. HOMY 6 Fans Pas 7. Henry the Eighth Solar Link 194 agot. fay.) 9.

Tout Foil titian. Tote. Le Voyageur Gretna, Oben, Le Voyageur 4,6, Greenore Iron City Off 2.3. I.e Voyageur trained Greenore Wight. Dead-heal.

3. 6min. 41 4-'l6m. 2.11 (steeplechase. R.

W. Stephenson'. PRFCIPITATOR Lynn). Dovetail 1 7 U. 2, Vain IMP 01.1).

3 Also: Marie Tormond last fair 5, Wildrnom (fen). Fin Gelt Tote 3216; pieces Mt. 1211; forecast 113 13s. Id. Off 2.352 Trained F.

Mann. Neck. 3 7min 2 2-ssec. 30 2m and lea yards. P.

flooles's h. Mantis Fasseva Chance (2-t (mei. 24 ()Welk Albin (11-11. 3. Alen: Dahmer 4.

S. Silver 6. lade Prince 7. G.I. Joe a.

Rene 0. Amelia Tor 10. Limelight 111. Ila Monarch. Pllot's Orchid Another Bon Roman Penni.

Winnhan (pulled opt. Wynokb (fell). Mighty Mouse (Imo Tom places 4 4 Off 3.4. Trained Wahryn. lengths, 10.

Mein. 19sec lecase. 2rn r. E. Bee's IPONDAPATAREI (5-4 am.

Afolon7). I. Jumbo Geese (7-2). ffignal Moor 11(10-30). 3.

Also LeSal Prince (tsar Tote 313: forecast 1211. Off 3.33 Trained lintel 6 lengths. 2. 4 min. 23 1-cost.

nounle Mt VOYalleUr Farrington) 11n lan tickers: Gresnore sod Farrington 113 34., 126 tickets. Pool 13.710. Racing Items Sir Winton Churchill ha' given the name First Light to hi. hay yearling colt by Franchi.e. Sidoll.

a three-year-old colt owned by Mr N. W. Purvis, ha' arrived from France at Wantage to he trained by De -123 cE Cousins) 11.11-0 Mr. Cousins TMnice Carr) 4-10-0 Wilkinson .4114 Tyro Stars IR. Black, 4-10-7 P.

Tierney -000 Royal Oak IV (E Courage) 9-10-41 s. VALlTionlrerlormi (Wight) 4-104 Kamm (Horton) -10-2 Ancll 1-03 llopronto (Reston) S-10-0 Do( 000- litheetroth (Store) i A-10-0 Tleoampson Faratart, 5-2 Sir Kea. 9-2 Timberload. 6-1 Stroller. 11-1 fratettan.

100-11 Iteaure sad Grows-1000. 100-7 Lovely Lord. Ronald add Tkiatce. 25-1 others. 115 -OLD YEAR HANDICAP HURDLE RACE of c3OO.

HO. thud LIO. Two miles 1-02 Loped el Vitale (J. W. Tb0111011111f 611-5 2-00 CltoMt Rack IC rais Ilrown) 7-11- tc ler 5 -300 6-11-5 R.

Curran 3 14 Recevery ICrulll4o 1-11-4 0-41 Grans WM G. NITICn TAW. 0E ram 4-11-3 Wilkinson 1-03 G. 31.06 0-20 164.11:=7H. C0u4104 6-10-11 3.

14 1 1413 -000 Comma 113rInkraier) 4-10-10 Mr. J. Thinkooter 0-00 The heart ttttt 9-104 Versette -000 intwotrick) 7-10-6 F. Crouch 0-20 Flareetan (W. Stephenson', 5.10-5 Molony 1100..

Rolllemony (Memo', H. Meson 0100- Way (Tinter', 51.10-1 Jones Foremast: 11-4 Lord of Verons. 4-1 Complete Recovery. 11-2 Thiroce. 7-1 Florestan.

(green Drill. 100.1 Galenite and Knight Supreme. 25-1 2.45 00-0 Rabl.lM iR. MAITIWSI 641.12 1 Neely 11-0 Banaraoter iVersetto Freemen noo- Rattleses, (Macon. 6-11-12 H.

