History of Otago Cricket

Evening Star, Issue 22575, 17 February 1937, Page 5

History of Otago Cricket

Quest for the Plunket Shield The Game Thirty Years Ago

The thirty-first annual meeting was held in E. S. Wilson’s board room on Tuesday, September 18, 1906. Mr C. W. Rattray was elected president, Messrs C. R. Smith and W. H. Skitch vice-presidents, and Mr E. S. Wilson secretary and treasurer. The committee comprised Messrs J. Hope, C. G. Wilson, A. Restieaux, J. J. Clark, A. M'Lean, F. H. Campbell, and A. T. Anderson. The winners of the various competitions for the previous season were:—First grade, Dunedin; second grade. Roslyn; third grade. Star; fourth grade, Roslyn. The match between Otago and Canterbury was played at Carisbrook at Christmas, 1906, Otago winning by 139 runs, scoring 202 and 211. C. G. Milson made 18 and 25 not out, A. E. Ackroyd 42, Siedeberg _24 and 23, H. Graham 37, J. Baker 45 not out, C. E. Howdeu 10 and 62, A. Downes 25, A. Eckhoff 19, and G. G. Austin 15. Bennett took five wickets for 55 and two for 82, and Lusk four for 33. Canterbury replied with 165 and 109, Anthony 35 and 17, K. Olliver 25, A. Sims 59 and 38, J. Bennett 10 and 22 being the chief rungetters. Downes secured six for 65 and five for 61, and Fisher three for 69 and three for 32. ENGLISH TEAM’S VISIT. In January, 1907, a visit was received from a Marylebone team, and it defeated Otago by 232 runs, scoring 224 and 278. Harrison made 26 and 11, Burns 20 and 47, Page 66, Hayward 47 and 41, Branston 21, May 27, De Tfafford 25, Tufnell 36, Fox 44 not out. Downes (five for 82 and five for 85) and Fisher (three for 85 and three for 107) were Otago’s most successful bowlers. Otago scored 176 and 94, Howden 45, Siedeberg 27, Wilson 49 and 18, and Fisher 21 being the principal scorers. May (five for 53 and five for 37) and Hayward (three for 51 and four for 31) bowled well. A return match against the Marylebone team was played in February, when the M.C.C. won by an innings and 95 runs, scoring 496 (Harrison 105, Johnson 87, Fox 64, Page 55, Douglas 67, and Hayward 71). The best bowling figures for Otago were obtained by Austin (five for 166) and Fisher (three for 137). Otago scored 257 and 144 (Austwi 42, Ackroyd 31 and 24, Siedeberg 17 and 32, Mackersy 18). Branston (four for 60 and three for 27), May (four for 49 and four for 68), Douglas (one for 37 and three for 8) secured the wickets. The match with Southland at Invercargill on February. 21 ended in a draw. Otago scoring 73. J. A. Doig secured the fine figures of four for 26, and O’Halloran six for 44. Southland scored 104, O’HaUpran top-scoring with 61. Mackersy secured five for 59, Beale two for 13, and Bannennan one for 9 for Otago. . , The thirty-second annual meeting of the association was held in E. S. Wilson’s board room on Saturday, September 21, 1907. Mr C. R. Smith became president, with Messrs F. H. Campbell and J. J. Clark as vice-presidents. Mr E. S. Wilson was again secretary and treasurer, and the committee consisted of Messrs J. Hope, A. M’Lean, C. G. Wilson, A. Restieaux, T. Ritchie, W. M'Lean, A. T. Anderson, and J. J. Clark. The winners of the various competitions for the previous season were: First grade, Grange; second grade, Albion ; third grade, St. Kilda; fourth grade, Morniugton. AN UNSUCCESSFUL TOUR. The Otago-Canterbury match was played at Lancaster Park during Christmas, 1907, Canterbury winning by 104 runs. Canterubry scored 210 and 239 (D. Reese 49 and 40, Moorehouse 42 and 86, S. Orchard 36, Boxshall 46, Bennett 28). Fisher (four for 63 and two for 78), Downes (five for 70), and Austin (four for 66) Xvere Otago’s most successful bowlers. Otago scored 92 and 253, Austin 53, Watson 40, Eckhold 59 not out, Wilson 19 and 14, Siedeberg 26 and 37 being the highest scorers. For Canterbury Bennett (four for 31 and three for 46), Reese (four for 19 and four for 101) bowled well. Otago met Wellington at Wellington on December 27, 1907, Wellington winning by eight wickets. They scored 304 and 67 for two wickets, Mahoney maiking 84, J. Blacklock 60, Monaghan 17. Hales 48. R. C. Torrance took six for 70 and Mackersy one for 34 , and two for 10. Otago scored 115 and 255, Siedeberg making 21 and 45, Eckhold 26 and 41, A. H. Fisher 34 and 30, Maskersy 41, and Torrance 33. Cobcroft had great success with the ball for Wellington, taking four for 20 and five for 8. A heavy defeat was inflicted on Otago bv Auckland at Auckland over New Year, 1908. Auckland scored 267 and 211, Hemus putting together 41 and 29, Brook-Simth 110, Relf 42 and 83, G. Cummins 16 and 34, Sale 25, and Prime 25. The most successful bowlers were Torrance (five for 62), Mackersy (three for 80 and four for 66), and Austin (four for 40). Otago made a poor showing with the bat, being disposed of for 81 and 82. Adams (21 and 17) and Siedeberg (37) shaped best. Relf (six for 22 and six for 25) and Kerr (four for 21 and one for 23) were the destroying angels. Otago met Southland at Carisbrook on February" 19, 1908. and defeated them by an innings and 78 runs. Otago scored 361 (Austin 46, Eckhold 95, Siedeberg 57, Watson 23, M'Farlane 46, and Bannerman 59). Southland were out for 171 and 112, D. Hamilton making 95 and 10, Doig 27, Liggins 21 not out. Fisher (five for 52 and two for 21), Corbett (two for 21 and three for 37), Watson (three for 27), and Austin (two for 37) shared the bowling. TWO COACHES ENGAGED. The thirty-third annual meeting was held in the secretary’s board room on Saturday. September 19. 1908. Mr C. R. Smith was elected president, Messrs F. H. Campbell and J. J.

