LAST YEAR'S CHAMPION CRICKET CLUB.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 93, 10 September 1896, Page 2

LAST YEAR'S CHAMPION CRICKET CLUB.

The annual report of the Midland Cricket Club congratulates members on the sound financial position and on winning the senior championship last season. The first eleven played six championship matches, winning five, losing one (with the Phoenix.) Regret is expressed that the second eleven did not uphold its reputation of the previous years. The record was — Matches played 7, lost 5, drawn 1. The ■ lub was able to place a third eleven in the field, but its success was only equal to the eleven, as members had to go out o't town nearly every week to meet engagements. Mr. A. B. Williams heads the list of senior players in the batting averages for his club and province with the splendid average of 4537 runs for eight complete innings. Mr. E. 1\ TJpharu proved himself a tower of strength to the - club and representative teams. In representative matches he secured a bowling average of 1410 for 29 wickets, and in club matches 930 for 50 wickets. ■The club is congratulated on securing so many representatives in interprovincial and intercolonial matches ; and regret is expressed that Mr. A. Blacklock's health precluded him from assisting the club last season. The los>s of Mr. W. Gardner, who has had to leave Wellington on account of ill-health, is deplored. A feature of last season was the big score made by the senior team against the Rivals — viz,, 610— which stands as a record for the colony. The trophies won last season were as follows : — Batting, Mr. J. Du'tnie's cup and Mr. W. E. Woods's gold medal — A. B. Williams, average 45*37 runs for eight innings ; bowling, Mr. E. Wilson's gold medal —E. F. Upbara, 930 runs for 50 wickets. Second eleven, batting, Dr. James's trophy— W. M'Girr, 12 innings, average 20 runs ; bowling, A. C. Taylor, 43 wickets, average B*lß runs. Third eleven — Batting, R. Burke, 11 innings, average 1063 runs; bowling, R. Burke, 24 wickets, average 8"77 runs. The thanks of the club are due to the President and Vice-Presidents for their support during the past season, Mr. J. Duthie, M.H.R.. for a trophy, Mr. W. E. Woods tor a gold medal (he gives a similar trophy

for the incoming season), and Messrs. Smith, Levy. Nodine, and Dr. James for trophies. Mr. I. Hyams's services as scorer for the club are gratefully acknowledged.