CRICKET.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1190, 21 December 1894, Page 27

CRICKET.

FIXTURES. THE ENGLISH TEAM

The following are the fixtures for the English team’s tour in the colonies : Dec. 22-24 —Against 18 New South Wales Juniors Dec. 29 —Test match in Melbourne Jan. 4-5- -Against Ballarat or Bendigo Jan. 11-15 —Test match in Adelaide Jan. 18-19 —Against Broken Hill Feb. 1-5 —Test match in Sydney Feb. 15-19 —Against Brisbane Feb. 22-25 —Against Bulli and Wollongong March 1-5 —Test match in Melbourne March—Tasmanian tour March 22-26—Farewell match in Adelaide By “ Point.” A Canterbury weekly paper says that the fielding of the Wellington team in the recent cricket match, would have been a credit to any team in the world.” Medlow, the Hagley Park professional, who played for Canterbury against Wellington, will visit Wellington with the Christchurch Midland team. It is stated that the Christchurch Midland Club are trying to raise a Junior Cup team to play the Wellington Midland’s second here on the 24th and 25th December. y

It is practically settled that Eobertson, the slow bowler, is to be engaged as professional bowler by the ‘ Canterbury Association. He will still play for the Christchurch Midland Club in Senior Cup matches.

A representative team of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department will visit Tasmania to play a series of matches in a month’s time, and the following team has been chosen to represent the New Zealand Department:—Messrs Tucker, Percy, Chis-holm,‘-'Fitzsimons, Howard (Wellington), Crawshaw (Dunedin), Owens (Eiverton), Brook, Trewick, Northcroft, J. McGuire (Christchurch), W. Poole (Nelson), Hounsoll (Auckland). The team is a very strong combination, and plays its first match on the 9th and 10th January.

The Junior Cup fixtures for next Saturday are as follows:—No. 3 wicket, Midland v. Star; No. 4 wicket, Kilbirnie v. Excelsior; Wellington College ground, Eival v. Wellington.

“Notoher” supplies the following notes about last Saturday’s matches. So far as the Wellington-Rival match has gone the Wellingtons have a decided advantage over their opponents. With a lead of 76 runs they should win the heat.

Jones appears to have given up the steadiness which formerly' characterized his batting and hit freely all through his innings. Once or twice he punished Ashbolt very severely, but the latter eventually beat him with a full pitcher.

Howard was lucky. Three easy chances he gave where missed and another more difficult one was not accepted by Holdship, and at last he was clean bcwled by Ashbolt.

Holdship fielded, as usual, in splendid style, and he was well backed up by £he Gore brothers, but the rest of the team, as will be gathered to some extent from the preceding paragraph, were a bit loose. The chief share of the bowling honours fell to Ashbolt and Holdship.

The Wellington innings was far more interesting and runs came freely throughout. Holdship gave a really splendid exhibition of cricket, but at one stage of his innings he gave a difficult chance to Real, who, however, failed to hold the ball. Read had his revenge later on by catching him at point.

Izard also had a bit of luck in not being caught soon after he commenced to bat. He laid on the wood to some purpose after that and' got quite an ovation after being clean bowled by Jones.

Judd, who knocked up 11, had a very close shave of being run out, owing to his being undecided whether to run or whether to stand still. Luckily for him he just got back in time, but it was too close to be pleasant for all that.

R. Gore commenced a good innings with five, and shortly before his career terminated sent the leather right among the trees at the southern end of the reserve. His innings terminated just at the time for drawing stumps. t

The fielding of the Rivals was not satis, factory. Howard took Cross' place behind the wickets during the latter portion of the game and made a very good substitute. Foster and Read did good work in the field, the latter being especially prominent, although his bowling was by no means satisfactory.

Very little interest was manifested in the Phoenix-Midland match until towards the close of the afternoon's play, when Fitz simons made some pretty fair scoring.

Webb fairly surpassed himself in the vigour of his strokes, and caused quite a sensation by sending a ball from Fitzsimons on to the roof of the'pavilion, whence some small boys derived great amusement in dislodging it.