In continuing the history of Otago cricket, this article begins 1 with the developments that, were taking place in the game some 30 years ago when Otago was making its early bids for the Plunket Shield.

Clark vice-presidents, E. S. Wilson secretary and treasurer, and the committee comprised Messrs J. Hope, Q. G. Wilson, T. Ritchie, A. Restieaux, A. M'Lean, W. Mac Lean, J. Beck, and J. Clarke.

Ayles and' Wordsworth were engaged ns coaches this season. The winners of' the championship the previous season were :—First grade, Carisbrook; second grade, Albion; third grade, Grange; fourth grade, Grange. Otago played Auckland for the Plunket Shield in December, 1908, and scored 338 and 159, C. G. Wilson totalling 144 and 28, Howden 33. Hopkins 21 and 18, Siedeberg 39, Williams 19 and 35. Auckland's most _succes6ful bowlers were Relf (one for 65 and four for 39) and Howden (seven for 87 and live for 61). Auckland scored 196 and 160 for five wickets, the match being drawn. Relf made 64, Haddon 16 and 57 not out. Sale 22 and 18. Cummings 12 and IS not ■ out. Wordsworth secured two for 52 and three for 50, Fisher five for 50, and Torrance two for 43 and two for 27.

A match with Wanganui was played at New Year, 1909, Otago winning by 265 runs. Otago scored 330 and 247 for six wickets, Siedeberg making 109 and 55 not out, Austin 29 and 16, Hopkins 40 and 32, Williams 26, Torrance 22 and 42, Wilson 29, and Wordsworth .57 not out. Wanganui scored 216 and 96, H. Cave 20 and 21, K. Cave 47 and 14, Burrett 43, Williams 24 and 10, and Robertson 22 batting well. Wordsworth (four for 26 and two for 14), Torrance (two for 58 and three far 22), Austin (two for 13), and Rutherford (two for 13) secured the wickets.

