THE CANTERBURY CRICKETERS AT AUCKLAND.

Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 3893, 14 January 1878, Page 3

THE CANTERBURY CRICKETERS AT AUCKLAND.

[From the " Herald," Jan. sth.] The Conterbuiy men who have journeyed bo for to inflict such a signal defeat on our men as they have inflicted, left Auckland yesterday per s.s. Ladybird en route for Wellington, where it is proposed that they should play their next match. During their stay in Auckland—a much longer stay than thai which most visiting teams are enabled to give—they have made- themselves very popular; and few grudge them the victory they have achieved, though many doubtless wish it hod not been one of so hollow a nature. In their captain, Mr Neilson, was met one of the most genial and kind-hearted cricketers possible to meet anywhere, and an extra and deserved cheer was given for the old Bngbeian as he for the second time left Auckland shores. The team were accompanied to the steamer by a host of the friends | they had made during their stay here, and as the vessel left the Queen street wharf, cheers and counter-cheers were raised —these for Canterbury, those for Auckland. It had been rumored that the two Friths and Ashby would stay behind; but such proved not to be the case. Now that the Canterbury men have gone, and taken with them our laurels, hardly won on a former occasion, as well as our hearty good wishes, it remains for our cricketers to try and recover the former as well as deseive the latter. It is no use talking of the " funk," if so it was, which set in during Auckland's second innings. Better elevens than Auckland can have for some time to come have been dismissed for even fewer runs, and an eleven of the renowned Marylebone Club itself, within the last two years, were all disposed of for half their total, principally owing to the skill of the brother of one of the Auckland players in this vei/ match. Like he who told the Bomans 'twas not in mortals to command success, but his side would deserve it, must our cricketers be. A good licking is no disgrace, unless the cause of it is the fault of the vanquished. In this case it was to a great extent the fault of Auckland Save once they had had no practice together, or at the most ouch desultory practice as left them no better, and what batting practice they had was hod on a wicket totally unfit to play fast bowling on. However, enough has been said. They have had a severe lesson; let them improve by it, and as the Australian team have already started for New Zealand, endeavour in the short time.now left to get into such form as may at any rate show a better fight for victory. A capital picture of the winning team was taken by Messrs Hemus and Hanna.

When the match was arranged, Mr H. Keane offered a bat to the highest scorer on the Canterbury-side. The bat, which is pronounced by cricketers to be an excellent one, has been on view for some time., It was presented yesterday to Mr Ashby, the successful competitor, by Mr Keane, at the Thistle Hotel, in the presence of a considerable number of cricketers of both teams. In making the presentation, Mr Keane said he had to congratulate the committee of the Canterbury Cricket Club for their selection of a team to play the interprovincial match at Auckland, which they had won by their careful attention to the game, and their united exertion--, each member using great skill and energy, at the same time centring their team in their captain, thus showing their correct judgment. He thanked them for their company during their stay in Auckland, and wished them every success. He hod great pleasure in presenting to Mr Ashby the cricket bat, he being the highest scorer in the match which they had won, and hoped he would receive it, not for its intrinsic worth, bnt as a token of

esteem. Mr Ashby thanked the donor on behalf of the Canterbury team and himself. He referred to the courteous and generous hospitality which had been shown them during their visit to Auckland; and 'concluded by referring to the forthcoming match with the Australian team, for which they were preparing themselves.