Later on he sent another ball past the pavilion, at the northern side, and the spectators seemed to imagine that they were in for an exhibition of hard hitting, but his career was cut short by Lash, who caught him in the outfield. Before that he had a nasty hit on the forefinger of his right hand, which may have had something to do with his defeat.

Sid Nicholls once more put in an appearaoce in the picketing arena aod wade ft x? r 7

good show with the bat, besides doing good work behind the wickets.

Upham had a bit of bad luck in getting run out, and his bowling was by no means so good as usual. He will not, I understand, play on Saturday, as he is about to take a holiday up north.

The Phoenix made an excellent start, losing only three wickets for 81 ruus. Toward this Benbow contributed 40 (not out).

Bennett, a new man from Dunedin, was run out after making four.

STODDAET’S TEAM v. AUSTEALIA. Sydney, December 14.

Taking into consideration the fact that it was an off day there was a large attendance to witness the opening day’s play in the first test match between Stoddart’s English eleven and a combined Australian team. The weather was gloriously fine, the heat being tempered by a cool breeze. As the afternoon wore on the wicket became splendid, playing very fast. THE PLAY. Th 9 Australians won the toss and decided to bat, Lyons and Trott being sent in to face the bowling of Peel and Richardson. Blank dismay fell upon the supporters of the colonials as Lyons, Trott and Darling were dismissed within the first three - quarters of an hour. Lyons was bowled by Eichardson for a single when the total was 10. Giffen succeeded, and at 21 Trott was clean bowled by Eichardson, his score being 12. Darling’s sterling performances this season had created great interest, and he went to the wickets with high expectations, but the first ball from Eichardson but his career short at the outset—three for 21.

Things livened up, however, when Iredale, the hero of the New South Wales match against the Englishmen, joined Giffen, and for a time the pair gave the Englishmen a lot of leather hunting. With the score at 50 Giffen had a narrow escape, being saved through a bad return by Briggs. Eight runs further ou Briggs relieved Peel, while at 75 Eichardson gave way to Lockwood. The change, however, did not have the desired effect, and both men playing freely, held possession of the wickets until the luncheon adjournment, when the score stood at 78,

Shortly after the luncheon adjournment, the visitors lost the services of Lockwood, who was injured and had to retire from the field, the vacancy being filled by Phillipson. The partnership between Giffen and Iredale lasted until four o’clock, when Iredale sent one from Ford into Stoddard’s hands, the board showing 192 for four wickets. Both Giffen and Iredale had completely collared the bowling, and gave the field a merry time. Giffen made the hit of the afternoon—a clean drive amongst the spectators. It was a masterly display of almost perfect batting, marred only by Gillen’s let off at 50. Iredale’s dismissal came just on the 4 o’clock adjournment. On - resuming, Gregory joined the South Australian, who rapidly brought his century up, scoring with great freedom. Then followed a most brilliant scoring display by Gregory, who, within half an hour, put 54 runs to his credit. With his score at 120, Giffen gave a difficult chance to Ward on the boundary, which was not accepted, and the batsman showed his gratitude for his escape by some magnificent hitting. Gregory meanwhile piled on the runs with great consistency. The Englishmen seemed to tire under the heavy work, their fielding becoming rather loose and careless. The third century appeared on the board amid great enthusiasm. Repeated changes of the bowling had no effect, but Giffen’s time was at hand, as he soon afterwards played Brockwell to Ford in the slips. The South Australian received a big ovation on returning to the pavilion. Reedman filled the vacancy and stumps were drawn shortly afterwards with the score at 344 for five wickets. Sydney, December 15.

The cricket match England v. Australia was resumed on Moore Park to-day, when the colonials put up a record for the ground in their first innings. The attendance totally eclipsed that of any previous occasion, it being estimated that fully 30,000 people were on the ground. The splendid batting form displayed by the Australians on the first day had aroused great enthusiasm, which no doubt led to the immense gathering to-day. The wicket was in perfect order, and the high score made was quite expected. THE PLAY. Gregory (85) and Reedman (4), the notout men of the previous day, took up their positions at the wickets at aoon to the

bowling of Peel and Richardson. Both batsmen treated the bowling with respect, consequently runs came slowly, and after 35 had been added Reedman put one of Peel’s into Ford’s hands, and had to retire. 379—6—17. C. McLeod filled the vacancy, but on the appearance of the fourth century Richardson beat him with a fast one. 400 —7 —15.