Otago defeated Hawke’s Bay at Napier on January 5,1909, with 191 runs to spare. Otago scored 340 and 164 for six, C. G. Wilson’s contribution being 188 and 49, Ayles making 47, Hopkins 10 and 57, Rutherford 35, and C. E. Beale 29 not out. Fenton (six for 41 and three for 91) was Hawke’s Bay’s best bowler, The Canterbury match was played at Carisbrook, in February, 1909, and Otago was defeated by 245 runs. Canterbury scored 206 and 259 (S. Orchard 78 not out, Anthony 42, Humphreys 38, D. Reese 81). Torrance (six for 71 and four for 90), Wordsworth (three for 41 and two_ for 64), and Fisher (three for 55). _ Otago shaped poorly with the bat, being dismissed for 77 and 143, Rutherford, 42 not out, being the only batsman to make a stand against the bowling of Humphreys (five for 36 and four fox--46), and Bennett (four for 15 and three for 35). MACARTNEY APPOINTED COACH. The thirty-fourth annual meeting was held in the secretary’s board room on Friday, September 17, 1909, Mr C. Smith being elected president, Messrs J. J. Clark and J. Hope vice-presi-dents, and E. S. Wilson secretary and treasurer. The committee comprised C. G. Wilson, A. Restieaux, fl. G. Siedeberg, T. Ritchie, L. C. Gooch, J. Clarke, G. A. Wycherley, and A. Nelson. C. J. Macartney and Wordsworth were engaged as coaches this season, A. Holland being engaged as coach during the winter months. Competition ’ winners the previous season were: —First grade,_ Albion; second grade, Dunedin B; third grade, Dunedin; fourth grade, Mornington. Otago met Canterbury at Lancaster Park, Canterbury winning by four wickets. Otago scored 191 and 120 (Wilson 28 and 22, Siedeberg 55, Eckhold 21 and 33, Rutherford 28 Fisher 22). T. Carlton (four for 58 and six for 42), D. Reese (two for 19), Bennett (three for 46 and one for 28), bowled well. Canterbury scored 241 and 72 for six wickets. Macartney obtained five for 53 and two for 15, and Fisher two for 47 and four for 34. PLUNKET SHIELD CHALLENGE. Otago made another bid for the Plunket Shield, and met Auckland at Auckland, being defeated by an innings and 101 runs. Auckland ran up the huge total of 579 (Hemus 109. Relf 118, Sale’l2l, Brook-Smith 44, Mason 46, Anthony 37. Macartney, three for 115, and M'Farlane, three for 85, were Otago’s most successful howlers. Otago were disposed of for 237 and 181 (Wilson 27, Eckhold 3] and 14, Rutherford 38, Siedeberg 38, Macartney 22 and 35, Hiddleston 43, and M'Farlane 60 and 10). Haddon (four for 50 and two for 27), Oliff (three for 22 and 4 for 52), and Relf (three for 69) secured the’wickets. WIN FOR AUSTRALIA. An Australian Eleven met Otago in March, 1910, Australia winning by 10 wickets. Australia scored 189 and 99 for no wickets (Bardsley 34 and 56 not out, Mayno 40 not out, Armstrong 91). Macartney took seven for 81 and Cummings two for 69 for Otago, whose innings realised 166 and 120 (Macartney 18 and 45, Siedeberg 50. Eckhold 27 and 26, Torrance 23). Warne secured five for 37 and Emery five for 20. Otago inflicted a crushing defeat on Southland at Carisbrook at New Year to the tune of an innings and 448 runs. Otago rattled up 593 (Siedeberg 162, Macartney 118, Hiddleston 86, Rutherford SO, Wilson 43, and Callaway 55). Scott (six for 164) was Southland’s most effective bowler. Southland was disposed of for 71 and 74, Poole (22), Richards (21), and Wesney (21) being the highest scorers. Callaway secured three for 38 and one for 5, Macartney five for 16, and Macfarlane three for 17.

The thirty-fifth apnual meeting was held in the secretary’s board room on Friday, September io, 1910, Mr J. J. Clark being elected president. Messrs .1. Hope and C. G. Wilson vice-presi-dents, and E. S. Wilson secretary and treasurer, the committee comprising Messrs T. Ritchie, W Ki!< r our. H. G. Siedehere. A. lies!leans, C. Eyre. A. -iclson, G A. Wycherley, and J. Haig.

A. Holland was engaged as coach for the season and played for the Albion C.C.

The winners of the competitions for the previous season were: First grade, Opoho; second grade, Morniugton. Otago met Canterbury at Dunedin at Christmas, 1910, Canterbury winning by four wickets. Otago scored 219 and 193, Eckhold compiling 47 and 25, Hopkins 53 and 21, Rutherford 17 and 34, Torrance 20 and 34, and Macfarlane 40 and 32. Barnett (tour for 52 and one for 30), T. Carlton (four for 27 and three for 38), and \V. Carlton (one for 22 and three for 27) were the most effective Handlers. Canterbury, 324 and 90 for six wickets. Caygill (87 and 20), Norman (37), Sims (71 and 34 not out), and Orchard (47) batted well. Macfarlano (four for 61) and Siedeberg (three for 13) bowled with success.

Otago defeated Southland by four wickets on March 3, 1911, at Invercargill, scoring 147 and 74 for six wickets. J. Shepherd was unbeaten with 66, and Condliffe made 24 and 21 not out. Doig bowled very well, taking three for 56 and live for 25, while Poole got three for 8 and one lor 19. Southland scored 127 and 92 (D. Hamilton 67 and 13, Poole 19). Torrance secured six for 42 and five for 32.

