M.C.C. v. OTAGO

Evening Star, Issue 18173, 13 January 1923, Page 8

M.C.C. v. OTAGO

As tho ■weather turned oat, Galland got a. decided advantage by winning the loss and batting. Cariabrook, which tho Englishmen agreed is the beat ground they have played on in New Zealand, was never looking better, and with the wicket peifectly true and the outfield shaved so close os to have tho effect of “ bringing the boundary nearer ” by yards, runs weio not difficult to get once tbo ball found a gap. The local batting was on tho whole sound and attractive. After a bad start, Shepherd and Gallant! sot up a partnership which raised tho score from 47 to 94. -1 he second century came faster than the hist, Dickinson, playing a forcing game, seeking the boundary often over tbo off fieldsmen's heads; while Conradi played ns good and bright cricket as anyone on the side, his off strokes being very crisp. Knight simply tried to keep his end up, and was in a long time for his unfinished 10. The English bowline was very accurate. Calthorpo. tho tall amateur, got the first two wickets, but none thereafter, though he bowled consistently well. I 1, wo short, sturdy professionals, lyldesxy and Freeman, are much of tho same type. When the latter came on again,_ after the former had !->pt one end going for a very Jon# time with good result s, ho (rfreeman» aeon brought the innings to a close, gaining some well-deserved wickets cheaply, whereas at one time seemed Dbo would not claim a victim. The fielding was good without being spectacular, MacLean was neat and efficient behind the wickets. . Of the English baiting, that of Wilkinson was the most attractive. He is a good starter, getting going at once and improving the opportunity while the Otago bowlers were finding a length. He has crisp off strokes, and is particularly good in picking a ball off his toes for runs on the on side. Hiil-H ood has not struck his real form. He was going along nicely, when he got out very unluckily to Alloo’s first bail—a full toss that came shoulderhigh, and which ho partially stopped with his bat before it found its way to his wicket. DETAILS OF FLAY. When our report closed yesterday Shepherd and M'Mnllan were improving the position shown by the board (t\fo wickets for 12) when they became associated, lb was during thoir partnership that lyldesley took Freeman’s end, and began a long spell of bowling, and ho soon bowled M'Mullan off his pads after appealed a little previously for Ibw. Then Gall'and joined Shepherd, and some excellent batting was seen. Shepherd found the drive on either side of the bowler productive of runs. When 23 Galland gave a chance to Freeman at mid-off off Tyldesloy. Shepherd had just driven one over that howler's head, and, trying to repeat tho stroke, was bowled. His 52 runs were got without a chance in eighty-seven minutes, and he hit eight 4s. Galland welcomed Dickinson by sweeping Calthorpo (who had gone on again in place of Chapman) to the square-leg boundary, and the Otago skipper brought the century up with a dazzling cover hit to the boundarv, the runs having taken an hour and a-half to get. Galland reached 36 by offdriving Tyldesley for 4. One of tho prettiest strokes yet was a back cut for 3 by Dickinson off Calthorpo: and ho got another 3 off Tyldesley, Hill-Wood, at forward cover, jumping for a catch as it went over his head, Galland, after getting 3 more to the on at Tyldesley’s expense, put one very close to Freeman, (at second slip) off Calthorpe, whom he then swept to the leg boundary twice in an over, making him 49 for an hour's batting. Dickinson lifted Tyldesley over Freeman’s head to tho off boundary, reaching double figures. At 152 Hartley took Calthorpe’s