ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10014, 28 December 1895, Page 6

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

CRICKET.

[N'ote —Usportsof the Saturday afternoon junior matches fur publication la the Herald of the following Monday mint bo left at the office on the Saturday night, or placed 1b our letter box on the tiiiwlij.)

The eeloctton of Representative teams, whether cricket or football, is under any circumstances 110 easy task. When a New Zealand team has to bo chosen, tho difficulties are sorlously increased owing to the great distances at which the largo centres lie apart. Perhaps tho one selector makes fewer mistakes than a committeo. However, if the work is to bn done by a committee in the case of a New Zealand team, nothing could be more unfair than to have a committee of three selectors representing three out of tho four chief centres. The result of such a courso, as seen in the selection iust made, is most unsatisfactory. Auckland has held her own well for many years, and at the present moment is by no means behind any other provinco in cricket strength; bnt neither of the two mm submitted to the selectors is deemed worthy of a placo in n New Zealaud representative team. This is not duo in any inLeiitioiial favouritism, but is tho natural result of the choice being left in tho hands of threo gentlemen who know nothing of tho capabilities of tho two Auckland candidates. For example, to compare Rains with Wright. Both men played iirst-olass cricket in Melbourne, and Melbourne judges, while sidinitting a superiority behind the wickets in Rains' favour, unhesitatingly pronounce Wright a much superior bat. In any case Wright, as a very fine wicket-keeper and a brilliant loft-handed bat, besides being a usoful change bowler and a magnificent field anywhere, should undoubtedly havobeen chosen. What is a team without a second wicket-keeper? Pretty much the same reasoning applies to Dr. Pnhst, who Is reckoned by far the strongest) batsman of the trio. However, without further growling let ns wish the New Zealand reps, the best of luck—thoy will neod it all.

As was to bo expected, Gordon were seriously weakened by the loss of Kallender's services as captain, bowler, and batsman, and only a miracle can avert (Meat at tho hands of Paniell. This is by 110 means to bo doplorod, as it restores Interest in the Cup matches. Parnell havlug beaten Gordon, may next defeat Auckland, and if the latter then put Cordon down, the three elnbs will start the third round 011 level terms, unless United upset the calculation by winulng & match, Gordon's batting w&s much below tho club's standard.

Kdmond's breaks were ton much for the Gordon cracks, both Dr. Pabst and N. William? point; under in the first few overs. Gould handled tho slow deliveries harshlv\ and shaped well for his contribution of 17, and will I think retain his position la tho firsts cloven.

Ball played a good innings of 33 for his side, hitting very cleanly. He played nicely through the innings till the last man came in, and then g*vo three chances, straight on end off Mills, the last of which Wright snapped up, although the ball rose hardly six inches. With the exception of lleinery, who made 20 in good style, the rest of the team failed to niako double figures, four of them beiug credited with duck eggs. Parnell, with four wickots down for 105, have a hi? mortgage 011 the match, and if successful will bo tho first) team to beat Cordon this Reason.

Wright played a safe innings for 62 not out, and should complete his century to-day. Ohlson for his 39 made some good carpet drives, and timed his lato cuts well.

Mills batted in rather a cramped style for his Hi, but did belter with tho ball, taking threo wiekcts for 12 runs. His average would have been better if his team had fielded up better

In Parnell's venture Kelly bowled exceedingly well, but had hard luck, and tho fiold was not worked to tho best advantage. Pabsr, kept, wickets well, and should have had one stumping allowed, but the line was indictinct, and the umpire could not oeo exactly. llumj behind the wicketa in the Parnell match should have caught Seager off Dr. l'ab.'it.

United awn'fated not to win a matchAuckland with 100 for three wickets giving them another afternoon's leather hunting. They had Stemson to help them, bub lie failed with b til bat and ball.