The thirty-sixth annual meeting was held in the secretary’s board room on Tuesday, September 19, 1911, Mr J. J. Clark being elected president, Messrs J. Hope and C. G. Wilson vice-presi-dents, and Mr E. S. Wilson secretary and treasurer. ' Messrs G. A. Martin, A. Restieaux, T. Ritchie, A. Dey, W. Kilgour, A. Nelson, J. Haig, and G. A. Wycherley were elected to the committee.

Grange won the first grade competition the previous season, Dunedin the second grade, Anderson’s Bay the third grade, and Morniugton the fourth grade. ' The Otago-Canterbury match was, played at Lancaster Park at Christmas, 1911, Canterbury winning by three wickets. Otago scored 302 and 52 (0. Hopkins 132, G. G. Austin' 64, Condliffe 34, M'Farlane 21), Bennett captured three wickets for 51 and three for 9, Sandman four for 76 and two for 16, Reese one for 91 and, five for 19. Canterbury totalled 264 and 91 for three wickets—Carlton (63 and 26) Lusk (35 and 16), Patrick (30 and 16), Sandman (66 and 16), and J. Bennett (21) being the highest scorers. Downes (four for 53 and three for 20), and Ramsden (one for 68 and four for 9) bowled impressively. The Auckland game was played at Carisbrook in February, 1912, and owing to bad weather the match had to be abandoned. Auckland scored 125 and 224 for five wickets, Thomson (54) and Hemus (135 not ■ out) batting well. Downes (five for 48 and one for 69) and Torrance (two for 43 and two fbr 39) were the most outstanding Otago bowlers. Otago scored 142, Hopkins making 37 and Macfarlane 29. Thomson bowled extremely well and secured seven for 35. FAMOUS PLAYER HONOURED. The thirty-seventh annual meeting, held in the secretary’s board room on Friday, September 20, 1912, honoured a famous representative player when it elected Mr J. Hope as president. Messrs J. J. Clark and T. Ritchie were elected vice-presidents, Mr E. S. Wilson secretary and treasurer, and the committee consisted of Messrs A. Restieaux, D. H. Thomson, W. Kilgour, W. Tweedy, A. Martin, G. A. Wycherley, A. Nelson, and J. Haig. A visit was received from the South Melbourne team this season, and two spectators applied for a refund of 2s, as they saw only one hour’s play in this game, their request being granted. Messrs Brundell and Moir forwarded 4s to the association for refund given to these two spectators. The shield winners in the previous season were:—First grade, Carisbrook B; second grade, Carisbrook D; third grade, St. Kilda; fourth grade, High School and Mornington, equal. Otago met Southland at Carisbrook in February, 1912, the match resulting in a drawn game. Otago scored 162 (Hopkins 37, Higgins 23, and Bannerman 17 not out). Rutherford took five for 33 and Crockett three for 16. Southland scored 135 (Hamilton 61 and Hiddleston 22). Otago’s best bowlers were Bannerman (three for 37) and Torrance (three for 43). Canterbury defeated Otago by 115 runs in the Christmas match, 1912, Canterbury scoring 137 and 316—-Hayes 57, Sandman 47 and 58, Patrick 80, and T. Carlton 30 not out. With six for 45, Downes was Otago’s most successful bowler. Otago scored 204 and 138. (Austin 10 and 50, Hopkins 43 and 11, Siedeberg 20 and 11, M'Farlane 29 and 22, J. Ramsden 74 not out and 14). Reese (three for 49 and four for 41) and Sandman (four for 66 and four for 64) bowled well. SOUTH MELBOURNE MATCH. The match against South Melbourne was played at Carisbrook in January, 1913, and was abandoned. South Melbourne scored 227 and 54 for no wickets (Sykes 24 and 17, Trott 61 and 35 not out, M'Cormack 32, Vyle 20, Deds 27, and Kelly 25 not out). Huntly (four for 37), Bannerman (two for 20), and Siedeberg (two for 21) bowled with good effect. Otago scored 177 (Tuckwell 34, Siedeberg 30, Macfarlane 55). Kyle (four for 58) and Scott (three for 27) Otago met Southland at Invercargill in March, 1913, the match resulting in a draw. Southland scored 166 and 151 for six (D. Hamilton 28 and 57, A. Hamilton 22 and 31, Poole 12 and 26 not out). The wickets for Otago were secured by Huntly (four for 37), Siedeberg (four for 50), M'Lauchlan (one for 22 and three for 33). Otago scored 117 and •94 for three wickets (Bryden 32, Tuckwell 18 and 30, M'Laughlan 26). Doig took eight for 56 and two for 25. Otago’s match with Canterbury at Lancaster Park in March, 1913, was for the Plunket Shield. Canterbury winning by an innings and 51 runs. Otago scored 110 and 81, the best performances being those of Tuckwell (37), Downes (25 and 12), and Bryden (15 and 18). Reese (two for 22 and five for 43), Patterson (one for 32 and three for 36), and Sandman (four for 34 and one for none) shared the howling honours. Canterbury scored 242 (Hayes Cl, Hickmott 77, D. Reese 25, W, Patrick 21). Macfarlane (four for 49) and M'Laughlan (two for 36) were Otago’s best bowlers. At the thirty-eighth annual meeting of the association in • the secretarv’s board room on Friday, September 19, 1913, Mr J. J. Clark was elected president, _Messrs T. Ritchie and A. Martin vice-presidents, Mr E. S. Wilson secretary and treasurer, and the committee was composed of Messrs D. H. Thomson, G. A. Wycherley, A. Graham, A. M'Hutcheon, A. Restieaux, J. Haig, A. Nelson, and W. J. Holden. Ground members’ tickets were issued this season, the Carisbrook and Dunedin C.C. agreeing to admit ground members free to Carisbrook and Caledonian Grounds.