Turner followed and played cautiously, not so Gregory, who celebrated the partnership by some lively hitting. Turner, however, had not come to stay, Peel finding his way into his wickets after he had registered a single. Blackham (captain) [joined Gregory, and i capital stand was made. Gregory kept the field on the go, and making boundary hit after boundary hit his score rose by leaps and bounds. The luncheon adjournment saw the redoubtable Sydneyite still at it, while Blackham showed adeptness in stealing runs. On resuming the pair again started merrily, but Gregory nearly lost liis wicket in running for a risky hit by Blackham, and he immediately showed his gratitude fur the escape by driving Richardson to the boundary. After 134 runs had been added for the day’s play the first change in the bowling took place, Briggs going on in the place of Richardson, and almost immediately afterwards Brockwell took up the bowling from Peel’s end. The desired separation was not effected, and by a risky run Gregory brought up his third halfcentury amid applause, and then there was intense excitement as the local man’s total approached the fine score of Geo. Giffen. Notwithstanding the heavy work imposed on them the Englishmen were fielding splendidly. By a great boundary hit Gregory raised his total to 160, or one below that of the Adelaide champion, and Blackham also sending the ball to the fence, brought up 500 on the board. Gregory soon after passed Giffen’s total and received a tremendous ovation. Blackham also was busy and 50 went up to his credit. Gregory continued his boundary hits with unabated vigour, the visitors experiencing a treat in leather hunting. With 536 on the board, Ford replaced Brockwell, whose trundling had been very expensive, and the English captain supplanted Briggs. Here Blackham gave Ward a somewhat difficult chance in the outfield, which was not accepted. Then Gregory, amid volleys of cheers, brought up the second century to his credit, but his time was near

at hand, as after adding a single ne put one of Stoddart’s into Peel’s hands, which the Yorkshireman, held. Gregory had played a brilliant innings. Jones, who was playing in the place of Graham, was the last man, and lie soon got to work, sending the first two balls to the fence. Ford presently gave way to Richardson, who brought the innings to a close for 586 by clean bowling Blackham. The following are the scores: — Australia. —First Innings. Lyons, b Richardson 1 Trott, b Richardson ... 12 Darling, b Richardson 0 Iredale, c Stoddart, b Ford 81 G. Giffen, c Ford, b Brockwell 161 Ree'dman, c Ford, b Peel ... ... ... 17 Gregory, c Peel, b Stoddart ... ... 201 C. McLeod, b Richardson 15 Turner, b Peel ... 1 Blackham, b Richardson ... 74 Jones, not out ... : ••• ••• 11 Extras 12 Total 586 Peel took two wickets for 140 runs, Briggs none for 96, Lockwood none for 1, Brockwell one for 78, Stoddart one for 31, Richardson five for 181, Ford one for 47. THE ENGLISHMEN AT THE WICKETS. Ward and McLaren were the first to do battle for the Englishmen, against the bowling of Jones and Turner, and when the score was 14 McLaren sent an easy one to Reedman, which was accepted. Stoddart followed, and the game proceeded very slowly, both men playing with the utmost caution, and the runs were few and far between. With the score at 37, Jones handed the ball to Giffen, and when a half-dozen runs had been added Stoddart tipped one from Giffen to Jones, which was held. The Australians at this time were fielding splendidly. Brown joined Ward, and at the same time Trott succeeded Turner with the ball. The first hour’s play had only produced 50 runs, the bowling being treated cii’cumspectly. Later on, however, the batsmen opened out, particularly Ward, who was credited with several boundary hits in quick succession. At 76 Turner relieved Trott, and a smart return by Lyons sealed the fate of Brown, who was run out. Three for 78.

