INTERCOLONIAL CRICKET

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9301, 31 December 1895, Page 3

INTERCOLONIAL CRICKET

NEW SOUTH WALES v NEW ZEALAND.

In all the records of cricket matches played in New Zealand, there is not one that has given such promise of an interesting encounter as that commenced yesterday at Lancaster Park — the great teat match between the New South Wales team and an eleven chosen from New Zealand's best players. The tour of the Welshmen so far has indicated that they are undeniably superior to any provincial team, yet that superiority has been of such a "degree that keen observers of the game have been justified in assuming that a team composed of the best players from eacli province would be a fair match for the visitors. Of course we have had English and Australian Elevens here that were capable of giving a better exposition of our noble game than our present visitors, but matches with such teams could only be considered interesting from the fact that we were privileged to witness the play of the world's cricket champions, while that element, " A fair field and no favour " between two evenly matched teams, which is so necessary to make a cricket match interesting, has been wanting. In the present case we not only have a team of visiting players who are capable of giving a firsc-class exhibition of cricket, but we are privileged to pit against them a team that, given a fair share of that luck that results from " the glorious uncertainty " of the game, should give the New South Welshmen a right good tussle. What makes the match more interesting still is the fact that the majority of the players in the New Zealand team are men who have learned their cricket ia this colony. Ot the Christchurch players Cuff, DeMaus and Pearce have all achieved their prowess under local conditions, while the fourth, Labatb, although be received the groundwork of his cricket education in an English school, yet has to thank Christchurch for putting the finishing strokes to his schooling. Of the players from the South, Fisher, Downes and Robertson all owe their position to New Zealand teaching ; the other two, Rains and Clarke, having graduated at Melbourne and Sydney respectively. Holdship, of Wellington, gained his cricket honours abroad, the fine cricketing county of Surrey being responsible for his worth, while the other representative of the Empire City, Blacklock, claims Wellington as his sole instructor. It will bhus be nee n that the team is fairly representative of New Zealaudcrs, and if our men should prove themselves skilful enough to lower the colouts of the redoubtable Welshmen the credit can fairly be said bo belong to New Zealand. "Xeeterday's play, from a New Zealand point of view, was bitterly disappointing, for early in the game the score sheet showed that four of New Zealand's very best batsmen had been dismissed for an aggregate of 15 runs. Of course this ie one of the .elements of chance in the game, bub it is none the less disappointing, aud is a big handicap to pull up in the after play. As the wicket was first class, and the light and all other conditions were in favour of the batsmen, it was confidently anticipated that the Maorilandera would pile up a big score. It was also realised that it would be necessary, too, if the local men were to huve a chance of victory. Bub what gloomy visages were to be seen when Cuff puc the fourth ball of the match somewhat tamely inbo extra slip's hands. There was more consternation when DeMaus was outwitted by Callaway, who cent the Lancastrian down a stinging yorker before he had fairly settled down. Disaster No. 3 occurred almost immediately after, when Clarke fell a victim to his owu rashness, for, after lunging out wildly several times he played one on to his wicket, Three ouc for 28 looked very discouraging, and when 14 runs later Holdship, who had excited the admiration of the onlookers with his cricket-like and graceful jbtyle, put one meekly into fine Blip's hands, the outlook was exceedingly black for New Zealand's supporters. However, Rains, who had not seemed to settle down for some time, now showed impregnable defence, and being joined by Labatt, a mo3t useful stand was made. The little man appeared to be thoroughly ab home, and scored quickly, bub when the (partnership was promising a big addition to the score sheet, he had the misfortune to play a fast one, which he left sufficient way ou to jusb roll on to his wicket. Blauklock was next, and soon showed his Christchurch friends that he has wonderfully improved aa a batsman since he was last here. He showed good defence, and played nicely