Man -0 Tomo VII 4prirstel 6-1142 -223 Walt (Crump) A Thomason -000 leder and Joky Ward) 6-11-12 4100 ga Lkikpeony (Hartin) 5. 11-10 Winder R. W. Power -332 Whoopee i Renton, 5-11-10 Shock -000 Inrmaittemor Parker) 5-11-10 R. Woodward -000 Sway iWbewelli -030 Game Field 4-11-1 Wilkinson .244 Loeky IClarkson) Pickford Fonenail: 13-I Wimoriet.

7 2 Kipling Walk. 5-1 Barometer. 8 1 Game Field. 10-1 Lucky Led. 20-1 Othell.

3.1 5 ff.V SS 1 317fTwitoAVEillel Fabrom 11 IG. J. Cuddlhy 00- Maid of Harris (Mr J. Barlow) 00-6 Ma tR. Barnes) 6-11-12 J.

Orinlowater 341- IT. Bennett) 6-11-12 KelmPoo. lE. Comm) 7-11-12 Mr. Cousins Adierb Orem fli Cousins) T.

Millar 0410 Who'. Gases inenirl 5-11-12 5-11-12 Mr W. Etlydrlsht n-zn 3-11-12 -Jon llbark Verret te 1 5-11-12 Venetic -00 Rest 'Mason) 1-11-12 Mason -003 sl.reet rem (Crump) A. P. Thoenowm -0 Chwerbser IW.

Gray) 9-11-12 Wigham -00 "frank 99 41 R. Curran -000 Cr. 14. 1 (Fitzpatrick) F. Crouch Hurry Hum, 64112 -400 awmasbent (W.

A. Smokes) Slack 2 4100 rA, (Renton) 4-11-7 Guinn -030 MMy Atkins (1. R. Bowe) 4-11-7 T. Shone cluisehle (R.

Barnes) 4-11-7. ter -0 Prince Arany (K. Smiles) 4-11 0. Wilkinson -010 11 See (Fawns) Wilkinson PoWind SIM ns) 4-11-7 J. Noels -000 amiss klannsrlssi (W.

ousi Essterby) 4- 11-7 300- Mown Tawny Olouyoumdlisn) 4:11.7 J. Dowline -004 It I Tribble (Clarkson) 4- I 1-7 P. Peeked Abe (E. CAM 4-11-7 Williams -022 Melee' (Memo 1.11-7 bebop 1 7 18 110 Pbebse (Crump) 4-11-7 or P. Chimes Walston) 4-11-7 M.

B. lames J. thlnkerater rides Ballykyle or Chlook Venom: 2-1 Boleoli. 3-1 Sweet Perry. 11-2 Hurry Home.

R-I Blue Sun. 100-I The Shark. 100-7 0,41 Trundon. 25.1 Athletics County Cross-country Championships The first Saturday of the New Year is traditionally set aside for the decision of county cross-country championships. Good entries have been received for Midland eventa and In the case of Staffordshire the numbers reach record proportions.

Warwickshire take their championships into Staffordshire, Birchfteld's winter quarters at Great Barr being the venue. Teams for both the senior and junior races will be provided by Coventry (holders), Birchtleld, B.T.H. (Rugby), Harborne, Leamington, Lorena, Nuneaton, Small Heath. and Sparkhill The Staffordshire races will start from the Market Square, Leek. The seven miles senior race will be contested by Tipton I holders), Wolverhampton.

Smethwick. North Staffordshire. North Staffordshire Technical College, West Hrotnwlch, Walsall, Stone and District, Costley Sllston Town and Stourbridge. Worcestershire athletes will assemble at the Air Ministry Hostel, London Roed. Worcester.

Worcester Harriers defend the senior race against Hales- Owen. Coombs Wood Works and Dudley. Boxing Contests at Liverpool Ole Enoch. triple champion of Nigeria. defeated Eddie McCormick (Deal) at Liverpool last night.

McCormick retiring at the end of the fourth of an eight rounds featherweight contest with an injured left eye. Pat McCarthy (Birkenhead) knocked out Roy Coles Weston-super-Mare) in the third of an eight rounds contest with a left hook to the chin. In the second round McCarthy had been down for nine from similar punch. Selections by Veritas 1.0. Baby: 1.90, Caveat: 2.0, Alfaraalo; 2.30.

Spate; 3.0. Red Trump: 3.30 Sir Edmund. 12.45. Caribou: 1.15, Kingcote: 1.45, Sir Ken: 2.15. Complete Recovery; 2.45.