end, bowling leg breaks, and a single to the off made Galland 50. Dickinson lifted the English captain high to tho off boundary, and in Irving to repeat Hie stroke miss Lit the hall softly to Wilkinson at second slip. Another wicket fell before 'the tea adjournment as Galland, passing Shepherd's score with two fine hits to the boundary, returned one towards Tyldesley, which the nnggety little bowler just managed to reach one hand by falling forward on tho_ pitch. Galland played a fine innings, getting his 58 in sixty-eight minutes, and hitting ten 4’s. The fifth wicket fell at 137 and tho sixth at 145. After the teai adjournment the batsmen wore Duncan and Conradi, the latter getting a single off his first ball from Tyldesley and another off bis first from Hartley. Before opening his account Duncan called Conradi for an easy run off tho latter's stroke, and the fieldsman’s return to the bowler found both batsmen at the same end, Conradi nob having left his crease. Seven for 148. Knight joined l Conradi. who brought 150 up with a couple off Tyldesley, which he .followed up with two sparkling forward cuts to the boundary and • another 4 to leg, all off Hartley. Knight was not shaping too well against Tyldesley’s log breaks, 'but broke his duck and brought 170 up by placing him to the on for a single, while Conradi drove him for a brace. Tho fieldsmen clustered close round Knight, who was playing a cramped game. Conradi drove Tyldesley straight for 4, bringing 180 up. Another 4 to Conradi was a clever hook to the square leg boundary. Calthorpo went on again for tfie third time, replacing Hartley, and Knight was content merely to piny him. In running 2 for a straight dnv.> to- Conradi the -batsmen hesitated, and only luck sawed another foolish run out. Conradi again got Tyldesley crisply to the leg boundary. At 192 Freeman came on again, relieving Tvldesley, who had been 'bowling very steadily * for a long spell, and Knight glanced the little Kent man to leg for 2. A cover hit by Conradi off Calthorpo yielded 3; but in’Freeman’s next over—a good one—Conradi was smartly taken behind the wickets by MaciLean, having jtcored 39 in thiity-eight minutes by attractive, wristy batting, his off strokes being particularly good. His score included six On M'Beath joining Knight the latter «t last opened out, and brought the 200 up by off-driving Calthorpo to the boundary. 'M'Beath went to drive Freeman, »nd was softly taken at 202 by Tyldesley mid-on. Freeman at once finished up the innings by clean bowling Torrance geoond ball. Tho innings occupied 2h 40min. ' THE ENGLISHMEN BATTING. With forty minutes left for play tho Englishmen began their innings with Wilkinson and Hill-Wood. M'Beath opened the bowling from the pavilion end. Dickinson bowling from the other end, and starting with a full toes to leg which HillWood missed. The next be cut hard to the boundary, though Knight should have •topped it near the fence. Wilkinson sent M'Death's first two balls to the boundary with a cover hit and an on drive picked off his toes. Buns came freely, 20 being hoisted in ten minutes, but then Dickinson sent down a fine over to Wilkinson, having found his length. A snick by HillWood off M’Beath wont for 3. Dickinson also kept Hill-Wood quiet, but Wilkinson brought 50 up with two fine 4s, Knight again failing to stop a back-cut on the boundary. Next ball, however, Shepherd finely caught him at mid-off. Wilkinson scored bis 20 at the rate of a run a minute and hit four 4’s. The first wicket fell at 32. Titchmarsh began with a neat 2 to leg off Dickinson, and then M'Beath very close to Hill-Wood’s wicket. The lefthander was now bowling at his best. Titchmarsh, after slopping an awkward

