WELLINGTON V. CANTERBURY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4, 5 January 1903, Page 3

WELLINGTON V. CANTERBURY.

(By Telegr^--° wn Correspondent.)

CHKISTCHUBCH, this day.

Although from a local point of view A c cricket match between Canterbury nd Wellington ended the right way, Se game left very little for either :L to toast about. It would be either a very lenient ■ critic or a bund optimist who would contend that the display of cricket given, was- highclass A Canterbury rep. who, as well as being a good all-round player, is a thoughtful observer, admitted to me that the batting on both sides was disappointing. He made no excuse for it. The wicket was not very easy perhaps, but it was never difficult. He attributes the small scoring to the hesitancy of the batsmen to attack the bowling with confidence. Both sides fielded well, but the scoring was so small that their capabilities in the respect were never seriously tested. A similar remark applies to the bowling. Howell, the Canterbury colt, who won his spurs against Otago, certainly bowled well, and he was ably supported by Frankish, but neither bowler was put to the test which a few forceful determined batsmen on the opposite side would have applied. So, with Stephenson and Hales, the Wellington bowlers, both deserve "Teat credit for the admirable work they did, but they would have had greater reason for self-satisfaction if, say, in Canterbury's second innings, the batsmen had showed a bolder front. Judging from the form shown throughout the match, and taking a line through Canterbury as to the strength of Otago, it would appear as if Lord Uawke's team were destined to have a triumphant progress through New Zealand.