D. Hay was in good form, and would very likely havo nude a Rood score, but for his hard luck in being run out when ho had run up '26. A. Brown with 2!i was tho only Other United man to mako double figures. For Auckland, Clayton played a slashing innings of 126 not; out, and although ho gave several chances ono could hardly say tlioy marred his plav. Thomas with 27 kopt his wicket up well, and pave Clayton great assistance. Mr. trrevillo, secretary to die Auckland Cricket Association has been notified by the Wellington Association that the representative eleven from tho Empire City, may be expected in Auckland about the third week in February. A mixed eleven, chosen principally from the Auckland and Parnell Clubs, will do battle for Auckland against the Wairoa team to-day. Tho proposed trip of the representatives of the Hawke's Bay Cricket) Association to Taranaki and Auckland, has been abandoned owing to ths team being unable to get away. Wellington orlckotera have been responsible for twonty-five centuries since th 6 Basin Reserve was re-opened in 1882. H. Stocks topping tho list with his record of 174 (not oat) compiled in the recent match Treasury v. Audit Pour of the remaining scores are over 110. SENIOR AVKIUORS. Appended are the batting averages to dato, inclusive of last Saturday's play (December 21). The figures are still far in excess of last year, and at tho rate at) which our batsmen continue to score they evidently intend making a bold bid with our Southern friends for superiority of averages at the close ol the season. Mr. Yates lias every cause for satisfaction, seeing that the "century" has already been excoeded three times, Clavton addirnr to the list on Saturday with & hard hit, 120 noli out.

Name No. of Not R'ns. Illgh'st At'go I'n'gs. Out. Score. Wynyard, W. (A..).. 4 1 173 1Mr..0.67 6 Clayton, D. (A.) .. (1 2 114 126n.0. M's Wrleht, 0. (P) - 6 2 150 62 11.0.52 liroW't, A. (U.) ... 3 1 91) 61 49 5 I Hilton, P. (P.) ..5 I 155 87 38 75 finltorill. R. J.(0.).. 6 1 l.'O GOn.o. 37'6 Mills, 1.(P.) .. - 5 1 143 112n.0. 3;V5 Paint, J,C.(G.) 4 0 101 GO ?« Hawkins, W. (U.) .. 3 0 T5 43 25 Watts, A. (U.) ~2 1 13 !1n.0.23 Lawson, O. W.(P.).. I 1 86 ?Bn.o. 21M

Kallender, with an Arwdßfl of 34.il and Ramsey 20. retire for the present from the above li-t. Fol owing on the loading eleven are -M 1 (Q.), 20-.".; Angus (P.), 20; Thomas (A.), 17 3; T. Gould (0.), 17; Searir (P ), Kits; Ileroaiy (G.), 11'5; D. Uay(l'.), 150; Stone (A.), 118. Tho howlint aroragfls m withheld this weelr, uf both tho United and Gordon howlers are engaged In tho middle ol their opponents' innings.

ATHLETICS. Australian writers are of opinion that W. Cartwrljjhb will win tho 250 Yards Championship race at tho Australasian gathering on January 2 and 4, despite the fact that the names of Hempton and lleo.ves appear amongst tho entries. Mastcrton is expected to do something like 21 feet in the broad jump, and about Glja. for tho 440 yds Hurdle Race, though I lear our friends across the water aro somewhat sanguine. Over tho flat 449 yds th« same athlete is expected to do close on Bis., which is only 3-fiths s, behind W. T. MacPherion's Mew Zealand record, and 3 l-st.h s. batter than his own performance in the lecent test meeting, when he ran a dead heat with Cii twri(!htins'il-6th«. In the absence of A. Brady, one mile champion of Australasia, the Australians also look upon the one mile walk as a good thing for Goodwin, and anticipate that he will also be very elo3o up in the threo mile event, but I incline to the opinion that Goodwin will meet hit '' Waterloo" in P. H. Creamer, our three milo crack. The distance running men are also credited with th* ability to beat tho bes* men New Zealand, can place on the track, but this remains to be proven, though 1 am quite prepared to admit that our Australian 'louhins possess somo really good distance runners. Tim Now Zealand Championship gathering will lie held at Christfthnrch to day, and in the matter of a few hours the resting-place of the much-coveted banner, now in the possession of the Auckland contingent, will have