even FIRST DAY’S PLAY. SOUND LOCAL BATTING.

one with his pads, picked the /.ext off his logs to tho boundary. Arthur Alice relieved Dickinson at 41, add his first ball, a high full toss, went off Hill-Wood’s bat on to his wicket. Hill-Wood got a 4 and a 3 in his 14. Titchmarsh got Alloo to leg for 3, and back-cut him for a single. Torrance bowled tho last over of the day, and an overthrow brought M'Lean 2 instead of a single. When stumps were drawn at 6 p.m. the M.C.C. had lost two wickets for 51. Scores: — 1 Otago.—First Innings. H. C. Alloo b Calthorpo yl J, Shepherd b Tyldesley 52 A. W. Alloo b Calthorpo " J, M'Mullan b Tyldesley 8 A. Galland c and h Tyldesley 53 G. Dickinson o Wilkinson b Hartley ! 7 H. Duncan run out ... N. Conradi o’ M'Lean b Freeman ... 59 A. Knight not out 10 I). M'Beath c Tyldesley b Freeman... 0 il, Torrance b Freeman 0 Extras H Total TO2 —Bowling Analysis.— Balls. Mns. Runs. Wkts. Calthorpe 138 4 65 2 Tyldesley 132 3 72 o Freeman 65 5 16 ■> Chapman ... ... 24 0 19 0 Hartley 36 1 19 I Calthorpe bowled two no balls. M.C.C.—First Innings. W. W. Hill-wood bA. W. Alloo ... 14 A. 0. Wilkinson c Shepherd b Dick9fi nison ••• C. H. Titchmarsh not out H J. E. Mao Lean not out ... 6 Total for two wickets 51 —Bowling Analysis.— Balls. Mns. Runs. Wkts. M'Beath 42 2 21 ~~ Di dun son ... 30 A. W. Alloo ... 12 Torrance 6 COMMENTS ON THE PLAY. Otago supporters are fairly well satisfied with tho team’s performance yesterday. True, there were egmo mistakes made and some loose play shown, but compensating patches were provided in the batting of our three top scorers, whose display of batting, wo venture to say, would compare favorably with the best that our English visitors have so far met with. CARISBROOK AT ITS BEST. Tho playing area was a picture, and Caretaker Ross was again complimented on tho result of his hard work, not only in tho matter of the wicket, but in that of tho outfield, which was true and surprisingly fast considering the weather conditions of tho post few days. One of the professional members of tho M.C.C. team remarked to us that the Carisbrook Ground and wicket were easily tho best the Englishmen had yet played on in the dominion. If this is so, Caretaker Ross should have an excellent chanoo of receiving tho prize of £lO 10s offered by tho New Zealand Cricket Council to the caretaker providing tho best wicket in the series of gomes played by tho Englishmen. Tho attendance must ba looked upon as satisfactory for an off day, £92 being taken at the gates. The weather was dul ait the start, and a coldish wind blow from the south-east. But about 4 o’clock the sun broke through, and tho conditions were much pleasanter. SHEPHERD THE CHAMPION. In Shepherd wo have a champion batsman, Tho Englishmen admit as much, some of them going so far as to say he is tho best they have played against since their arrival in New Zealand. The Albion man is a model of consistency, and bar the Truxnper-like quality of being ablo tc dispense with that prelude known as “playing himself in." He gets a sight of the bail right away, and is crisp and confident from tho word “play.” Yesterday it was the same story; crisp, quickfooted driving and slashing cuts beginning with _tho first over sent down to him. Certainly he was in 86min for his 52, but many of his best bite were curtailed by smart fielding on tho part of cleverlyplaced fieldsmen. As it was. ho hit eight 4’a. The manner of his dismissal suggested recklessness. After hitting Tyldcsley comfortably for a fencer, he clashed out at a short one from the same bowler and missed. Or, rather, ho touched it ever so slightly, not sufficient to prevent it hitting has off stump. While M'Mullan was gently putting up 8 runs ho made 27, and his partnership with Galland added another 47. OAKLAND AND CONRADI IN FOR.M.

In making top score Galland; played one of hia very best innings. At tho outset ho was a little streaky, several scoring hits being of the fluky order, and hi? drives lacking the full-face flavor oi Shepherd e. But tho Otago skipper improved as ho went on, and at the finish was laying on the wood and carpet-driving all the bowlers with case. His pulling and hooking were also forceful, Hie hall travelling at express speed along the ground to tho fence or to tho fieldsmen who had been placed to stop tho 4’s. He hit ten boundaries, and was only 68min in compiling his score. It,was unfortunate that his partner (Duncan) should remind him that “it’s the last over before tho adjournment.” Galland set himself to play carefully, and pushed one from Tyldesley that turned a little back to tho bowler, who held it only after diving at il and falling over. Giving everything in, however, no more attractive display was given during the day than that by Conradi in getting his c 9. _ The Grange man always hats like a cricketer, and is after the runs all the time. His wristy strokes are sweet to see, and ho lacks nothing in “punch,” as witness the fact that his score was got in thirty-eight minutes and included six fours. Ho was unfortunate in the decision that sent him bade, too. A ball from Freeman cut across between tho batsman's legs and pad, lightly touching something. A half-hearted appeal by the wicketkeeper, as though he was not sure, and by at least qne other fieldsman, was answered by Umpire Butler against the batsman. Conradi states that he did not touch tho ball with his hat. However, it was an awkward point for tho umpire to decide, as doubtless the bat, ball, and pads were jumbled, and something was hit. “DICKIE” HITS HARD. Dickinson hit “hard and high and often’’ in getting his 17. It was not so good an exhibition as he gave us in tho Auckland match, but ‘his contribution was a useful one, especially as he helped Gal hind to put on 43 for tho fifth wicket. His advancement in tho batting list was justified. Knight, the only other double-figure scorer, waa very slow' again. He was as c.ncfiil a-s though tho wicket was one upon which a Cha.iil.io Turner would revel and Turner himself was bowling. This young batsman can hit hard enough in club "matches, but is strangely quiet in big cricket. Perhaps it is lack of confidence: he is feeling Ills way, _ maybe, and will slowly develop. If so, it is all right. We can afford to give even a slowly-developing batsman time to find himself so long as he does eventually do so. The comparison when ho and Coo nidi were in was very marked. was ever trying to score; Knight;.-, purpose, it seemed, was to keuu the ball out of his socket.