Brockwell was next, and the game again became slow with the failing light. The score was gradually raised to 109, when McLeod replaced Turner, and Jones again went on, ■baiting Gillen's end; but no separa-

tion was effected when the stumps were drawn for the day. The scores are : English Eleven. —First Innings. McLaren, c Reedman, b Turner ... ... 4 Stoddart, c Jones, b Giffen ... ... 12 Brown, run out ... ... ... ... 22 Ward, not out... ... ... ... ... 67 Brockwell, not out ... ... ... ... 19 Total for three wickets ... ... 124 Sydney, December 17. The weather was extremely disagreeable to-day for the cricket match, and play was interrupted by frequent squalls of rain, and a strong cold wind blew all the afternoon, but in spue of these drawbacks the attendance was again large. Ward and Brockwell resumed their stations at the wicket to the bowling of Giffen and Turner. Shortly after starting McLeod missed a hard chance by Ward, whose score was then 68, and the batsman shortly after was given another life by Darling. Trott relieved Giffen, but on the wet ground the bow lei s could do nothing, and both men retained their places till the luncheon interval, when the total had mounted from 121 to 140.

After lunch the rain cleared away, and the game had not gone on long when the Lancashire professional’s innings was brought to a close by a beautiful catch by Iredale close to the boundary. Ward’s 75 proved the highest score on his side, and it came just at the right time, when matters were going none too well for the Englishmen. Four for 149. Peel succeded, and Giffen came back to the bowling crease in Trott’s place, and almost immediately he got the Yorkshireman caught. Ford followed, and at first was in great difficulties with Giffen, who several times beat the batsman without hitting the wicket. Brockwell maintained a cautious defence, and runs came slowly, though the fielding at times was rather reckless. As soon as the left-hander had settled down, however, he began to knock Turner about, and his hard hitting- produced its effect. The second century appeared amid cheers, and Brockwell ought then to have been caught by Giffen, to whom he returned an easy catch, which the Adelaide crack unaccountably failed to hold. Jones replaced Turner, but the separation was effected at the other end. Ford jumped out to Giffen, missed him, and was stumped. Brockwell quickly followed. He just touched one from the fast bowler, and gave Blackham another chance, of which he took advantage. The Surrey champion’s 49 was made in his best style. Briggs and Lockwook then became associated, but Jones’ great pace appeared to puzzle them. He sent down maiden after maiden, and another period of slow play occurred, both men being content to keep their wickets up. The fielding was not accurate, and a number of runs were obtained in the slips. A double change of bowling was resorted to. Turner and Trott having another try, and the change at once came off, Lockwood being caught by Giffen from the slow bowler.

Gay was next, and, with Briggs, made a capital stand. The latter took kindly to Trott, and some smart hitting was shown. McLeod was brought on again, but effected little beyond checking the rate of scoring. Several other changes were tried, but the 300 came up, and both batsmen appeared well set. Briggs playing in his best style completed his half century, and at this stage Blackham. was unfortunate enough to split his hand, and had to retire. McLeod took the gloves. Lyons and Headman both had a turn at the bowling crease, but, just as the two men seemed likely to play out time, Giffen went on again and got a shooter past the Lancashire man, who retired for a plucky and timely contribution of 57. Richardson, the last man, was missed by Lyons first ball, but before he had a chance to score Gay hit Reedman into Gregory's hands, and the innings came to a close for 325. It had thus taken all day to make 201 rims. Following are the scores :

English Eleven. — First Innings. McLaren, c Reedman, b Turner ... ... 4 Stoddart, c Jones, b Giffen.. 12 Brown, run out ... 22 Ward, c Iredale, b Turner 75 Brockwell, c Blackham, b Jones ... ... 49 Ford, st Blackham, b Giffen ... ... 30 Peel, c Gregory, b Giffen ... 4 Lockwood, c Giffen, b Trott 18 Briggs, b Giffen 57 Gay, c Gregory, b Reedman 33 Richardson, not out 0 Extras ... ... 21 Total ... 325 Reedman took one wicket for 12, Trott one for 59, Jones one for 44, Turner two for 89, and Giffen four for 78. Gregory in his innings gave one of the finest exhibitions of cricket ever seen in Sydney. Throughout the innings he gave only one possible chance. His score comprised 28 fours, eight threes, and 20 twos, the rest being singles. A sum of J 2103 was collected on the ground and presented to him when he returned to the pavilion. The partnership for the ninth wicket between Gregory and Blackham on Saturday added 154 runs in 75 minutes, which is the record for Australia.

bYDNET, December 18.

