CRICKET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16761, 30 January 1918, Page 6

CRICKET.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. | The defeat of-the Auckland team in the first inter-provincial crioket match of the year, played against Wellington on Saturday and Monday last, came as a surprise to all who witnessed it. On the Auckland side the best all round man was Smith, the captain., mined ;a Britain, the home of good cricket, he was a bulwark to the side, thdugh he did fail to score many runs id Auckland's seoond innings. Lowry and Dacre played plucky games, Crawford and Brico, the Wellington bowlers, wreaking havoc on the young players. Midlane and Hemus played consistently, though the latter's work in ho outfield could have been improved upon. Midlane. in particular, came in lor some good catches in the slips and outfield. Middleioix clayed well, and was as much at home on the crease as with the ball. E. Horspool surprised his intimat6 followers, for the great scoring ability ho possesses in local cricket seemed to have deserted him in the hour of need. , McMath displayed meritorious keenness. Simpson bowled well. Taylor and Sncdden played to form, doing their best during tuo first innings on Saturday. Wellington has the fortune to be possessed of one of the strongest inter-provincial teams [in New Zealand. Crawford and Brice are a powerful bowling combination.