DOUBLE ALLOO FAILURE. It was a blow to Otago when Cecil and Arthur Alloo both went, one after the other, howled by Oalthoipc, for 7 runs between them, Cecil played his on from a weak stroke, while Arthur played all round one that came back a little. M'Mullan waa alow and Alec Biumermau-likc, except for one hmgeing high drive over the bowier’a head that Wilkinson might have got to if he had bestirred himself. Duncau struck bad luck again, for bo was run out without scoring, Conradi declining to amswer a call from a hit behind his (Conradi’s) wicket. It was Duncan’s call, and his partner should have gone on instead of turning back. Tho two other duck manufacturers, M'Beath and Torrance, did not stay long enough to show ns anything. Tho innings occupied two hours thirty-nino minutes. THE ENGLISH BOWLERS. Tho English bowling was good, but not deadly. Calthorpo (who is of the "Aussie” build rather than tho English) has a nice, free delivery, and comes quickly off the pitch. Ho is a little faster than medium, and turns a bit from the off. Many of his halls go straight on, however. Tyldesley is much slower, but keeps an excellent length as a rule, though occasional Joaso ones were gifts to tho batsmen. The diminutive Freeman bowls slows with plenty of spin, but not much break. Ho was unsuccessful on his first trial, but on coming back to tho crease ho quickly disposed of Conradi, M'Beath, and Torrance, and came out with tbo respectable average of three wickets for 16. Chapman (as breezy in Ids left-hand bowling as be is in the field) and Hartley also had a turn with tho ball, tho skipper getting Dickinson caught in the slips, CLEAN AND CRISP FIELDING. The fielding of tho visitors, of which we have heard so much, was keenly watched. Though safe and clean, it was not brilliant. A little looseness was apparent at tdmes s even tho redoubtable Chapman letting one or two past him that a good field should have stopped. As a matter of fact, there was a suspicion that some at least of the eleven were in a generous mood*, and were not “ going eyes out ” in attempting to intercept boundary hits or even racing for possible catches. It was a treat, however, to see the clean picking np and swift throwing in whenever full steam was used. Mac Lean, the wicket-keeper, who is very tali, sits well down to his wor, which he does effectively and without fuss, CDiMPARISON IN STYLES. When the Englishmen went in they had 40miu to bat. Wilkinson pleased tho onlookers with his swooping forward style. Ho drove freely and executed some fine cover hits. By contrast, Hill-Wood, at the other end, was ugVy in his stylo. He made some nice leg glances. He was dismissed in a peculiar manner. Arthur Alloo was brought on to bowl at the Workshops end, and his first ball was a full toss, which came face-high to HillWood. Tho batsman raised his bat to play it, and it struck the handle and wen* down to the ground and on to the wicket it was a poor ball attended with a lucky result. OTAGO'S OUT-CRICKET. 31.‘Death bowled very well, but sent down too many balls outside the legs. Tho batsmen were slow to take advantage of these; otherwise would have been larger. Dickinson also swung down a few on tho leg. By tho way, tho over? in this match consist of six _ balls each, this being tho M.C.C. stipulation. Mother England has not yet adopted tho latest colonial innovation, Otago’s fielding was on the whole good, tihepherd's catch—a, chest-high hit from Wilkinson-—was neatly taken. Knight war none too certain at deep third man, letting a couple through to the fence that a young, active man such as lie is should have stopped. ROUND THE GROUND. AT THE CRICKET MATCH, [By We Two.]

