CRICKET

Feilding Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 179, 27 February 1906, Page 3

CRICKET

■ — Melhoorne t. WeUington Telegraph Press Association Copyright Wellington, February 26. The third day's play in the WeUington v. Melbourne contest was marked by one of the most exciting and briUiant finishes recorded in the annals of local cricket, the visitors gaining a handsome viotory on the stroke of time by seven w ckets. Wellington's second innings realised the respectable score of 880. J. P. Blacklook leading the way with 97, the outcome of forceful batting, in which hard, clean and crisp driving predominated. He gave only one real chance, fucker, whose contribution was 88, exeouted some artistic late cutting. Hickson, wbo was at the wickets for just two hours, played steadily and took no risks. Barron played stylishly for 21, and Monaghan confidently and soundly for 19, and was unbeaten when the lnniugs closed. Layer was the most successful bowler for tbe visitor., his three wickets being obtained at the expense of 28 runs. Armstrong captured five for 95, and MoLeod one for 105. The fielding was again poor, mistakes being made with monotonous regularity. Wanting 108 runs to win in the 47 minutes left for play, Armstrong and Mailer began operations for che visitors, and runs came freely from the jump. The _ Australian champion gave a fine exhibition of magnificent hitting all round the wicket, and bis efforts were almost wholly responsible for the splnedid seven wickets victory achieved by his side, Aitken made the winning bit ju_t on the stroke of the clock. Armstrong's contribution was 66, and Aitken's 21, both being not out. Mailer made 20, Yaughan 2, and Henty 1 ; the two latter being run out in their eagerness to force the pace. Monaghan's one wicket (Mailer's) cost him 61 runs. The spectators accorded Armstrong a great ovation for his magnificent innings.