Cricket

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1199, 22 February 1895, Page 27

Cricket

FIXTURES. The remaining Junior Cup fixtures are as follow: — March 9tb and lCfch.—Midland v. Excelsior, No. 3 ; St. Patrick's College v. Rival, No. 4; Phoenix v. Wellington College, College Ground; Wellington v. Kilbirnie, No. 2. March 23rd and 30th.—Phoenix v. St. Patrick's College, JNo. 3 ; Star v. Rival, No. 4; Wellington v. Wellington College, College Ground ; Kilbirnie v. Midland, No. 2. April 6th and 13th. —Excelsior v. St. Patrick's College, No. 3; Midland v. Wellington College, College Ground; Star v. Wellington, No. 2. THE ENGLISH TEAM The following are the fixtures for the English team's tow in the colonies : Feb. 22-25 —Against Bulli and Wollongong March 1-5 —Test match in Melbourne March—Tasmanian tour March 22-26—Farewell match in Adelaide FIJI v. WELLINGTON.

The match between the Fijian cricket ; team and Wellington was commenced on j the Basin Eeserve on Friday afternoon in beautiful weather. The attendance, seeing that a half-holiday had not been declared, was very good, a sum of £2l Is being taken at the gates. A large proportion of ladies were aaiongst the spectators. A large amount of interest was takea in, the game, from the fact that the visiting team included six Fijian chiefs, and the,, public were naturally eager to see how the South Sea Islanders would shape. The Islanders acquitted themselves very well, especially their " express " trundler, Tui Vanua Vou, who clean bowled four of Wellington's batsmen with his catapult deliveries. Vanua has a remarkable style. He takes a short, sharp run up to the wickets, there is a pause while he twists himself into a peculiar attitude, and then, with a swing, slings the ball in. His success was very popular, and when he completely beat one of Wellington's cracks there was a great roar of applause from the enthusiastic spectators. That roar made one reflect as to what sort of a noise there will be if ever a Eatu Bowlhimouto scatters the timbers of a Stoddart or a Giffen, or a Eatu Hitemhardu smacks fivers off a Peel or a Turner. We have not seen the natives bat, but Kadavu Levu is said to be a capital batsman. The European members also did very well. Caldwell pegged away manfully with the ball, and the fielding in the early part of the afternoon was capital, the Hon Mr Udal, who was very active, Collins and Scott distinguishing themselves. The team began splendidly, dismissing five of the best bats on the local side for only 38, but then Burton, who had more than his share of luck, and Niven made a stand, and Warren and Benbow also made runs, and the record was 184 for seven wickets when time was called. The bowling was really good at the beginning, and the trundlers beat the batsmen.

The public wrestled manfully with the Fijian names, but the task was a little too much for them. One of the spectators who was asked to score for the visitors objected on the ground that his arm wasn't strong enough to write their names. The objection appeared to be a reasonable one. Tui Vanua was easily distinguished by his blue shirt, but the identity of the others was a mystery. It w,as a time of trouble for the scorers. Once when a Fijian was put on to bowl a voice from the scorers' box patheticaljy implored to be informed " What is the bowler's name?" The answer wafted across from the ground sounded like " Dr Smith," while one spectator, insisted that it was " Euby Twist." The undergraduates at Cambridge found themselves unable to master the name of Eanjitsinhji, an Indian prince, a fine batsman by the way, and in order to get over the difficulty they christened him " Smith." A Southern contemporary has suggested that with this excellent precedent before us, Nailovolovo might be called "Brown," and so on. Holdship's lucky five-shilling piece of 1893, with which he has won about eleven out of twelve tosses, was faithful once more, the Fijian captain calling "tail" when the head of Her Majesty came uppermost. The Hon Mr Udal accepted his bad luck cheerfully, and then good-humouredly asked to have a look at that '* lucky coin," and when he saw it, said, "If I had known it was the Queen, I would havd called head. I thought it was one of the Georges." Some few minutes after the visitors trooped into the field amidst hearty applause. The physique of the Fijian chiefs was the subject of admiration. " What a splendid lot of fellows" was heard on all sides. Their costume consisted of cricketing shirts and jackets, and sulu or loin cloth. They had nothing on their heads, and boots or shoes were discarded.