all round the wicket. At 114, however, he lost hia partner Rains. The Jatter's contribution was invaluable to his side. The Dunedin man has nob a taking style, but his defence was very sound, and as he did not fail to get on to the loose balls hie score mounted surely though slowly. The New South Wales skipper by this time, however, discovered his weakness, and going on with slows seemed to have the Duoedin man beaten, for he soon got him *lbw. It is needless to say that Rains' succeae was thoroughly recognised by the spectators on his return. If the earlier batsmen had failad to get the measure of the bowling , , it was now demonstrated that the trundlers were not unplayable, for on Pearce going to the crease the runs c*m 3 at a very much increased rate. Blacklock left at 135, and on Fisher joining Pearce a lively time was expected. The latter played the good ones in his characteristic style, and as he rarely failed to get on to the "hittable" balls the score mounted rapidly. "Meanwhile Fisher was making some splendid on drives, bub with a man deep behind the bowler only singles resulted. At 158 the Dunedin trundler missed one which he tried to drive, and was bowled. Downes shaped in a very promising way, bub after scoring two singles had the miefortune to be given out for a catch at the j J wickec, the general impression among those close to the wicket being that the batsman i did not touch the ball. Oα the last man j joining Pearce, the latter's valuable innings j soon came to an cud, for he was biwled by an extra good one from the Sydney crack. Pearce's fine hitting and sound defence gained him hearty applause on his retirement, aud well he deserved it, for among so many small scores his contribution was a great help. Callaway, of course, was the great gun among the New South Wales bowlers, for, trundling with splendid length and with splendid "off theory' , direction, he secured the fine average of 7 for 77. Ho was well backed op by his field, all but one being placed on the off side. Hume bore the brunt of the bowling at the other and though he had little luck, only getting 1 for 57. Oα the New South Welshmen going in the play presented a marked contrast to the New Zealand innings. Neither Robertson nor Downes appeared able to get their length, and tho runs came at the rate of more than one a minute. Cobcroft, and Wade started the visitors' innings, but with only 5 on the board the skipper left, bowled by a clinker from Fisher, and at 21 a joyous skip from the New Zealanders showed that Waliord was retiring. Wade, however, for iha first time in Christchurcb, proved what a grand bit he ie, for he pat on the ruus at a great rate, and with the assistance of Poidevia the score was quickly taken to 63, when Wade ieft from the result of a mis-bit. He had made his 31 in brilliant style, and the New Zealand*"-* moat be,

considered lucky ia getting rid ot him as they did. Poidevin again proved a thorn, and played so soundly that) he was still unbeaten at the end with 26 to hie credit. As before-mentioned, the bowling was a long way below par. Fisher started off with three maidens and two wickets, but aiter this pitched his bowling too far up, and was scored off freely. Pearce was the only one who bowled up to his form, and he sent down twenty-four balls for 2 runs and a wicket. The fielding of the New Zealanders was fairly good, though patchy ia places. The attendance yesterday, considering there was no holiday, was fairly good, about 1000 beingj>resent. The weather could not have been better, and the New South Welshmen have been exceedingly fortuuate co far ia this respect. The irrepressible camera man was present, and the result of his shots will probably be seen shortly. Messrs Ridge and Jones umpired for New South Wales and New Zealand respectively, and with the exception of the instance already mentioned, their decisions gave general satisfaction. An excellent luncheon was provided for the visiting teams by the New Zealand Cricket Council, Mr Edwards, ot Sydenham, being the caterer. Mr F. Wilding, one of the Vice-Presidents, presided, and asked tho Hon. W. P. Reeves, who, he said, had been a prominent cricketer himself, to propose the toast of the New South Wales team. The hon. gentleman expressed his pleasure at meeting the visitors ag&iu, and asked those present to drink their healths. Mr Cobcroft, the captain, responded in a neat speech, and said that from one end of New Zealand to the other they had met with hospitality beyond their wildest expectations. He then proposed the toast of the New Zealand Cricket Council, and it was drunk by his men with musical