THE PLUNKET SHIELD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14292, 11 February 1910, Page 6

THE PLUNKET SHIELD.

TO'DAY'S CRICKET MATCH. \

OTAGO V. AUCKLAND.

The public interest in the Plunkot shield match between the representatives of the Auckland and Otago Cricket Associations, which commences at the Domain at 11 o'clock this morning, is greater than any previous match has aroused. The known strength of both sides is sufficient to make patrons of the game take more than a passing interest in the match, and when added to thus it is noted that international players are engaged, it is not surprising that the public should show a keen interest in the contest.

A. E. Relf, the English international, who acts as coach for the Auckland Association, played for All England against the Australian Eleven last season, and performed in a highly creditable manner at the bowling crease. Macartney, who is assisting Otago in their effort to take tlio shield South, was a member of that Australian team, and some of his performances were remarkable during the English tour. The play of tho internationals should be worth going a long way to see.

The Auckland team seems destined to face trouble over this match. The first incident was the questioning of Relfs qualification by the New Zealand Cricket Council. This was overcome by Relf agreeing, at personal inconvenience to himself and family, to postpone his departure from Auckland until after March 6, the date on which the . four months necessary for him to qualify is up. The second incident is Howden's notification to tho Selection Committee of his inability to play, owing to an injured knee. It will bo remembered he broke down in tho Canterbury match, and early this week he received a knock, arid has now been reluctantly compelled, under medical advice, to give up all hope of playing. His withdrawal is a serious loss to the team, for ho is bowling in excellent form this season, and visiting players spoke highly of the variety and " heartiness" of his attack. His place will bo filled by F. Taylor.

The - arrangements are now complete for the match. The caretaker of tho Domain, Mr. R. Yates, has taken great care over the wicket, and, assisted by a spoil of fine weather, it is now stated to bo in excellent order. The outfield is also said to be in good order. In regard to the scoring arrangements, it Mill be of assistance to the public if the association can arrange some method to indicate the bowlers when they are at. the crease. At the present time the names are left in 0110 long line, and the crowd are naturally confused as the match .proceeds. The same system should be applied to indicato the bowlers as that indicating the- batsmen, or a " hand" should bo used to point ,to the name of the player actually bowling, and a disc against the name of the bowler performing at- tho other end. The Otago team held a very useful practice at the Domain yesterday afternoon. The teams for the match are as follows : — AUCKLAND. W. B. Smith (captain) and A. E. Relf (Eden), A. Anthony, E. V. Sale, and C. Olliff (Pnrnell), E. Horspool and F. R. Mason (Grafton), N. C. Snedden and L. G. Hemus (Poneonbv), A. Hadden (North Shore), and F. Taylor (University). OTAGO. H,.. G. Siedcberg, 0. G. Macartney. A. Fisher, R. M. Rutherford, and Hopkins (Carisbrook), G. 0. Wilson (captain) and A. Eckhold (Dunedin). C. Wordsworth, T. McForlane, and S. Hiddelstone (Albion), A. Downed and W. M.' Beal (Grange). The 12th man will probably be Hiddelstone or Wordsworth, the choice depending on the state of the wicket. If the wicket is good Wordsworth, a fast bowler, will piobably be included in the. team. Tho umpires for the match will be Messrs. A. Sando, of the Auckland Umpires' Association, and J. West, of the Otago Umpires' Association.