Kipling Walk; 3.15, Bolton. BIRMINGHAM CITY KEEP TO WINNING SIDE Several Clubs Delay Choice Aston Villa. who receive Sheffield Wednesday, West Bromwich Albion, away to Arsenal. Wolverhampton Wanderers, at home to Portsmouth. and Coventry City.

who have Brentford as visitors. have yet to select their sides for to-morrow. Birmingham City retains the side successful against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day for their visit to Rotherham and, as Meek is unfit. Walsall's only change at Gillingham will be the substitution of Cousins at outside-right. Wolverhampton Wanderers' team is unlikely to include Wright.

who received concussion in the Boxing Day match at Everton and has since been resting at home. Russell will probably deputise. West Bromwich Albion are do ibtful about the fitness of both and Lee and Aston Villa have to make a check of players who received slight injuries in the holiday games. Selection of Coventry City's team, too, has been delayed until to-day until fitness reports have been made on players with knocks received during the Christmas games, in particular a calf injury to the right full-back. Jcnes.

Fitness Tests Awaited Keres Still Unfit to Play in Chess Tournament By Our Own Correspondent When Paul Kcres. the Estliontan. a Russian world championship candidate, arrived for the Hastings international tournament on Wednesday with a slight cold, swollen neck glands and temperature. it was a simple matter to postpone his firstround game against Smvslov to the one blank day. Sunday.

He was still unfit yesterday, and we have suddenly reached the point of no return." You cannot start three days behind in a nine-day tournament. Stoke City are another aide to defer their choice for the home game with Middlesbrough until McCue (left back) and Malkin (outside-right) have had a fitness test. McCue was Injured on Moxing Day. Malkin, who has missed two games through ankle trouble, will replace Ratcliffe if available. Port Vale's attack is In doubt for their match at Plymouth Argyle.

Done (centre-forward has Influenza and is not likely to be available. Barber is expected to lead the attack with either Smith or Griffiths at inside-left. The rest of the aide is unchanged. With slight doubts about the fitness of their centre-forward, Pye. and another inside forward In Parry.

Derby County have delayed selection of their side to visit Liverpool. Both received alight knocks during the holiday games. Northampton, whose enquiries for Logic (Arsenal) have not produced any result. drop their top scorer, Staroscik, for their game at Exeter. English moves to outside-right and is partnered by Hazledine, and Adams plays his first game of the season at centre-forward.

Dr. Fazekas, a competitor in the principal reserves tournament and several times Essex champion, is attending him and is hopeful. Unzicker, who should have played Keres yesterday. may have to tackle him as a second opponent one day next enticing prospect. One game of top-rank chess per day is enough in this company even to those used to it.

keies cannot play to-day the committee faces a pretty problem. To scratch his name out would be a tragedy. We might yet see him playing his last game after the official prizegiving ceremony. The tournament is bound to suffer disorganisation and his rivals may have a serious grievance if Keres has the advantage of playing his final games knowing exactly hoy they have fared. In an adjourned game Pachmann (Czechoslovakia' beat Alexander.

who resigned at the 37th move after four hours of play. Alexander maw no mistake to-day afainst the co-British champion Phillips (Alexander did not enter for the British championship this year). Phillips weakened his Queen's side pawns and finally lost one of them to drop into Alexander's hands as gently as an over-ripe plum. B. H.

W. Sides Selected FOOTBALL LFAGUF FIRST DO MON 4rstnal (.. West Bromwich at Highbury): Kelsm; Barnes. Evans. Gonna.

Fotheringham. Bowen; Clayton. lapscott. Lawton. Lishmon.

Shineleld Wednesday Iv. Aston Villa. at Villa Parke Mclntosh: Connell. Curtis: ilia nnon. McEvoy.

Turley Marriott. Quisa 11. Shaw. rm.) Cireensmlth. Peeenneetli tv.

erhampion Wanderers. at Molineux (Jericho rd: McGhee. Mansell: Phillips. Reid. Pickett; Harris.

Gordon, Henderson. Barnard. Midland Results Promkm limenea p. ham) neat Rinder itiermanyi In 1 7 moves. K.

I. Gardner (Solihull) heat A Chiller ill. S.A.): Courtney (Mahern Wells) heat N. Mulcahy (Cork). WoeW Janitor Chammlemililig Healllglim Towniemeet: W.