been decided, though I fear the local team is not strong enough this year to uphold Auckland as the premier athletic;; centre of the colony. /Not that we have, failed to send men South who will give a good account of themselves, but simply that they are not Rtrong enough numerically to score the necessary points in the face of the large, and at the same time well performed contingents, that the Southern clubs will place in the field, Canterbury in particular holding a very strong hand. Creamer, Martin, and Robert# I look upon as certain winners, and fully expect to see the remaining members of the team fully justify their inolusion in championship ranks by at least running into places if they cannot record winning brackets. Anticipating the probable winners I should say tho following will be noar the mark 100 yds Flat: J. H. Hempton I,A.J. Patrick 2, A. Jones 3. 2"<oyd3 Flat: A. Jones 1, H. ,M. Reeves 2, L. Broad 3. Quarter-mile Flat: H. M. Reevos 1, W. A. Low 2, F. Grierson 3. Hall-mile: W. A. Low 1. D. Wood 2. Onemilo: M, O'Connor 1, 1). Wood 2, A. A. Davis 3. Three-mile: S. Hawthorne or A. W. Bell 1. with O'Connor and Davis close up, One and Three-mile Walks: F. H. Creamer. 120 yds Hurdles: W. H. Martin I,T. Roberts 2. 440 yds Hurdles: T. Roberts 1, W, H. Martin 2, F. H. Harley S. Long Jump: P. F. Brown or R. Gore. High Jump: H. S. Bailey or P. J. Brown. _ Pole Jump: R. Hunter. Putting the Weight and Throwing Hammer! W. C. Rhodes.

On Wednesday next (New Year's Day) the Auckland Caledonian Society will hold their annual sports gathering at the Domain Grounds, and if favoured with fine weather there should be a very largo attendance nresonfc. Messrs. J. Stewart sen., McKinnnn, Thomson, Huston, Jennings, Fraser, J. Stewart jun. (secretary), and Michaels (treasurer) compriso the Sports Committee, and I am informed that those gentlomen have completed tho whole of the preliminary arrangements in connection with tho racing events in a highly satisfactory manner. The programme is lengthy and well varied, and contains a number of running and cycling races tor both professionals and anuteurs, the principal event on the card being the Caledonian Handicaps, three distances, for which no less than thirty-seven have accepted. Surmnn, of Grafton football fame, is my selection for the big event, though it has been said that his leg still troubles him, and in the event of a breakdown in this direction, I shall take Spinet's us the hardest man to beat. Admission to the ground is one shilling.

CYCLING. Our wheelmen aro delighted with the improvement effected on the Devonport track. Reynolds' sm. 4fa. for the two miles is only 4s. behind the best tiino ever put up 011 the Domain Ground, and far in excess of anything previously done at North Shore-a fact that proves conclusively that Mr. Geo. Mills, the new caretaker, in the right man in the right place. Harper, who won the One and Five-mile Handicaps at the North Shore Carnival on Saturday, only started racing last March, Mid at the November gathering of the Auckland Club ho annexed the maiden event. His 15m '11%. in tho five-mile oveub wag a most meritorious performance for a comparatively new man; and his nice style of pedalling and splendid spurting abilities stamp him as a coming man. Dacre, who made his debnfc at the November gathering of the Auckland Club, is another rider of (treat promise: his win from scratch at the North Shore on Saturday proving ft very hollow affair. Dacre also finished second to Reynolds in tho Twomilo Handicap, which hi cub out in sm. 43*. Surman, Wilkinson, and I'ilkington all rode up to form, but tho handicaps were beyond them.

A number of local wheelmen left on Wednesday Inst on & tour through the Waikato, and expoct to arrive in town again about the middle of nexb weob.

GULP. In consequence of the holiday season not being oyer for tho usual date of tho monthly deck match of tho Auckland Golf Club, it has been decided to poatpono the match till the first Saturday in February, AQUATICS. A large number of the yachts are away cruising for tho holidays. The Viking and Matangi have gone north; the Moana and soverai others to tho Great Barrier. Tho majority will return to-morrow night. Tho Viking awl Matanzi will return in time for tho regatta at Waiheke on New Year's Day. The Volunteer only went for a short) cruise, returning on Thursday night. Tho evolutions by tho Yacht Club on ; Saturday afternoon wero fairly successful, ! though the number of yachts putting in an appearance was much smaller than was expected. Only a couple of evolutions were gono through, and some very pretty sights wero witnessed, the breeze just being suf- | ficient for all sail to bo carried. Consider- ; able interest was taken in the function, there beiug a large number of spectators on the wharves.

