CRICKET.

Evening Star, Issue 8084, 7 December 1889, Page 1 (Supplement)

CRICKET.

to the editor, Sir, —I regret to see in your last evening's edition that we are unjustly accused of sharp practices in our match with the Phoenix Cricket Club, and also that the general character of our elevon is severely criticised. " Old Umpire " informs us that we should havo chosen an umpire from among the " old cricketers " that were on the ground. Strange to say, these "old cricketers" were invisible, as one of our team was hunting for an umpire for fully five minutes before play commenced, and could not get anyone to act in that capacity. We were therefore compelled to allow one of our players to umpire, and in whose decisions we have every confidence. With regard to this same player causing an unpleasant scene by challenging the umpire's decision at a later period of the game, we must certainly contradict. Tho facts were these : On hi 3 fielding a ball in tho slips ho appealed for what seemed a fair catch, and on the umpire's decision being "Not out," he at once returned the ball, there being no wrangling or talking whatever, nor did the umpire threaten to leave his post. This we state on the authority of the umpire referred to. Then as to the Warehousemen running on the wicket, this " Old Umpire " would make out was done intentionally, and was tho cause of Andrew's mishap. In defence of this we have only to draw attention to the fact that the wickets on the Caledonian Ground are, as a rule, dangerous to play on, especially so in batting to a bowler such as Claffey. " Old Umpire's " last paragraph I will leavo for some abler pen than mine to deal with ; but would, in conclusion, remind him that if he wishes to be popular and gain the esteem of cricketers, let him (to quote his own words) be upright, Btrictly honest, square, impartial, and truthful in his criticisms, and be not afraid to publish his name when he again rushes into print on subjects which he evidently knows but little about.—l am, etc., J. Smyth, Hon. Sec. Warehousemen's C.C. Dunedin, December 6.