Lloyd (Birmingham) beat C. J. Moore (Alum J. L. Warren (Warwick) drew wldli Dean Premier Raartegrea Mater, la H.

Wood Mutton Coktfteld) lost to A. V. Green (Londont and drew adjourned pone with J. A. Penile I Israel) Rossirsiro Griffiths lost to P.

1. Oakley itlieshatol. I lord lost to F. Flier Ittosonosl: H. G.

T. Matchitt lost to Mrs. onmansusesst: C. Ha nunesrley Ming Heath) lost In J. Casoot (Serena ks) Mrs.

Mantle (Cheltenham) lost to J. Hyde (Hastings). (afternoon)! G. A. Peck iltuattyl loot to F.

(Hastings) Rugby Football Northampton to Play Middlesex The Northampton club will celebrate their 75th anniversary by playing a home match with Middlesex on September B. Their aide will be called Northampton and District because Middlesex rules do not permit them to play club sides. After the match there will be a celebration dinner to which many notabilities will be Invited. At the dinner a presentation will be made to Mr. E.

J. Gordon to mark his 25 years as Northampton secretary. V. A. Leadbetter.

the Northampton second row forward. is to be a reserve in attendance at the final England Trial at Twickenham to-morrow. Leadbetter, who gained two England caps last season, could not be considered for the earlier trials because he was injured in September. He resumed playing In December and an England selector, J. T.

W. Berry, attended Northampton's match with Penarth last Monday to watch his form. Northampton thus have five men at the trial. for Jeeps Is another travelling reserve and Butterfield, Sykes and Taylor are all playing In the England side. North Midlands Schools Lack Finish Nort pi on Rh re Schotha 9, North Schools 5 North Midlands.

whose players came from the Birmingham area challenged strongly for most of the second half but failed to finish their movements and were beaten by three tries to a goal at Northampton. Their attack was based on the fly half, A. J. P. Humphries (K.E.G.S., Camp Hill).

who won an England schoolboy cap' against France last season. and A. J. Harrison (Moseley). one of the centres.

Both were strong and determined runners, but they were not always well supported. Outstanding in a rather sluggish pack were I. W. Linnell and P. J.

Collins. both of K.E.OS. Five Ways. Humphries scored a good try which he converted himself. The winners' try scorers were M.

E. Shrewsbury D. Freeman and L. C. Rowe, all of Northampton Grammar School, Billiards Deakes in Boys' Final Again David Deakes (Stoke-on-Trent) reached the final of the Boys' Amateur Billiards Championship in London yesterday for the second successive year.

He scored a comfortable victory by 200 to 108 points over Christopher Marks (Weymouth) In the semi-final. In the final of 400 points up to-day Deakes will meet Gerald Waite, a Treorchy colliery worker, who scored a 200-135 win over Brian Allen (Desborough) In the other semi-final. There was an unusual end to the Deakea and Marks match of 200 points. Deakes was leading by 174-108 when he made a 25 break and was still in play when the referee, Mr. P.

Collins, called Game and picked up the balls. The spectators protested that Deakes was only 199 and Collins re-spotted the balls. Deakin failed with his next stroke, but finished the match on his next visit to the table. 'UI irTI()N TO No. 7.763 Arrant I Ambled.

5 Anlace TO Cascade. 11 Lea4ron. 12 Reefer. 15 Levant. 16 Revered.

17 IS All? 19 Teapots. 20 Lark :2 Abba 2S Milling. 27 Risque. 2S Garnet. 31 Alban.

32 Infant. 33 Twain. 34 Martyr. Down Mastery. 3 Loafer.

Deer. 5 Awb. 6 Laeged. 7 Curted. baron Snotty.

Ii Reverie. le Rell. 14 Lett nu 20 21 Rose-134w. Hobart. 24 444ute sum 30 Firm ACROSS 1 Spring finished? Nice work! 14.

41 5 Hits hard at inferior 9 Lice that become strong and vigorous. 181 10 Punched as the bell rings? (6) rl Describes fairy! castles. (8) 13 A count every decade. (6) 14 Expert swimmer. 13) 16 The rotter ran back inside to make a false report.

(6) 19 Annual visitor to India. (7) 20 Destroyed Red Sea organisation. (61 SECOND DIVISION UMted IV Birrinneharn (Sty et Millntoors ()mimes: Selkirk. Johnson: Mennen. Noble.