lhe wicket looked a really good one, but it did not play as well as could be wished. The umpires were Messrs S. Deane (Fiji) and A. Ashbolt (Wellington), and the scorers Messrs Harris (Wellington) and F. Marshall (Fiji). THE PLAT. C. Gore and Cross were Wellington's first batßmen, Caldwell and Tui Vanua having charge of the bowling. The first few overs were sufficient to convince the players that the bowling would have to be treated very seriously. The batsmen could take no liberties at all, as was shown by the fact that although there was not a man in the long-field on the on side, one of Cross* favourite spots, the big man did not get a single ball there. They have got to play "for keeps all right" was the opinion of an old authority who leaned over the fence. When 20 had been signalled, Caldwell appealed for Crossleg before—and up went Mr Deane's stick, The veteran, when he came out, ! said he was out, and when a bdtsman says he ie out leg before, he toust be, It's a bit novel, though, \

Cross had scored 13, which included one of his favourite cuts, which, however, should have been stopped by Scott. /Holdship came next, only to see Tui Vanua scatter Gore's stumps. 20—2 —7. Burton joined his captain, who, however, without troubling the scorers, played one from Caldwell to Joske at forward shortleg, and the catch was well taken. Three wickers down without a run being scored, and the Wellington captain out for what the North Countryman called " nowt." E. Blacklock, who has earned a reputation as a " rot-stopper," was next opposed to the fast bowler, but the interview was a short one, the native trundler clean bowling him before he had scored. 23 —4 —o was the dismal record as Fuller walked "to the wickets. The Fijians were delighted with their success, and they worked splendidly in tho field, Udal showing up. Almost immediately Burton gave Collins a difficult chance, but the fieldsman had to jump forward, and although he managed to get the ball in his hand he could not hold it. Life No. 1 for Burton. The latter complained that the wicket was playing very badly, got an uppish one in the slips, which went just clear of the fieldsmen. A soft one from Caldwell was sent to the boundary by Burton, and 30 went up. Eight runs later Tui Vanua got one past Fuller. The batsman did not know his wicket had been hit, and he had started to run. 38—5—3.

Niven joined his club mate, and tho game changed. Burton gave a chance or two in the field, but they were not taken, and the score steadily mounted, the half century going up as the result of about an hour and 10 minutes' play. Could anything be ,slower. Several changes were made in thd bowling, Scott and McOwan (who had been keeping wickets) going on. Burton drove the latter for 4, a nice hit, all along the sward. If Caldwell had fielded the! ball here one of the batsmen must have been run out. McOwan's efforts to dissolve the partnership having failed, he again donned the pads, Caldwell taking his place with the ball. Burton drove the new bowler beautifully to the off for 4. At 98 Tui Vanua had another try with tho ball from the southern end, and brought about the muph-desired separation from the Fijian point /of view by clean bowling Burton with ; a fine length ball, which came in a bit. The outgoing batsman had made 49 an excellent contribution at that stage of the game. The record was then 98 —6 —49. " Warren, who was playing in place of Fitzsimons, and making his debut in a representative match, came next. As he ,went out some one leaning over the fence ■remarked that Warren was just the man to make runs. What an excellent judge that man proved to be. Just after 100 had been hoisted, Warren got fairly hold of a leg ball, and Mr Ashbolt (tho umpire), being seated in his umpire's chair, was unable to get out of the way. Tho ball struck him on the left arm with gioat force, and capsized him, seat and all. Warren played very freoly, and Niven batted better than he has yet done this season. When the total had reached MO, Tui Vanua broke through Niven's defence. Niven, Avho had made 42 just Avhen they were wanted, was warmly applauded. Benbow was the next batsman, the board shewing 146—7 —42. The fielding of the Fijians was loose at this stage, and runs came more freely. Several of them had received very hard knocks. Collins injured one of his\ fingers and had to retire, Temesis taking his, place. Warren and Benbow kept possession of the wickets until stumps were drawn at ,(> o'clock, tho total bfeing 184. Wairen, who is to bo congratulated on his first appearance as a representative, scored 39 not';., out, and Benbow, who also batted well, made 26 not out.