The weather was fine and cool to-day for the cricket match, and there was a large attendance, who were keenly interested to see how the Englishmen would get on in their attempt to overhaul the heavy total before them.

Ward and Maclaren were the first pair to face Jones and Turner. Blackham was unable to resume his station behind the wickets, and McLeod took his place, Graham fielding as the substitute. The wicket still played well, and was in favour of the batsmen.

After a few overs Jones gave way to Giffen, but Turner was very straight, and little could be done with him. Runs came slowly till at 44 Giffen beat McLaren when he had made 20.

Stoddart followed, but found the bowling top good to permit of his usual dashing

batting, and at lunch time the score was only 65, the result of an hour and a half’s play.--Jones relieved Turner when play was resumed, but this proved a mistake, as the fast bowler was not on the spot. Some lively kitting by the English captain took the score up at a rapid pace, and as he was well seconded by his partner' the century soon appeared, amid applause. This brought Turner back, and once more the scoring became slow, both he and Giffen being well on the spot. At 115 Stoddart was well taken off Turner, low down by Giffen, when he seemed set for a big score. Brown filled the gap, and another good stand was made. -Ward was in great form, and hit all the bowlers impartially. Trott and Keedman were tried without avail, but the Lancashire professional was nearly run out through Brown attempting a short run. Lyons took the ball from Trott, and Ward hit him twice to the boundary, shortly after which, for the third time during the tour, he carried his total past three figures. Brown meanwhile contented himself with playing a defensive game, and left his partner to do the run-getting. Despite frequent changes 200 came in sight, but 17 runs later Giffen got a trimmer past Ward, who had played a masterly innings without a chance. The partnership had produced 102 runs, and made it certain that a one innings defeat would be saved.

With Brockwell and Brown together the batting relapsed into tameness. The latter, after a patient display, reached 50, and immediately after was magnificently caught by Jones at leg, a feat which he entirely discounted by badly missing Peel. Reedrrian took the gloves in order to let McLeod have a turn with the ball, but no other wicket fell before play closed for the day. The fielding of the Australians showed a marked improvement on that of the previous day, but the bowlers were quite unequal to their work. The score is as follows : English Team —Second Innings. Maclaren, b Giffen ... ... ... ... 20 Sfcoddart, c Giffen, b Turner ... ... 36 Ward, b Giffen ... ... ... ... 117 Brown, c Jones, b Giffen ... ... ... 53 Brockwell, not out ... ... ... ... 20 Peel, not out ... ... ... 9 Extras ... ... • ... ... ... 8.Total for four wickets ... 263 - Sydney, December 19. The weather was favourable for to-day’s play, the hot rays of the sun being tempered by a fine cool breeze. There was a good attendance of the public. V THE PLAY. Brockwell and Peel, the two not out men of the previous day, faced the bowling of Giffen and Jones, and with the score at 291 a shooter from Jones scattered Brockwell’s stumps. Ford filled the vacancy, but only to see Peel succumb to one from Giffen, who was bowling splendidly. Briggs followed, and shortly afterwards a third century appeared on the board. McLeod being a little slow just saved Ford from repeating his first innings disaster, and the batsman showed his thanks by sending Jones to the boundary, and he repeated the performance with the next ball. Turner then replaced Jones, and both batsmen hit him freely, but showed great respect to Giffen. Shortly afterwards Reedman took McLeod’s place, the latter relieving Turner. Graham gave Briggs a life by missing a safe catch. The score mounted slowly till 350 appeared, Ford making a magnificent hit over the fence. Briggs sent the next two balls to the boundary and runs began to come very freely, the field for a time being treated to plenty of exercise. Ford, however, caused a dissolution of the partnership by sending one of McLeod’s back to him, and the University man retired for a smartly played 48. ,

When Lockwood joined Briggs, the fielding of the Australians was somewhat loose, and a good crop of sundries was scored. Briggs’ time, however, had come, for McLeod shortly afterwards clean bowled him, the score standing at 398 for eight wickets, -

Gay,, the next man in, snicked a couple, and brought the fourth century up. ■ Lockwood was playing careful cricket and hitting nicely. Trott then relieved McLeod, and Gay stepping out to him, failed to play the ball, and had his timber shattered.