With an attractive series of rep. matches on tho Carisbrook Ground this season an opportunity is afforded ns of meeting many of those enthusiasts who stick to tho grand old game of cricket year after year through thick and thin, and also to note many of those others, prominent in various departments of sport and walks of life, who like to come along on special occasions. So wo take our walks round the ground, and there we see and chat with past “stars" of greater or less magnitude, the subject invariably being the oldi days. Tho passage of time lias _ ir some cases wo iind hadl a magnifying effect on certain performances, but the late Harry Bannermau’a useful little book on Otago cricket enables us to get actual figures and to verify dates. Carisbrook Ground is looking a picture on the opening day of the Auckland match, and Caretaker Alec. Boss thoroughly deserves all tho compliments showered upon him by visitors. Considering tho short time he has had control of the ground, ho haa done wonders. We have a look at tho wicket, which bears tho appearance of being one of tho very best, a trillo slow and easy owing to tho rain of the past few weeks. It proved to ba a tip-top wicket in every respect, and) wore well throughout aTmatcli in which close on 1,100 runs were made. The top scorer of tho match was our old friend George Cummings, who played with Albion in days gone by. George has not altered much since he left Dunedin to live in Auckland, though ho tells us that is seventeen years ago. Brook-Smith (who captains the visitors) is another old hand who played against ue in 19C6. Ho is pleased to renew acquaintance with many ex-reps, of that time. Standing umpire is Frank Williams, who “kept” for Otago for over fifteen years. Besides being an excellent custodian of th® fflticka, Frank could rattle on tho run? when in tho humor. Wo remember well his 49 against Canterbury in 1902, when ho and Bob Wilkie (72) piled up the score for the ninth These two proved tho fallacy of the “Ho. 13” bogy in that trip, for, though they occupied the bedroom bearing that number, they did well in tho match. There was a compact between them, that they would upset their comrades’ gloomy predictions a.nd do something sensational “How, Frank, remember the contract," said Bob when he was joined',at the- wickets by his room mate. “Righto,” said- Frank, and promptly lifted Bob Barrie out of Hngley I'ark and banged tho next two on to the sight board. Bob seconded' the motion, and things were very lively. Billy Kilgour also helped, and Otago’s total readied 248. They won comfortably. A joke from the past is related by Frank. When Otago played Wellington in 1904 on tho Gale Frank and Arnold Williams were the rival, skippers. Frank tossed, and Arnold called “woman.” “ I didn’fknow what he meant by that,” says Frank, “so- I’just etooped down, picked up the coin, and said ‘ We’ll bat.’ It worked all right, and though Ernie Upham howled magnificently and took all ten wickets, we pub up a good score.” Two old champions in Jim 'Baker and Billy Johnston are next met. Who of the older generation does not remember this opening pair, who put up some great firet-wickct partnerships for Grange and for Otago? Jim, tells us of his recent accident, a fall from his bike, whereby ho hurt his knee rather badly. This b tho second accident of a like nature that Jim has had. in speaking with him wc recall) his 101. against tho Hawke’s Bay team that included the world-renowned Albert Trott. When Jim got. to 96 AI borfc scut him a full toes to log. and Jim smacked it for 4. then showed his gnni tudo by giving Trott his wicket in. th. next over. Arthur Sims whs the boy to separate -Baker and Johnston in -the Can terbiny matches. Wc are pleased fa meet Leu Honk, who is in town as representutivo of tho Allan Wrilkie Company. Leu can .still hat and bowl a bit, as witness his 86 a.nd his successful! trundling in a theatrical match a day or two ago. lb was a fine bowler in days gone past, am' in 1901 put up a great performance eg.' list Canterbury. This so impressed i ,'i 11 aw I rev—a keen enthusiast at I tic gain* —Dial he offered Leu an engage I merit with his company, and. thus it was

Otago lost a good cricketer. Lcn served in the war, he tells us, as a Queenslander,, after being turned down for varicose in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.