The match was concluded on the Basin Reserve on Saturday, and ended in a drawn game. Ideal weather prevailed, and there was a very large attendance of the general public. The attendance was the largest seen at a cricket match for a long time, and the ground had a very lively appearance. There was also a large audience outside the ground. The crowd was a most impartial one, their sympathies throughout being with the visitors. Indeed, there has seldom been more hearty and enthusiastic applause than when the Hon Mr Udal retired in the second innings, after playing a splendid innings for 50. On Friday the visitors had only been seen at work in the field, and many of the spectators had assembled for the sole purpose of seeing how they shaped with the bat. As a matter of fact they did very well indeed, although the Wellington bowling was a bit too strong for them. It was expected that A shbolt's slow bowling would puzzle them considerably; for, as their captain stated at the luncheon table, they had had very little experience of that kind of trundling, but as a matter of fact Ajh-

bolt took very few wickets, the majority falling to the fast bowler Upham. The best bat of the visitors is undoubtedly the Hon Mr Udal, the captain, who, though by no means a young man, still retains a very considei'able share of youthful vigour, and a style which tells its own tale of public school and University experience. He did not have much chance of showing what he could do in the first innings, but m his second attempt he gave a really good exhibition of cricket, hitting with great freedom all round the wicket, and providing the fieldsmen with plenty of exercise. His score of 50 included nine fours, all boundary hits. It was a fine innings, in which he had only given one chance—a difficult one to Benbow —and the applause ho received was well deserved. Collins is a very neat bat, and in the first innings knocked up 24 in good style, albeit he was suffering from an injury to one of his fingers, which caused him considerable uneasiness. Scott also played well. Nailovolovo is a hard hitter, and quickly knocked up 11 in the first innings, but was cleverly caught by Warren at long slip before he had got set. Joske, a left-hander, batted well, especially in the second innings, and Epcli shaped very well as a careful bat, not in too much of a hurry to score.

The game resulted greatly in favour of Wellington, who must have scored a decided win had Holdship declared the second innings closed sooner than he did. According to the rules the Fijians should have followed on after being 103 runs behind, but it appears that the captains had arranged that the Wellington team should go in again. The rule is as follows : —" The goes in second shall follow their innings if they have scored 120 runs less than the opposite side in a three days match or 80 runs in a two days match." The wicket again played badly.

There was a great deal of excitement during the last half-hour's play while the Wellington bowlers and fieldsmen were doing their best to get the Fijians out. With the captain in, and going strong, it looked as if the Fijians would easily play out time, and have a wicket or two to spare. However, when Benbow at last got a good one past the Fijian skipper Wellington's chance of pulling the match off brightened, and the prospect looked rosier still when Epeli was caught immediately after. The Fijian captain, who was very much disappointed at kninghis wicket, & she was very anxious to carry out his bat, was taking off his pads when a roar announced the dismissal of Epeli. " It's all up now," was the Fijian opinion of the outlook. " Now, Tui," said his captain, " go in and play carefully," while another comrade requested him to do something which sounded to the uninitiated like " Tincomalee." However, whatever it was, he wont in and did it. The native did not appear at all nervous,but grinned cheerfully as ho strode to the wicket, the crowd giving him an encouraging round of applause as he went out. Tui successfully played the bowling, while Scott, who was batting very steadily, kept his end up, and so the last few minutes slipped away. There was still ab'">ut a minute and a half to go when Upham finished his over, and as the crowd did not want to see Benbow have another try at Tui they called out " time," and the umpires drew the stumps. The spectators appeared quite pleased that the Fijians had escaped defeat, and all sorts of congratulations were showeied on Tui and Scott as they came in.

THE PLAY. The Wellington team continued their innings at 11.20 a.m., Warren and Bfenbow, the not out men, taking their places at the wickets. Warren \>as bowled by Caldwell without having added to his score of 39, and Upham, who replaced him, was dismissed by the second ball from Tui Vanua Vou for a duck. Benbow added 4 runs to his score, and Aahbolt, the last man in, brought the score up to 190 with a hit for 2 to leg, and two balls later Benbow was nicely caught at the wickets by McOwan. 190—10—30. "At noon the Wellington men took the field, Collins and Caldwell representing the Fijians at the wickets. Upham and Ashbolt did the trundling. When 5 had been scored Caldwell's leg-stump was taken by a shooter from Upham. s—l—3.5 —I—3. Joske replaced him, and ho and Collins got runs pretty freely for a time, the lattor's leg-hits being particularly effective. At 20 one of the batsmen shoiild have been run out had Warren fielded the ball properly. Eventually Collins was beautifully caught by Niven behind the wickets. 34—2—24. Kadavu Levu replaced him, but soon lost his partner, who was nicely caught by Gore off Ashbolt in the long-field. The Hon Mr Udal partnered the Fijian, and started out with a flue drive for 3, following it up