Richardson, the last man in, after rattling up a dozen by capital play, lost his partner, a slow one from Trott proving too much for him. The innings thus closed for 437. The following are the scores : English Eleven. — Second Innings. McLaren, b Giffen 20 Stoddart, c Giffen, b Turner 36 Ward, b Giffen. 117 Brown, c Jones, b Giffen ... 53 Brockwell, b Jones ... ... ... ... 37 Peel, b Giffen . . ... 17 Ford, c and b McLeod ... 43 Briggs, b McLeod ... 42 Gay, b Trott 4 Lockwood, b Trott ... ... 29 Richardson, not out 12 Extras 22 Total ... ... .437 Jones took one wicket for 58 rur.s, Turner one for 68, Giffen four for 160, McLeod two for 67 and Trott two for 22. THE AUSTRALIANS 5 SECOND INNINGS.

At 4 p.m., requiring 177 runs to win, the Australians sent Trott and Lyons to the wickets, Peel and Richardson opening the ball for the Englishmen. With the score at 3, Ward missed a difficult one from Lyons, and the latter rapidly knocked up 25 by hard hitting, when the Surrey bowler shifted his stumps. Giffen filled the breach, and maiden succeeded maiden, the fielding being splendid and the batsmen cautious. Lockwood then went on instead of Richardson, who retired, Phillipson taking his place in the field. Runs came very slowly, and eventually Trott tipped one to Gay behind the wickets, which was held. Darling was th§ wext inan in, and he

saw the first half century hoisted, as the result of an hour’s play. Darling then got on some hard hitting, and scoring rapidly soon outstripped his partner. Briggs relieved Peel, but the change had no effect, fox' Darling still gave the field a merry time. Giffen brought the century up, and after another 13 had been added stumps were drawn for the day, the score standing at 113 for two wickets.

The following are the scoi’es : | Australia. —Second Innings. Lyons, b Richardson .. ... ... ... 25 Trott, c Gay, b Peel ... ... ... ... 8 Darling, not out 44 Giffen, not out ... ... ... ... 30 Extras ... .*.. ... ... ... 6 Total for two wickets ... ... ... 113 The score of 586 by the Austx'alians against Stoddart’s team is the record for matches between England and Australia. The previous record was 551, made by the fourth Austi'alian team, which visited England in 1884. On that occasion Murdoch made 211 (which is the highest score made in the represensative matches), P. S. McDonnell 103, and H. J. H. Scott 102.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. The heat for the Senior Championship between the Rival and Midland Clubs, which was commenced some weeks ago, was concluded on the Basin Reserve last evening, the Rivals winning by two wickets. The Rivals with seven wickets down for 89, and requiring 56 runs to win, continued their second innings, Dryden (2, not out) and Cross being the batsmen. The score slowly ' increased until 100 was hoisted. McGirr then went on in place of Fitzsimons, and Cross hit him beautifully to leg for 5. At 112 Upharn scattered Cross’ stumps. 112 —B—ls.8 —15. Stinson then joined Dryden. The newcomer batted very steadily, and the score slowly mounted up until the total was 131. Warren then had a try with the ball, but Stinson despatched him to leg for 4 and sin successive hits. Fitzsimons again went on, but- without bringing about the desired separation, Dryden eventually making the winning hit. Thei'e was considerable excitement amongst the supporters of the Rivals towards the close of the game. Some of the Midland fieldsmen worked hard, notably A. Blacklock. Warren missed Dryden shortly after Cross left, and this mistake no doubt lost the Midlands the match. Upham took three wickets for 41, Fitzsimons two for 33, McGirr one for 51, and Warren none for 13.