honours. The Chairman also paid a tribute to Mr CR. Smith, the Secretary of the Council for services rendered by him in connection with the visit. At a quarter-pa3t eleven Holdship and Cobcroft tossed for inning3,*and a broad beam on the New Zealand skipper's face clearly indicated thao the home team had received its first slice of luck. At 11.30, Cuff aud Rains took their stand at the wickets, Callaway opening from the railway end to Cuff. The Canterbury crack drove the first ball nicely for a pair, but in the same over he put a short one into the slips, where it was smartly taken by Furness, amid joyful applause from the Welshmen—2 —I —2. DeMaus filled the vacancy, and drove his first ball grandly to the off boundary. Hume tooK the ball at the other end and Rains got him to short lei; for a pair. Two uneventful overs, and Rains got a lucky quartette in the slips, sending 10 up. Iα Caliaway's next over two balls fairly beat batsman, wicket, and wicket-keeper, going to the boundary each time—2o up. Slow play was relieved by a smart bit of fielding by Furness saving a score. Four maidens were followed by a pair and a eingle to De Maue, but the same batsman was beaten in Caliaway's next over by a very fast yorker —24—2—7. Clarke went in, and drove Callaway for a pair, and Rains cub Hume for a like number. In Caliaway's next over Clarke made several wild smites, and the fifth ball of the over was bowled—2B—3—2. Holdship went in to try and stem the tide of disaster, and Rims saluted his skipper by dragging a long hop to the square leg boundary, bringing himself in double figures—3o up. The same batsman repeated the doso nexb over. Holdship opened his account by late cutting Ctllaway over third man's head—a lucky 4 j 40 went up, and Noonan took the ball from Hume. With only another eingle and a bye on Holdship, after judiciously leaving several " off theory " balls alone, tipped one softly into Wade's hands at fine slip. 42—4—4 looked far from promising as Labatt went in. The little man opened with a single, and then cub Noouan late for a trio. The same batsman drove Callaway to the off for a pair, and then spooned one up, which fell a foot short of cover-point, 2 resulting—so up. He then drove one for a triplet, making 7 off the over. Labatt made several shaky strokes, bub at last gob Noonan to the on for 4, all run out, and 60 wenb up. Rains's late cub Callaway uppishly for 4, the ball jusb going out of Furness's reach. Noonan made a confident appeal against Labatb for Ibw, bub it was decided in the batsman's favour. A couple of singles brought 70 up, and Hume replaced Noonan at the pavilion end. Slow play followed, and, with the score at 74, the luncheon adjournment was taken. Play was resumed shortly after two o'clock, Hume opening from the pavilion end to Rains, who got him to the on for a pair. Callaway sent down a maiden to Labatt. Rains sent 80 up with a drive from a fu 1 toss, bub ia the same over Labatt played on. 80—5—19. Blacklock was next, aud cub Callaway sweetly for 4, and, after slow play, cut the same bowler for a pair. A lucky couple to the Wellingtonian sent 90 up. Maidens became plentiful, and play was very slow for a long time, but Rains eventually sent the 100 up by slipping Callaway for 4, the batsman keeping a bumpy one dowa beautifully. He got the same bowler to square leg for a pair, and chopped him for a single. This was the signal for a change in the bowling, Shea taking the ball from Callaway. Good fielding by the deposed bowler saved a score, and over-caution on the part of both batsmen lost several singles. Rains carried hia score to the halfcentury by pulling a full pitch to square leg for 3. At 108 Cobcroffc went on with slows in place of Hume. Singles sent 110 op. Blacklock cub Shea beautifully tor 2, but at 114 Cobcroft made a successful appeal for Ibw agaiusb Rains, and the crack wicketkeeper retired amid applause from all parts of the ground—ll4—6—ss. Pearce followed and nearly lost his wicket through his pa rtner not responding to his call, a single for an overthrow resulting. Pearce opened by sending Cobcroft to the leg boundary, 120 goiug up. Blacklock did the same in the same bowler's next ball. The nexb ball shaved Blacklock's wicket and wenb for 4 byes—l3o up. A pair to the Northern man and Pearce further livened things up by hitting Shea grandly to the square leg boundary. At 137 Hume took the ball from hie skipper and Holdahip fielded substitute for Noonan. With the score unchanged Hume fairly beat Blacklock with a good length off break. 