J. J. Ciark, tho president of the association, is busy supervising things, and Mrs Clark lends valuable assistance in connection with luncheon iind afternoon tea arrangements. This lady shows her keenness for the game by ottering a trophy to bo won by the player hiking most catches in, the series of rep. matches Crosby ’Morris, tho deservedly popular expresident, is also deeply interested Crosby was a fine IRngby forward in hi? day, and represented Otago on many occasions. It is largely by bis efforts and encouragement that tho 0.0. A, debit balance has disappeared. Talking with him is Arthur Fisher, undoubtedly the finest left-hand bowler .New Zealand has produced. Wo ask Arthur what performance ho looks back upon with most pleasure, and ho says tho last test against De Titvfford's English team. He was left out of tho first two tests, hut was selected for the final, and though there was a good deal of criticism regarding his selection,, he fairly justified lus inclusion by recur ing live for 25 and five for 45, and enabled New Zealand to secure a victory. Another tine -performance of his was against Joo Darling’s Australian eleven, which defeated Otago by only 17 runs. At afternoon tea wo met Drs J. Jfitagerald, Oawshaw, and K. Ross. Dr Evans is standing outside, and we beckon him in. .He says to Dr Ross on entering: “Hullo. Ross; I know you are a champion at gulf, but what do you know of cricket?” Dr Ross whispers a reply which causes a. chuckle, and a lewmoments afterwards Ren Casey comes running off the fold with his linger out of joint, which Dr Fitzgerald fixes in the twinkling of an eye. Dr Fitzgerald tells us lie played against Auckland in 1883, and in the second innings secured the fine average of five for 30. In this match that keen old sport, J. J. Mallard, was also re-pre-senting the province. Near tho sight board we meet Jas. Edgar, John Moloney, W. T. Monkman, and J. Jacobs, and we wish them the season’s greetings. By the way, Mr Maloney has a young sou who promises to become a fine cricketer. His dad tells ua La is coming in from Warrington to sec the finish of the Auckland match and also the English match. Chas. Todd is busy arranging a veterans’ team to play against, the country learns during Country Week and in perusing the jokes in the cricket programme. The Rev. Mr Russell is seen silting in his usual spot. He never misses a, good cricket match. We met Jim M'Farlane talking to Jim Raker and Billy Johnston, and reciting incidents in bygone games. G. W. C. Macdonald is also a keen observer and tells ns wo should both bo still playing tho game. Jack Hope is, of course, there, and wo tell him that one of the best catches we ever saw on Carisbrook was the one he took which disposed of M. A. Noble in the match against Davis’s New South Wales team. One of the performances which Jack looks back on with pleasure was that against Canterbury in 1899, when ho took six for 3d and five for 40, and made 15 and 21 not out, a performance which went a long way to securing a victory for Otago. Wo next meet Harry Harraway. who is ns keen as ever on the game and with whom Time deals kindly. Harry is promt of the fact that be has a- son playing in the senior eleven of his old club (Carisbrook). A little further round we meet Jirn Harraway and Bill Kingston, both of whom played for Carisbrook for many years, and we recall the mulch the llai i'away family played against I hr Bollard Opera Company. .Here is Rob Bennett, the popular Alhambra and Olagn ccnlrc tlim'-qnar!cr, who represented (Maun on the football field for many years. Ncar-hy is A lev. M'Donald, one of the lamn..- An Black.. We also notice ling. 1’..-!!, ami express regret that Beg. ha. I m-imd no tho game, as be showed promise nl a long citreel' as a representative bal sunm. Keg. has done yeoman service on l be fool li„n field, and might have earned a similar reputation on the cricket field. Another interested speclalor is Bowler .John-,lon. who lias filled the position o! president of the Rirales Football Chib for many years, and is a keen supporter of ail manly sports.. Near-by is W. Banncnnan. another of the constant supporters, and wlio-e I wo sons have troth repre-ent (d I lie pi'ovinee. We meet ( k I!. Biielii.- who rep-,-"-sents the ground members on ibe, a.-socia-

tion, ami is always willing to assist the game in any way in his power. G. R. was a keen member of the Carisbrook 15 team some years ago. We talk about the return to Dunedin of Fred Harper, who looks as fit as ever. Fred (who still “ has a smack ” when occasion offers) was a good captain, and has put up some fine performances for Otago. In the stand we notice Davie Larnach, who played for the Grange for many years, and later for (lie Ravensbotinic. Davie was a good allround player. Wc also meet Rube Richardson, one of the old Oceana players. What a fine junior team they were, and how hard to beat when they possessed such players as George Butlin, Billy Butler, J. Hodges, and Dave Smyth. Roy Johnston, ex-secretary of the Wellington Association, is also present, and shows the Auckland boys groat attention. Tho Dunedin C.C. have been fortunate in securing him us a vice-president, and it is hoped that his services will be obtained by the association in the near future. Wo discuss old times with Gus Rcstieaux, one of tho oldest members of tho Grange C.C. Gus was also a fine five-eighth, and played for the ■Bamas in their palmy days. What a great 'place-kick Gus was! Otago has never had a bettor. We also greet Albert Geddos, who played some good innings for Otago, Ho was a dashing left-hander, and could also bowl a good ball, and is one of the few century-makers in tho Dunedin C.C. Next wo meet Harry Hellver, and ask him if cricket can still lure him away from bowls. Harry says? “I never miss a good game of cricket.” Harry was, we think, secretary of the old Warehousemen’s C.C, and of the Warehousemen’s F.C. for many years. Wc greet Watty Wyatt, who tells us ho is going up to Auckland to take part in the bowling tournament.