Williams; Grainier. Henderson. Burke. Guest, Pell. 111kidienISktat Merrick.

Hall. Green. Boyd. Smith. Watts; A Kinney.

Brown. THIRD DIVISION (SOUTH, Walsall (v. Gillingham. at Priestfield Stadium): Baldwin: Guttridae. Vinall: Crook.

McPherson, Tarrant; Morris. Dorman. Richards. Myerscough. Cousins.

Shrossaliary Town (v. Reading. at Elm Perk): Bannister. Parr; Be) non. Atkins.

Maloney; Price, O'Donnell. Vr eig h. Hudson, McCue. Northampton Town iv. James's Park Welsher.

Collins. Patterson: Yeoman. Croy. Hughes: English. Hazeldine.

Adams. Jones. Fowler. Shrewsbury Men for Transfer Four Shrewsbury Town players have been placed on the open-to-transfer list at their own request. They are McCue (wing forward).

Dodd (utility player). Bullion and Crutchley (wing half-backs). Mc Cue's request is a surprise. The former Grimsby Town forwards has played 18 times for the Third Division aide this season an has scored three goals. He is on the left wing for to-morrow's match at Reading.

Dodd has made ten first-team appearances this season. He Joined the club in 1950 and has appeared in the forward line, at wing half-back and full-back. Crutchley, formerly with Walsall and Bunions, previously with Derby County and Leeds United, were Shrewsbury's regular wing half-backs until last season. Neither has aPPeared in the first team this season Mr. Rowley, the manager, said yesterday: The Board does not stand in a player's way if he can do better elsewhere." F.A.

to Consider Mannion's Position An P.A. official stated yesterday that the next meeting of the appropriate committee will consider the position of Mannion, the former England forward, who has now returned to the game by Joining Hull City. Mannion, previously with Middlesbrough, had announced his retirement from football, and he had been forecasting football results for a Sunday newspaper, When we consider the question of Mannion's re-registration as a player. this matter will be considered, too." said the P.A. official.

The Association's rule 43 states that officials or players "proved to have takenart in coupon football betting shal be permanently suspended from taking any part in football or football management." It is likely that one of the points the P.A. will have to consider In discussing Mannion's position is whether or not he came under their Jurisdiction during his period of retirement. Wolverhampton's Cup Match Tickets Wolverhampton Wanderers have taken their full allocation of tickets for the F.A. Cup-tie with Grimsbyit is to be an all-ticket they will be sold at Molineux to-morrow. Stand 155.) and standing 13s.

35.. 2s. 6d. and ls. 9d.) tickets will be sold to stand season-ticket holders between 9.30 a.m.

and 1 p.m.. and to North Bank eason-ticket holders between 1 and 2 p.m. Any remaining tickets will be disposed of to the public between 4.15 and 5.15 The Wolverhampton club stated yesterday that standing tickets were very group capacity was 27, there would not be sufficient to supply all stand seasonticket holders. Played with Steve Bloomer E. Ramsell, of Newhall (Derbyshire), a former Derby County half-back whc played in the same side as Steve Bloomer.

has died aged 71. CROSSWORD PUZZLE No. 7,764 21 A common Joiner. (3) 28 Steers erratically. (8) 27 Dance of the Bedouin in his native environment? (8) 28 A revel outside.

(6) 29 Indian watch. (8) 30 Brought to one. (8) 31 Resisted on a fashion magazine? (8) DOWN 6 Two with a dealing. (5. 3) 7 1954 tourists.

(8) 8 It's a seed to reject. (3. 5) 12 Turn crag with the in the 7) 15 Joke with scales. (3) 18 Animal to koep under. (3) 17 Fruit bearing form of repartee.

(4-4) 18 Cross feast? (8) 1 With the artist In spirit? 16) 2 Henry turns over Scandinavian money in 7. (6) 3 Thought it must be me indeed! (6) 4 Denial firmly fastened upon. 16) 19 iiiehEill7iMlier. so to speak. (4-4) 22 She comes in and dad goes out.

tBl 23 A tidy sum for ship? (6) 24 it must be wicked to work! (61 25 Soared In love? (61 EXCHANGE DEAL BREAKS DOWN Negotiations for the transfer of Fleming. the East Fife and Scotland inside-right to Sunderland. broke down yesterday because Wright. Sunderland's outside-right, could not get conditions to satisfy him. The two clubs agreed on terms during a meeting lasting three and a half hours.