On Monday night, the prizes won at the lato Ponsonby Regatta ware handed over to the successful competitors by Mr. Thomas Peacock, patron of the club, a good deal of enthusiasm being shown over the affair. The club havo a very handsome surplus In hand for the next regatta. Wellington will be represented in the Champion Yacht Race at Lyttelto.i, on New V ear's Day, by the Maritana and Rona. No Auckland yachts will compete. Tho Thelma, the handsome little onerater, built by Bailoy Brothers for a Dunedin gentleman, has been sailing very well, and her owner expresses himself as being quite satisfied with tho yacht. Captain R. Butt, who took the yacht Ngairo down to Wellington recently, is at preseut in town, and speaks in very high terms of tho yaoht as a sea boat, and tho manner in which sho behaved during the very stormy weather met with on the pas-

sage. The regatta at Crull's Bay, Waiheko, on New Year's Day, bids fair to bo a most successful affair. There will be a largo muster of yachts, and no doubt, numbers of the townsfolk will take advantage of the steamers which run down to the island, and attend. Messrs. Levy and Co., proprietors of the Sunlight Soap, have given a very handsome set of carvers as one of the prizes. C. and W. Bailey launched tho new fiverater, which they hav» bniib to the order of Mossts. Jag£flr Brothers and Prater, on Saturday last. Tho yacht lias been named the Ida, and judging from her fine lines, should be remarkably fast. Her first appearance as a competitor will be at Judge's Bay Regatta, on January 25, and considerable interest will bo taken in her ami the new Moana, recently built by Logan Brothers for Messrs. W. R. and P. Wilson.

Thero is ono littlo matter I would like to impress upon yachtsmon, and that is in keeping the time in coming up to the starting posh when engngod in a race. This laxity on the part of some competitors is very annoying to the regatta officials, as well as to others who have to take the time of the boats. Til ono race recently the owners of one boat growled because she was not taken into account, though she was over 20 minutes late in coming to the starting point. I' is to he hoped that an effort will bo made at Judgo's Bay Regatta to remedy this evil.: Lykx.

HAMILTON BOXING DAY SPORTS. [FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT. J Hamilton, Friday. The Hamilton Boxing Day Sports, held on Sydney Square yesterday, wore as usual a great success. Tho day was beautifully tine, though rat her warm. Tho Hamilton Brass Band, which played various selections throughout the day, added greatly to the pleasure of all. The committee worked hard, and deserve every praise for the manner in which the sports were conducted ; the races all being got off well up to time, kept things from gettiug at all slack. The bicycle races wero a great feature of the sports, and took immensely, though it was regretted that Reynolds, the champion, as well as Pilkington, did not compete. The sum of £47 13s was taken at the gates, besides which a large number of family tickets have been sold, so that the club should come out very well financially. The following are the results of' die various events.— i

Maiden Dace. 100 yds: Stewart 1. Boys' Race : Roche 1, A. nope 2. Handicap IlnrdUs, 2ioyds: W. Livingstone 1, M. Soxton 2, w. Wright S. Hamilton Cup, first prize £15, second £3, third £2—First stage, 100 yds: F. George 1, T. Martin 2. F. Davis 8. Second stage, g-'Oyds; Davis and Martin ran a dead heat; In tho run off Martin won, Julian 3. Third stage, 440 yds: Davis 1, Julian 2, l. George 3. Davis therefore won tho Cup, having secured the most points. Amateur Raw, 100 yds; W. J. Taylor J, C. Speight 2. ~ Amateur Maiden Bicycle ttacff, one mile and. ahalf: W. Dnyl, C. C. Cox I. Amateur Race, Ij.di«s' Bracalot: T. Floyd 1, C. Speight 2, W. J. 'J'avlor 3. Obstacle Race : W. Wright 1, Geo. Jack 2. Half-railo : Speechly 1, J. 11. Smith S. Amateur Bicycle Race, thren miles: Henninff, lMlyds, 1 ; K. lUtJihone, 65f)y<1s, 2 ; A.J. Stomalhag, 380 yds, 3. Penning won ea-.ily. Amateur Bicycle Race, two miles: W. Doy, '•20yds, 1 : C. 0. Cox, 470 yd*, !; E. Rathbone, 620 yds, i Milo Handicap Flat: C. Swan I, R. Speedily Handicap Trotting Rico, three mile*. There were 19 entries for this evonfc, which was won by Mr. Colin LeQuesue's Burcoo, Air. All will's Fair Nell being second, and Mr. Poltnn's Juno third.

POLO MATCH. [BY TELEOUiPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Napier, Friday. At the polo match, Hawke's Bay v. Wellington, played at Hastings to day, the local team won by seven goals to three. There was a large attendance, great interest being felt in the match.