CRICKET CHATTER.

Clutha Leader, Volume IX, Issue 494, 30 March 1883, Page 5

CRICKET CHATTER.

[By "Cover Point."] balclutha v. catlins river. A more miserable day than last Friday — Good Friday — for playing cricket, or in fact any sort of out-door sporfc, could scarcely be imagined. A perfect gale of wind was blowing all the time of playing, accompanied by pretty heavy showers of rain ; and nearly as much time was occupied in driving the stumps — which were being constantly blown down — as in actual play. The local players did not expect their opponents would brave the stormy elements on such a boisterous day, consequently none of them were present on their arrival to welcome them. A start was made about 1 p.m. by Macpherson, the Clutha captain, who won the toss, sending his men to the wickets. Tobin (captain) and Murdoch were the bowlers, and these two got rid of the Balcluthaites for 48 runs, 18 of which were extras. Catlins fielded very poorly in this innings. Catlins scored 23 in their first attempt ; Rooney and Macpherson bowling well on the spot. Clutha's second innings produced but 30 ; thusleaving the Catlins team to make 56 to win. To this task they were unequal, they only being able to make 38, the home team thus winning by 17 runs. All through the match the fielding on both sides was poor, but great allowance must be made for the unfavourable nature of the day. At times it was hardly possjble to keep one's feet. The highest score 11 was made by a Catlins man — G. Shand — who got 16 in his second innings ; Stewart, of Balclutha, came next with 12, in his first: innings. I think the palm for the bes^t . alkrouad play on either aide I- should \*a awarded Rooney, of the lo#al

team ; he being the most successful with the ball, and batting with his usual care. Tobin and Murdoch showed up well on behalf of the visitors. Through an inefficient pei*son being entrusted with the scoring during the second innings of Catliris, the bowling analysis in that innings is all wrong. Care should be taken to have a qualified person in that capacity another time. It may be mentioned that both teams played one man short. The utmost good feeling prevailed throughout ; and the only regret expressed was that the Clerk of the weather had not been in better humour, and given them a finer day.