Involved was the exchange of Fleming for Wright and Cowan, Sunderland's goalkeeper. All three are Scotland internationals. Both Fleming and Cowan agreed to the conditions but Wright was not prepared to leave the district. His suggestion that he should train at Sunderland and travel to Scotland for matches was turned down by East Fife and this caused deadlock. Ist.

EDITION HATTON ROVERS P4's 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1951 in stock. ALSO Lighting-up Time: Several low mileage I. tNO-ROVERS. 4.33 p.m. to 7.50 a.m.

TERMS EXCHANGES 71, BROAD ST. MID. 2437 ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL NO' Ungentlemanly Conduct on the Field By Our Own Correspondent FROM time to time police forces in various parts of the country invoke a 14th-century Act to deal with miscreants whose offences are not covered by more modern laws. For instance, 20th-century Peeping Toms have been brought before the courts in this way. After seeing several unhappy incidents during the Christmas matches, it occurred to one that those who carry out the football half-hack walks slowly along to could easily display a similar retrieve the dropped ball.

One way ingenuity in dealing with of dealing with this nonsense, players transgressing against nwohttchel4nnine cases ten the spirit of the game yet not would be to Introduce a new ruling committing an offence which that the ball should be thrown in can be dealt with under a by the player of the rewarded side nearest to the spot where it went specific rule. out of play. Could not these banes of football, the time wasters. be brought to book in this way? IF referees are as yet reluctant to At present the referee takes no widen the interpretation of action against a player who ungentlemanly conduct to cover persistently kicks the ball out of time wasting. they should have no play, except to look pointedly at hesitation In penalising the his watch as if to say that extra conduct of players who dispute time will be played if this sort of their decisions.

The laws of the thing continues. Yet in nine cases game lay down specifically that a out of ten there la no extra time, player shall be cautioned if he shows and even if it is allowed. it does by word or action dissent from not always penalise the offenders. any decision given by the referee. One answer would be for referees Unfortunately referees are not as to class this kind of behaviour as firm as they might be here.

At ungentlemanly conduct and Villa Park on Tuesday. for warn the player concerned. instance, one player showed his disgust at a decision given against his side by kicking the ball petulantly to the other end of the action which brought no remonstrance from the official In charge. Some linesmen. too, suffer patiently when strong protest is called for.

In the same game at Villa Park, one of Manchester United's youngsters showed, apparently by word of mouth but unmistakably by gesture, that he did not approve of one decision by a linesman. This official should have flagged briskly until the referee came to investigate the trouble. Instead no action was taken and the player concerned will undoubtedly feel encouraged to repeat his conduct in future games. A firm hand at the right moment can do a lot to check some of the irritating practices which are creeping Into the game. C.

O. C. ANOTHER method of In taking throw-in or a also be dealt with In this way. At The Hawthorns on Monday, when Cardiff were being hard pressed right at the close, one of their halfbacks not only strolled up very slowly to take a throw-in, but waited brazenly with hands at his sides while harassed colleagues recovered their breath. Perhaps more than an admonishing finger from the referee is needed to quicken up this side of the game, however.

More often than not delay Is caused because one player. perhaps a full-back, picks up the ball and then changes his mind about throwing it in. Seconds precious to the spectator then tick away as the Cup-tie Excursions British Railways announce that special excursions have been arranged for the Midlands clubs' away Cupties on January 8, namely to Hull Birmingham City Brighton (Aston Villa), Bournemouth (West Bromwich Albion), Chelsea (Walsall), Grimsby (Wolverhampton) and Huddersfield (Coventry). Intending passengers for these excursions. which include bookings from a number of additional local stations, are advised to purchase their tickets in advance.

Brierley for Transfer Oldham Athletic have placed Brierley. their wing half-back, on the transfer list at his own request. He has been unable to regain his place in the first team since he was injured on October 23. Bradford Suspend Their Centre-forward Bradford (Park Avenue) announced yesterday that they had suspended Adey, their Scottish centre-forward, for 14 days for a breach of club discipline. The club stated that Adey arrived late at the ground for two recent home matches, and for the game against Chester on Boxing Day it was necessary to make a last-minute change at centre-forward.

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