Splendid cricketing weather prevailed on Saturday, and the result was a lai'ge attendance of spectators on the Basin Reserve. The interest chiefly centred in the Wellington-Rival heat, played on No. 1 wicket, which resulted, so far as the day’s play was concerned, in the Wellingtons having a lead of 76 runs on the first innings. The Phoenix-Midland heat was on the whole dull and uninteresting, and unrelieved by any brilliant play. The Midland team went first to the wickets and scored 152. The Phoenix at the call of time had made 81 for three wickets. The following is a brief resume of the playWELLINGTON V. RIVALS. The Rivals batted first, and made 101, Fuller being top scorer with 23, his clean hitting being frequently applauded. Jones hit freely for 13, sending one of. Ashbolt’s right into the band rotunda, and Stinson, who quickly knocked up 10 runs, sent a ball from the same bowler , over the fence among the spectators in front of the grandstand. Howard, who made 15, had a very lucky innings, several eamy chances he gave being missed by Wratt and Luckie. Holdship took two wickets for 15 and Ashbolt six for 39. R. Gore and Holdship fielded well, but the fielding of the Wellingtons was not on the whole up to the mark. The Wellington inninga closed for 177, the chief feature being Holdship’s score of 56. His hitting was wonderfully clean and hard, and he was deservedly applauded at its termination: He was caught by Read, who had previously missed a difficult chance from the same batsman. R. Gore, who made 31, played good cricket, and Izard hit out freely for 28, although he was badly missed by Stinson at an early stage of his innings. Stinson, one for 11, and Jones, four for 47, bowled best for the Rivals, Haldane and Read failing to get any wickets. Messrs Ashbolt and Woods were the umpires.

PHCfiNIX Y. MIDLAND. The Midland team went in first, and succeeded in putting up a score of 152. Runs came slowly throughout, the innings lasting nearly three hours. A. Blackloek played good cricket for 44, his score includcluding a splendid hit to the southern boundary for 5. Fitzsimons hit hard for 44, but was badly missed by Chisholm oft' his own bowling’. He also gave a chance to Roberts, who failed to take advantage of it. S. Nicholls made his first ; appearance in the field this season, and put ! cn 16 by very fair batting. R. Blackloek, ' I who went out 1.b.w., played well for 13. j Waters, Benbow and Taylor were the best ■ with the ball. At the call of time the Phoenix had made 81 for three wickets, Benbow being not out with 40, and Roberts with 13. Webb hit freely for 18, and sent one ball on to the roof of the grandstand, and another to the side of the stand. Messrs Caygill and Barry were the umpires. The following are the scores : Midland. —First Innings. A. Blackloek, b Benbow ... ... ... 45 Balmon, b Benbow ... ... ... ... 9 Warren, c Webb, b Chisholm ... ... 0 R. Blackloek, 1.b.w., b Waters ... ... 13 Tucker, c and b Taylor ... ... ... 6 Lash, b Taylor 6 Upham, run out ... ... 0 Fitzsimons, not out ... ... ... ... • 44 11. Taylor, c Chisholm, b Waters ... 7 McGrirr, b Chisholm ... ... ... ... 1 S. Nicholls, b Waters 16 Extras ... 7.. ... ... ... 5 •Total - 152 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wlcts. Benbow ... ... 120 8 33 2 Chisholm ... 114 4 47 2 Taylor ... 108 5 38 2 Waters ... 59 1 29 . 3 Phce nix. —First Innings. Waters, c Roberts, b Fitzsimons ... 2 Benbow, notout ... ... ... ... 40 Webb, c Lash, b Upham ... ... ... 18 Bennett, run out ... ... ... ... 4 Roberts, not out ... ... ... ... 13 Extras ... ... ... ... ... 4 Total for three wickets ... ... 81 The Excolsior-Star heat for the Junior Championship was resumed on the Basin Reserve on Saturday. The Stars, with six wickets for 60, continued their batting. The remaining four wickets put on 55 runs, making a total of 115. The Excelsiors, in their second innings, scored 108. The Stars, requiring 155 runs to win, started batting, and at the call of time had six wickets down for 53. The match was resumed on Monday, when the Excelsiors won by 46 runs.