Canterbury-Otago Anniversary Celebrations. The fiftieth anniversary of matches between Otago and Canterbury was

celebrated daring this season. Home-and-home matches were played with Canterbrny, and home-and-home veterans’ matches were also played. The Canterbury veterans won the first game at Christchurch, and the Otago veterans won the return game at Dunedin, Jim Baker scoring 101 not out. TEST AT DUNEDIN. ■A visit was received from- an Australian team including V. Trumpet, M. A.. Noble, W. Armstrong, and ; J. N. Crawford, the Test match being played in Dunedin. Arrangements were made_ to engage J. N. Crawford as the -association’s coach. The winners of the various competitions for the previous season were:— First grade, Grange second _ grade, Mornington ; third trade, Mornington; fourth grade,' Christian Brothers. Otago met Canterbury at Lancaster Park at Christmas, 1913, to be defeated by six wickets. Canterbury scored , 189, and four , for 70. .the chief contributors being F. Woods (22 and 28), Whitta (20), Hayes (29), Caygill (47 and 12), and Thomas (26). For Otago. Downes (four for 65), Ramsden (two for 64, and one for 29), Rutherford (one for 29 and two for 8) were the most successful of the bowlers. Otago made 187 and 71 (H. Watson 29 and 1. A. W. Alloo 28, Eckhold 49 and 10. and'Bruges 41). For Canterbury, Watson took six for 48 and one for 17, Patterson three for 50 and one for 19.; ‘ and Monaghan four for 19, some fine performances being registered with the ball. ■ GRIMMETT APPEARS FOR WELLINGTON., In January of 1914 Otago met Wellington at • Carisbrook. and were defeated by 85 runs. Wellington compiled 276 and 149, Hiddleston contributing 64 and 19, Grimmett 17 and 14, Joplin 80 and 22, Hay 40 and 30, and Grace 16 (not out) and 28. Torrance (five for 87), and Downes (five for 77 and one for 38) were the best of the Otago bowlers. Otago scored 236 and 104 (Alloo 101, Macfarlaue 29, Higgins 24, and Ramsden 24 not out and 40), For Wellington Saunders took four for 47 and three for 31, Grimmett three tor 54 and one for 17, and Grace four for 6, all being in fine form with the ball. It will be noted that this match was the first between Otago and Wellington in which reference is made to Clarrie Grimmett, destined later to become famous as an Australian test cricketer. A return match was played with Canterbury in February, 1914, Otago being defeated by an innings and 32 runs. Canterbury made 442, of which whitta contributed 61, Caygill 40, Patrick 118, Thomas 77. and Bennett 58. Downes (four for 133) and Ramsden (two for 92), were the most successful Otago bowlers. Otago’s innings yielded 195 and 215. Highest scorers were Watson 30, Tuckwell 52, Macfarlane 61, Bruges 26, Alloo 37, Higgins 40, Torrance 21, Chadwick 71 not out and 19. With the ball, Bennett (four for 18 and seven for 87), and Wilson (five for 95 and two for 88), were most successful for Canterbury. (To be continued.)