CRICKET.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 238, 17 October 1901, Page 2

CRICKET.

NoTI-.s lIV "Dll I Kit,

My old friends the minahs in the piuus insignus opposite the Victoria Domain received a t flight early yesterday morning beside which the scare they got when they saw cricketers practising in Gisborne last year paled into utter insignificance. The old man minah of the flock, who takes a great interest in cricket, informed me that just as reveille was sounding about ;>.."U yesterday morning, a band of live youths were seen to emerge from the pale and yellow mist, from the direction of the city, and enter the cricket ground. They carried a hag with them, and the minahs jumped to the conclusion that they were burglars about to bury the spoils collected during tho silent watches of the night. Imagine the petrified astonishment of my feathered friends when the youths produced from the recesses of the bag sticks, hats, puds, halls, and gloves, and commenced actually to practise cricket. My friend the old man bird opened his mouth in astonishment to such an extent that he nearly brought on an attack of lock - jaw. The men had a good couple of hours' play, and some great form was shown, so say the minahs. One man, whom the birds had never seen perform before on a local ground, handled his hat most stylishly, and hooked, pulled, cut, and drove with the ease and grace of a Palairet. Another player, who closely

resembled Jack Worrall in appearance and build, did some mighty hitting; while a diminutive player, whom the birds took to be “ Little Tick ” Gregory, was also in great form. A bowler, whom the lady

minahs greatly admired, and whom they judged to lie a sailor from his gait, sent down sonic marvellous deliveries, and his style was identical to that of Young, of Essex, only he howled with the other hand. A player in the long-field did sonic wonderful sprinting, and surprised tho birds greatly by his ugilit y in throwing in The old bird says that the district scheme has already done wonders for the game in Gisborne, as never in the memory of the oldest tuinali in the district have players been seen practising at -7.:j() a.m. This afternoon, a practice will he held on Victoria Domain.

Mr A. 11. Hodge, who was elected captain of tiie Whataupuko Thursday team at the United meeting, informs me that he intends to go into the game in a whole-souled manner this season. Hodge is one of the finest hats in the district, and has never had anything like a sufficiency of practise at tho nets in past seasons. He intends taking a short holiday, but will he hack m time to take part in the Shield matches.

The County Club intend electing their officers at a practise which they have called on the Ormond ground on Saturday afternoon next. This Club will he able to place a fine eleven in tiie field this season, and it is to be hoped that there will be a large attendance of members on the ground on Saturday.

On Saturday week, the Town and Country players meet in their annual fixture. In past seasons, the country players have generally come out on top, hut this season both elevens will be strong, and some good play should he shown in a close and interesting match.