Seated together tore Donald Stuart. Harold Napthali, Neil Galbraith, and Teddy Hay. Harold tells us ho was a great wicketkeeper at school. He used to turn his back to the ball and nothing got past. Donald Stuart greets Vic. Cavanagh, the popular president of the O.R.F.U. The. looks as brown as a berry, and Donald Stuart introduces him to the company as “Hone Poneke,” and asks him if “ho lias been playing with gunpowder during the holidays. (The allusion is to the disappearance of Vic.’s once flowing moustache.) Donald indulges in criticism of tho selection of tho Otago team. Vic. asks, in his usual blunt tones, what he knows about it. “ Well,” replies Donald, in injured tones, “ haven't I been soundly criticised by all and sundry during the football season ? Surely I can have a ‘ pick ’ at the cricket .selector's.” W. J. Strong in seen watching tho game closely. Wo' notice TV. Fraer notching the runs down on the official scoring card in the players’ enclosure. He was the first secretary of the Dunedin Cricket Club, and regrets he was not, aware of the chib’s smoke concert held last season to celebrate tiro winning of the senior shield. With a twinkle in his eye, he says: “ Ry tire way, father did not have a stock of that chocokilc-and-biue flannel which the club adopted as its first colors.” Another interested spectator' is Clem Bed;, who represented Otago both in football and cricket. Old (.Tan was a Irani man to shift, in Iris prime, and trad a great habit of picking tip a piece of grass and pulling it in bis inonlli after' making a lour. S. iSoloinnii and Ins sm an' bulb 1 looking on. and we next meet E U. King. ) fhe> popular' pre-vidint of the Oomniercrai i Travellers' Club. j We are greeted by I lick T orraiv. and I cvpr css regret that It- r ■ no 1 in ike team. | We recall the lin" pi r m.-mance i lick pm. up with the ball at \Vcliinghm again.-l [the local rcpi'i'scnt.ii m--. .1. it. .M’t.’onnadiie is also taking a l-men ini ere-1 in ilm , gann- ;;nd lirakingrain! m- on the play. \\ c 'in hi,, d,jv their .aaiii; imp was ml a ; I’adtiv Wain's v. imiov., .Inn Iliad;, vlio i pia veil lor iliiaojin I'm- many yi ars. a I 1 here. J ini was at one imm a line club : huv. lea. And lie, '- a- ...i.'h hntie I'lano. | (he old Alliamb.'ii half, v.bn repre-eiih d | 1 1 10- province on mam. .-asums. D. F. j T heonmi and his n are keen ei m | ket .supporters, and never miss a mat i 11. I Air Theomin is one who is always willing ' lo do anything to as-i-t the game along, ■ B. Provo tells Us m i, the i.dher of Auckland cricket, ami is p l -a--m ai -eeing (he

(To he continued.)

'■hie, who was a valuable member of the aociation for many years and a great l,;it Her for the Albion Club. Tom could howl a pretty good bull in his day. With him is Lou Joel, looked upon as the ■ her of the Albion Club. Lou has been

. strong barracker for Albion, and no member has done more for his club. We remember playing against Lou in the old In ewers’ team. Alex. M’Crorio, the old Dunedin and Warehousemen player, is also interested. Alex, could bowl a good olf break iiv his day, and was also handy with the bat. A.lbio Turnbull, the old ((polio stonewaller, is also present. U e recall Syd. Donahoo bowling him in the match - Otago v. Queensland when Albio never lifted his bat. Donahoo howled him round it.

George M'Laren, an cx-presidcnt of the 0.R.F.U., the burly Alhambra and Otago forward in the nineties, greets us. George is a great lover of all manly sport, and a genial fellow to boot. Wo remember his masterpiece as a singer was ‘To Be a Farmer’s Boy.’ Bit line near by is Charlie Eyre, one of Dunedin’s stalwarts and a life member. A joke against Charlie is recalled. It related to the number of sweaters bo used to don on cold days in the field. Bert Sincook is here, too. He gave up cricket long ago and took to golf. But now ho plays bowls. Beth Charlie and Bert were prominent Dunedin footballers in their day. 0. Russell Smith is sitting near the sight screen watching if the bowlers keep both feet on the mat. C.R.S. was an enthusiastic member of the Carisbrook 'Club in the nineties, and his brother Harold played for Dunedin. G. R. Olieofsoman, another old Carifibrookian, is also present. Billy Shelton comes along with, a handshake. Ho is now located at Gore. We ask him if ha still plays cricket, and bo says; “We’re going to open the season when tho weather clears.” Another visitor from Goto ia Gus Hamann, who is much weightier than when he played with Dunedin. Ho asks if wo ever hear from