with a hot chance to Holdship, who did not accejnt it. Kadavu hit rather wildly at Ashbolt, but succeeded in getting 3 off him, after which he hit one up from the same bowler, and it was taken by Holdship. 44_4,_3. McOwan, who followed, was bowled by Upham for nought, and the teams then adjourned for luncheon, the board showing 40—5—0. THE LUNCHEON. The teams had luncheon at the Caledonian Hotel. The Mayor, who presided, proposed the health of the visitors. The Hon Mr Udal, in reply, said it must be understood that in playing- strong associations such as that of Wellington they were trying to learn something-, and to take back to Fiji a wholesome lesson, especially in regard to slow bowling. He thanked them for the heartiness of their welcome, and then proposed the toast of " The Cricketers of Wellington," speaking in terms of high praise of the kind reception they had met with, not only here but elsewhere. He hoped in the course of another year or two to meet a New Zealand team in Fiji. Mr A. 11. Holdship briefly replied to the toast. On resulting at 2.20 p.m. Nailovolovo partnered his captain, and brought 50 up by a nice leg hit to the boundary for 4, and immediately afterwai-ds hit another off the same bowler (Ashbolt) for 3. In the next over he lost his captain, whose bails were taken by a straight one from Upham. 55—0—8.

Groom took his place, and Nailovolovo having added two to his score was beautifully taken by Warren. 58—7 —11. Scott followed, and commenced with a boundary hit for 4, but soon afterwards lost his partner, who was clean bowled by Upham. 63—S—0. Epeli partnered Scott, who gave a difficult chance to C. Gore in the long field, which the fieldsman missed through having the sun in his eyes. Scott brought 70 up by good play. At 78 Holdsh-'p replaced Ashbolt with the ball. Shoi'tly afterwards Scott skied one from Holdship, which was held by Warren. The batsman on retiring was loudly applauded. 85 —9 —21. Tui Vanua Vou was the last man in, and he was bowled by Holdship before he had scored, and at 3.15 the innings ended. 86—10—0. Wellington's second innings. At 3.35 Cross and Holdship commenced .operations for Wellington, Caldwell and Tui Vanua Vou doing the trundling. Cross gave Groom a chance off the second ball, but it was not taken. Fast scoring was the order of the day, and runs came freely. Cross several times sent the ball to the boundary, although he was twice missed, once by Udal and once by Kadavu Levu in the outfield, and was eventually bowled by | Caldwell after scoring 28. 51—1—28. Holdship, who hid hard and often, had knocked up 21 before he was beautifully caught by McOwan, who was standing short-stop. 51—2—21. Gore and Burton were doing fairly good business when at 4.40 p.m., and with the score at 63, Holdship declared the innings closed. THE FIJIANS* SECOND INNINGS. At 4.55 the visitors again went to the wickets. They had 167 to get to win, but time was somewhat limited and there was a chance that the visitors would make a draw of it. Collins and Caldwell were the first to go to the wickets, and the former quickly succumbed to Upham, 2—l—2. ; Josk© followed, and when 11 was reached, Caldwell hit a ball from Upham into the slips, where Burton, after some juggling with it, secured it. 11—2 —5.

Kadavu Levu followed and was despatched by the first ball from Upham. 11—3—0. The Fijian captain, Udal, then went in, and the state of affairs quickly assumed an entirely different complexion. Playing with great skill he mastered the bowling, and the score rose by leaps and bounds. Holdship replaced Ashbolt with the ball, but he was badly punished, and at 38 Benbow was put on in his stead. Joske had also been doing his share of the scoring, but shortly after Benbow's advent his wickets were scattered by Upham. 40—4—17. McOwan replaced him, but after scoring two was nicely caught and bowled by Benbow. 43—5—2. Partnered by Nailovolovo, the Hon Mr Udal continued to hit vigorously, and at 64 the native stepped out to a slow one from Ashbolt, who had just replaced Upham, and was stumped by Niven. 64—6—2. Groom, who followed, did not add materially to the score, but his captain still hit freely, and raised the score to 81 before his partner was bowled by Benbow. 81—7—1.

