CRICKET.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16742, 24 December 1914, Page 6

CRICKET.

TO-MORROW’S PLUNKET SHIELfi, CHALLENGE MATCH.., .' CANTERBURY V< OTAGO. The attraction for Christmas aftep noon will be the Plunket Shield match, between Otago and Canterbury at Lancaster Park, commencing nt two o’clock. Although Canterbury has beeu a far stronger cricketing province than Otago for many years, the visitors this time seriously fancy their chance of lifting the Shield, and rely on the prowess of their coach, J. N. Crawford, tho English international, who played in Sims’s Australian team, last year. Crawford is most dangerous as a bowler, but ho is an all-round cricketer of exceptional brilliance. The other members of the team are distinctly above the usual form, and some have very attractive averages in local cricket. . , The Canterbury team includes some veterans, but, on the whole, the team is worthy of the province. The weather* lias been favourable for the game this season, and, with a dry wicket tomorrow, this year’s match might easily' see records established. Messrs A. Dey and W. Ashby have; been appointed * umpires, and Messrs®' Galesen and Jacobs will be the soorers. Mr D. H. Thomson, late of this city, is. the manager of the Otago team. Whitta is unable to play in tha match against Otago at Christmas, andfc Butler will tase his place. [From Our Correspondent.] DUNEDIN, December 23. The Otago cricket team will leayaj for Christchurch by the first express! to-morrow. Tuokwell is unable to god