The Phoenix-Wellington heat for the Junior Championship resulted in a somewhat unexpected win for the former by 24 runs, after a well contested game.;. The second innings of the Phoenix closed for 114. * The Wellington team was dismissed for 44. The fielding of the Phoenix in the second innings was particularly good. Both teams batted a man short in the second innings. The Rival-Kilbirnie heat for the Thirdclass Championship was commenced at Petone. The Rivals during- the afternoon scored 30 (Longmoro, 15, not out) and 71 (Buck, 2(5 ; Heather, 13). Kilbirnie, batting two men short, scored 42 (Mowbray, 19) and 10 for five wickets. Jones, Buck and McNeil bowled splendidly for the Rivals, as did Hoar, Chambers and Claridge for Kilbirnie. The Wellington - Phoenix heat for the Third-class Championship resulted in a hollow win for the former by an innings and 54 runs. The Wellington, who batted first, scored 146, and the Phoenix, who batted One man short, made 63 in their first innings. Being obliged to follow on, Phoenix only scored 29. The Kilbirnie team enjoyed an outing at the Waiwetu on Saturday, but were unable to stem the victorious career of the local team, who won comfortably by 31 runs. Kilbirnie scored 39 (Savage 14) and Waiwetu 70, Pilcher (captain) making 32 and Mason 10. Rostieaux, 5 for 19, McMenamin, 2 for 4, and Savage, 1 for 0, bowled well for the losers, the best averages on the winning side being W- Welch, 2 for 0, A. Pringle, 1 for 0, Brown, 3 for 16, and Pilcher, 2 for 8. The teams exchanged cheers as the visitors drove off, each with a handsome buttonhole, the captain being supplied with an enviable bouquet. The Melrose v. N.Z. Times heat was won by the Times team by 31 runs. The winners made 109 (Lowe, 61; G-rigg, 12 ; Marter, 11), and the losers 78 (Millward, 15; Grant, not out, 14; McCarthy, 12). Marter, Castle and Lowe bowled best for the winners, and McCarthy, Smith and Drummond for the losers. The Thorndon-Mascotte heat was won by the former. The Kilbirnies won against Tustin and Godber’s by default, the latter Club having retired from the Association. The Vivian-Ohiro heat for the Junior Association trophy ended in a win for the Vivian Club by 6 ruus on the first innings. The scores are : —Vivian, 46 (Howe, 11) ; Ohiro, 40 (D. Smith, 19). Fraser, Howe and Moon bowled best for the winners, and W. Smith and Lingardfor the losers. The Gas Company team were defeated on Saturday by Rouse and Hurrell’s team by 9 runs on the first innings. Hutchings (18) and T. Hurrell (16, not out) did best ■ for the winners, and Yates (10), Ferkins (13) and Thirkell (11) for the losers. Only one game was played on the Basin Reserve on Wednesday, a team from the Drapers’ Association meeting the United Tradesmen’s first eleven. The game resulted in a win for the Drapers by 36 runs, only one innings being played.

The scores were as follow :— Rival.—First Innings. C. Cross, b Ashbolt ... ... 10 E. Read, b Kirker ... ... 5 D. Fuller, b Ashbolt ... ... 23 A. Ramsay, b Kirker .:. 4 A. Howard, b Ashbolt ... 15 O'Sullivan, b Holdship ... 3 Jones, b Ashbolt ... ... 13 S. Stinson, c E. Gore, b Ashbolt ... ... 10 C. Dryden, b Holdship ... 2 Foster, not out ... 3 II. Haldane, c Judd, b Ashbolt ... ... 6 Extras ..r ... ... ... 7 Total ... ... ... ... .101 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wkts. Ashbolt 95 4 39 C Kirker ... ... 54 1 40 2 Holdship 36 1 15 2 W Ellington.—First Innings. C. Gore, c Foster, b Dryden ... 1 F. Ashbolt, c and b Dryden ... 5 A. R. Holdship, c Read, b Jones ... 56 E. B. Izard, b Jones... ... 28 A. Duncan, b Jones... ... 11 F. Judd, e and b Stinson '.. ... ... 11 Wratt, bDryden ... 7 Luckie, b Jones ... 8 White, st Howard, b Dryden ... 0 R. Gore, b Dryden ... 31 Kirker, not cut ... 8 Extras ... ... 11 Total ... 177 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wkts. Haldane 90 7 23 0 Dryden 168 7 73 5 Jones ... ... 114 6 47 4 Read 36 0 12 0 Stinson ... ... 36 1 11 1