Scott took his place, and 6 runs later the Fijian captain was defeated by a good one from Benbow. 87 —B—so.8 —50. As the batsman retired to the pavilion he was greeted with loud and long-continued applause from the spectators. When Epeli joined Scott at the wickets it only wanted about 13 minutes to the time fixed for the drawing of stumps, and speculation was rife as to whether the batsmen could be got rid of in time to save a draw. Epeli was beautifully caught by Upham in the slips, and amid much excitement Tui Vanua Vou, who came next, and Scott carefully played out time. The lollowing are the scores : Wellington.—First Innings. C. Core, 1123, b Tui Vanua Vou ... . 7 C. Cross, 1312411, 1.b.w., b Caldwell ... 13 A. It. Holdship, c Josko, b Caldwell 0 G. F. Burton, 3122412144331444141, b Tui Vanua Vou ... 4,9 R. Blacklock, b Tui Vanua Vou 0 D. Fuller, 12, b Caldwell .. 3 R. C. Niven, 312111222113114221411311,0 Tui Vanua Vou 42 F. Warren, 121441112113242221211, b Caldwell ..... 3<) C. Benbow 2311431422121, o MoOwan, b Cakhvell ... 30 E. TTpham, b Tui Vanua Vou' 0 F. Ashbolt, 2, not out ... '2 Byes, 1 1 log byes, 111 •' wido'.'l .*,'." 6 Total JQQ

Scott bowled one wide. Fiji Representatives.—First Inning's. J. C. Collins, 11114112241122, e Niven, b Upham 24 It. Caldwell, 111, b Upham 3 A. B. Joske, 3111, c Gore, b Ashbolt ... G IKadavu Levu, 21, c Holdship, b Ashbolt 3 Hon J. S. Udal. 32111, b Upham ... ... 8 J. McOwan, b Upham 0 INailovoloYo, 43121, c Warren, b Upham 11 W. Groom, b Upham ... ... ■•• .:fi A. J. Scott, 4314114, c Warren, b Holdship ... ... ••• ■••. ••• 21 Epeli, 2111, not ont 5 Tui Vanna Vou, b Holdship 0 Byes, 1 ; leg-byes. 11 ;no balls, 111... 6 Total ... .1 87 BOWWK9 ANALYSIS.

Upham bowled two no balls. Holdship fowled one no ball. WellingroN.—Second Inning's. Cross, 241144141411, b Caldwell 28 Holdship, 2414114211, c McOwan, b Tui VanuaVou ... ... ••• ••• 21 C Gore, 4121, not oub 8 O. linrton, 112,n0t out ... 4 Bye 1, no ball 1 ... ••• ••• 2 Total for two wickets 63 BOWLING- ANALYSIS.

I?iji Representatives.—Second Innings. Collins, 2, b 13pham ... ~ 2 Caldwell, 122, c Burton, b Upham ... 5 Joske, 4213241, b Upham 17 Kadavu Levu, b Upham 0 Hon J. S. Udal, 2441114221414214441, b Benbow 50 McOwan, 2, c and b Benbow 2 Nailovolovo, 11, st Niven, b Ashbolt ... 2 Groom, 1, b Benbow . 1 Scott, 2, not out ... ••• •■• 2 Ifipeli, c Upham, b Benbow 0 Tui Vanua Vou, not out ... . ... 0 Byes, 1112 ; leg-byes, 11 ; no-balls, 1 ... 8 Total for nine wickets 89 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Kuns. Wkts.

two no-balls. The visitors left for Napier by the Monowai on Saturday evening-, and were given a most enthusiastic send off. Napier, February 19. The weather was fearfully hot for the cricket match to-day between the Fijians and the Hawke's Bay team, and this perhaps favoured the visitors; at any rate, they rnade an exhibition of the Hawke's Bay players. The Fijians scored 187, of ■which Collins made 128, carrying his bat through the innings. The Hawke's Bay men,put together only 92, and continue on to-morrow. THE ENGLISHMEN IN AUSTRALIA. Brisbane, February 15. The cricket match between the Englishmen and the combined Queensland and New South Wales eleven began here today. The' Englishmen, who batted first, were all disposed of for 192—Stoddart, 40 ; McLaren, 37; Peel, 30. Brisbane, February 17.

The weather was showery yesterday when the match between the Englishmen and the combined Queensland and New South Wales eleven was resumed, and for a time ] the wicket bumped badly. Just before lunch a heavy fall of rain stopped the play for a time. Iredale played a nice not-out innings of 37, and Coningham put together 20 in pretty style. The only others to reach double figures were Bradley, McDonnell and Gregory, the remainder being unable to withstand the bowling of Briggs and Richardson. The scores are as follow : Englishmen. Firstlnnings "' 192 ..; , Second Innings. Brockwell, c and b Turner ... 15 Briggs, not out ... 2 "Ward, not out... « Extras ... 1 12 Total for one wicket 33 Combined Queensland and New South Wales Team. —First Innings. McDonnell, c Humphreys, b Richardson 18 Coningham, c Ward, b .Kichardson ... 20