135—7—23. Fisher joined Pearce and drove Hume for a single. Callaway took the ball from Shea, Pearce lunged out at Hume and sent him high up ovor the bowler's head, the ball dropping safe between two fieldsmen. A single to Fisher sent 140 up. Each batsman got a couple, and at 145 an adjournment was made for afternoon tea. Oα resuming, Fisher drove Hume for a eingle, and Pearce cub him magnificently to the boundary and drove him equally well to the off track. 150 up. The sane batsman caused an alteration in the placing of the field by driving Callaway for 3. In the same over, however, Fisher opened out to Callaway and was bowled. 158—8—7. Downes was nexb, and Pearce greeted him with a 3 to square leg. 160 up. The Midlander again got Hume to the leg boundaiy for 4, and the batsmen further made the play merry by running sharp singles. A pair to Pearce seat 170 up, and the same batsman gained hearty applause by cutting Callaway to the boundary. Two more sharply ran singles pleased the onlookers immensely. At 177 Cobcroft relieved Home, and at once made a successful appeal against Downes for a catch at the wickets, the decision nob being at all relished by the batsman. 177—9—2. Robertson partnered .his erstwhile Clubmate, and played the rest of the over safely, j Pearce got a lucky 4 in the slips, eendiog 180 up. Two singles to the same batsman, and Robertson broke his duck, also with a single, and then cut Callaway late for a triplet. In the same over, however, Pearce was beaten with a f*st one, the innings closing at 4.55 for 187. At 5 20 the New Zealand men took the field, being followed by Cobcroft and Wade. Robertson bowled from the Railway end to Cobcroft, who cut the slow bowler for a single first ball. Wade made a similar stroke for 3. The last ball of the over the New South Wales skipper put hard into Downes' hands at ahort leg, but it was dropped, a single resulting. Fisher took the ball at the other end, and with hie second ball bowled the opposing skipper with a hummer, this feat being greeted with loud applause. s—l—2. Walford followed, and a leg-bye was scored off his ribs. Four for byes in the same over sent 10 up. Walford opened with a 3 to leg. Singles and a 4 to leg by Walford sent 20 up. With only a single on, Fiahcr made a successful appeat aeamst Walford. 21—2—9. Poiaovin, filled the vacancy, and finished the over.

play considerably. Several aioglea came, and Chen Poidevin opened his score with a nice cut to the boundary. Cuff gained applause by fast following and stopping a hard drive to the off which produced only 3, to Wade. 30 up. Poidevin stepped out and drove Robertson to the off boundary, and cut the uext ball for another 4. 40 up after thirty-five minutes' play. At 43 Dowmes relieved Robertson, and Wade late cut him for a couple and dragged him to square leg for 4. A single sent 50 up. More siuglee followed, and Wade chopped Fisher prettily for 3 aud drove Downes for a brace. A single to Poidevin sent 60 up. The same batsman cut Dowues nicely for 3. Wade drove Downss for 4, and at 68 Pearce took the ball from Fisher aud off his third ball Wade made a mishit which soared up in the air and appeared likely to fall between the two men on the leg side. Labatt, however, came very fast from the slips and just got to it, bringing off a nice catch. 68—3—31. Pryor joined Poidevin. A sharply run siugle nearly lost the newcomer his wicket, Cuff returning the ball brilliantly. A pair to Poidevin seat 70 up, but play then became slow. At 74 Fisher relieved Downes, aud Pryor drove him over CufFa head for 3. Singles took the score to 79, and time was then called. Scorea :— NEW ZEALAND. First Innings. L. A. Cuff, 2, c Furne3s, b Cillaway ... 2 A. G. Rains, 2142441241H221321114213 11111, lbw, b Cobcroft 55 H. DeMaus, 421, b Callaway... ... 7 A. Clark, 2, b Gillaway ... ... 2 A. R. Holdship, 4, c Wade, b Callaway 4 A. M. Labatt, 13223431, b Callaway ... 19 R. Blacklock, 42132211142. b Hume ... 23 W. Pearce, 4421244331141241411, b Caltaway... ... ... ... 47 A. H. Fisher. 111211, b Callaway ... 7 A. Downes, 11, c Burton, b Cobcroft ... 2 W. Robertson, 13, not out ... ... 4 Byes, 44114 ... ... ... 14 Leg Byes, 1 .„ . M ... 1 Total ... ... ... 187 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wkts. S. Callaway ... 216 14 77 7 E. Hume ... 180 19 57 1 D. Noonan ... 36 2 12 0 M. Shea ... 48 2 11 0 L. T. Cobcroft 42 2 10 2 NEW SOUTH WALES. First Innings. L. T. Cobcrofb, 11, b Fisher ... ... 2 F. Wade, 3111131212413241, c Labatt, b Pearce... ... ... ... 31 S. R. Walford, 3141, lbw, b Fisher ... 9 L. O. S. Poidevin, 4441111132121, not oub ... ... ... ... 26 D. G. Pryor, 113, not out ... ... 5 Byes, 4 ... ... ... 4 Leg byes, 11 ... ... ... 2 Total for three wickets ... 79