“Skitdhy,” and we reply that it is long since we had) any word, though we believe him to bo in Auckland, and secretary of the Grey Lynn Bowling dub. Gus re minds ua of a trip he had with the Dunedin, team, when a young fellow, and when ho was ordered .to bed at 10 p.m, (by the old hands. Wo reply that wo were as good as mothers to Hum, and remind him of the Goldfields trip of twenty years ago as additional evidence. Andrew Davidson is again finding that urgent business in Dunedin synchronises with a rap. cricket match. Central Otago life agrees with Andy, who looks “in the pink.” Two keen supporters of cricket and football are Reg. Bermoll and Geo. Ritchie, whom we next run against. Reg. is ,a solid worker in tho _ interests of all kinds of entertainments in our city, and there are few shows til at ho has not something to do with. George Ritchie achieves reflected glory by tho fact that ho is undo to the promising young all-rounder, George Dickinson. He is (highly pleased with his nephew’s success in the present match. Young Dickinson has indeed a record in sport that he should bo proud of, and has a good chance of gaining his “ double silver tom ” before the summer ends.

Sam. Leith, another old cricket and football rep. and now a bowler, considers our cricket has not improved, but has hopes of the few promising colts making good and helping to bring tho standard up to what it used to bo. Sam, was a tiptop “ keeper ” in those days gone by. Tho sight of Georgo Haydon revives memories of his lamented brother Bill. George himself used to captain the Warehousemen's Oub when it included in its ranks such players as Joey Kinvig, Jack Best, Tommy Wood, Hughie Stalker, Bill Hayden, and Jack Reid. J. F. Mollison greets us, and introduces Mr Scott, from Tasmania.

Standing together are Harry Farris (for so long president of the 0.R.F.U.) and Harry White, ono of Albion’s oldest membore. Tho two Harrys have done a lot for sport. H. H. S. White is considered to bo tho champion chairman of entertainment committees in connection with visiting football teams, and can sing a jolly good song in “good company.” Charlie Payne deserts the Kaituna Green for the afternoon to watch, cricket. It’s years since Charlie propelled the leather hall, but bo wasn't bad as a tnmdlcr for Momington when “Dock” M’Farlane was tho star at the other end.

Up comes “ Gerry ” Austin to greet Brook-Smith, and visions arise of G.G.A.’e sterling all-round qualities as a cricketer. Ha should still ho playing, for ho carries no superfluous flesh, and is active as » twenty-year-old. We remember a great first wicket partnership between him and Cyril Hopkins in December, 1911, against Canterbury, when “ Geny ” had the bad luck to b© run out from a straight drive by Hopkins, which glanced off Sim’s hacking up. Cyril made 152 and Gerry 54. A figure is seen whirling a- walking stack to represent cuts, and drives, and leg glances. Yes, it is Barry Siedeherg, showing a friend how Alloo should have played tho hall that dismissed him. Siedo. and Austin were a great pair for Carisbrook and Otago. Harry has taken to bowls, and is as thorough in his play as he is in every other game ho takes on. Thoroughness is ocritiuilv his middle name.

Ales.* Downes here drops along and shows us the ball with which ho secured four Auckland wickets in four deliveries in 1894. This was the last occasion’ prior to tho present match On which Auckland beat us on the Carisbrook Ground. No mistake, Alc-v. was a great bowler, and wo sigh for his like to shuttle out tho northerners to-day. Alex, gives us a problem. Clan a bowler, ho asks, do the hat trick in three overs? We puzzle- and give it up, and Alex, explains. Tho bo-wkr secures tho ninth wic.kofc with tho last ball of an over; tho Iran did’ at the other end bowls a maiden, and your hat trick expert gets tho tenth wicket with the first ball of his next over*. The side. follows on, and with the opening ball the ha.t-triclcest takes a wicket—nnd ! there you are! Another point is raised. Tho boundaries in tho Auckland match are fixed as 4 off tho grass and 6 over tho fence. What them happens if the fieldsman, while standing on tho narrow strip of no man’s land -between the edge of the grass and tho fence, catches a batsman? Wc leave the group to argue it out. Tom Begg, recently appointed head master of the Kaiitangatn. School, tells us he lias come to town for the Auckland and M.C.C. mnttohes. Oscar Briggs is also present. Ho never misses a good match. Oscar has umpired in many matches.