Iredale, not out ... ... 37 Gregory, b Richardson ... ... ... 15 Bradley, c Phillipson, h Richardsonv ... 11 Turner, b Richardson- ... ~,-' ■■• 2 Jones, c Phillipson, b Briggs .j 0 Callaway, c and b Brigg 9 ... '."'. 0 Dr McDonald, c Stoddart, b Briggs ... 1 Austin, st Phillipson, b Briggs ... 0 McKibben, run out . 1| Sundries 2 . Total 107 Bowling analysis.—Briggs, four for 16 ; Richardsor, five for 42; Peel, no wickets for 47. Brisbane, February 18. The wicket was in good order to-day for the continuation of the match between England and the combined eleven of New South Wales and Queensland. Briggs placed his first ball from McKibbin in Coningham's hands. Stoddart after hitting up 20 was finely caught by McHibbin. Brown was bowled after making 24, and in the same over McKibbin also disposed of Ward, who had played patiently for 47. Peel and McLaren made a prolonged stand, the latter being especially lively. Numerous changes were tried without effect, and the second century came up. It was not till after 4 <?'clock that Peel got his-■ -conge through

skying McKibbin to Gregory, and the same redoubtable fieldsman eventually got rid of McLaren, though not till he had hit up the fine score of 106, made by firstclass batting. The innings closed for 279, the tail being quickly disposed of. The following are the scores : Brockwell, c and b Turner ... ... ... 15 Briggs, c McKibbin, b Coningham ... 2 Stoddart, c McKibbin, b Callaway ... 20 Ward, b McKibbin , 47 Brown, b McKibbin 21 McLaren, c Gregory, b Callaway... ... 106 Peel, c Gregory, b McKibbin ... ... 23 Ford, c and b McKibbin ... ... ... 4 Phillipson, b McKibbin ... ... ... 5 Richardson, b Callaway ... ... ... 1 Humphries, not oub ... ... ... ... 10 Extras ... ... ... ... ... 22

Total 279 Brisbane, February 19. Rain fell last night, and though it cleared up to-day, the wicket was sticky and bumpy for the continuation of the match between England and the combined eleven of New South Wales and Queensland, and the bowlers, especially Richardson, had it all their own way.

Coningham and Percy McDonnell were sent to the right-about at once, but Iredale and McDonald hit out with good effect for a short time. The Parramatta man got a nasty crack on the finger , which nearly cost him his wicket, but he maintained his position, and eventually again carried his oat. Gregory and Turner both scored quickly while they lasted, but the others did nothing, and Bradley and Jones being unable to bat, the innings closed for 86. Iredale was loudly cheered for his performance. The Englishmen won by 278 runs. The score was as follows : Coningham, c Brown, b Richardson ... 3 McDonnell, b Richardson ... ... ... 0 McDonald, c Phillipson, b Peel ... ' ... 12 Iredale, not out... ... ... ... ... 33 Gregory, c McLaren, b Richardson ... 16 Turner, c Brockwell, b Briggs ... ... 20 Callaway, b Briggs ... ... ... ... 0 Austin, c Ward, b Briggs ... ... ... 1 McKibbin, b Richardson ... ... .. 0 Jones and Bradley did not bat ... ... 0 Extra ... ... ... ... ... 1 Total Bii Richardson took four for 35; Peel, one for 21; Briggs, three for 14. VICTORIA V. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Melbourne, February 15. The cricket match Victoria v. South Australia commenced to-day. Unusual interest attaches to the game, as the result will practically intercolonial premiership and the Sheffield Shield, and the public attended in large numbers.

Dr Barrett replaced Graham in the Victorian team, the latter being unable to playowing' to illness. The wicket was in splendid condition, and played very fast. When the stumps were drawn for the day the Victorians had lost nine wickets for 336. The first two wickets fell lor 31, when Harry Trotc and Laver got together and both men playing dashing cricket raised the score to 226 before a dissolution was effected, Laver retiring caught and bowled by Gitfen with a well made 78 to his credit. The partnership between the Trott brothers brought the total to 263. H. Trott showed magnificent form in compiling his 152, and was ably assisted by his younger brother, who helped to make things very lively for the field, contributing 41 in a short space of time. Several changes of bowling were tried during the day, but the honours remained with Geoi'ge Giffen and Jones. Melbourne, February 17. The Victorians, with 9 wickets down, resumed their first innings, which Jones brought to a conclusion by bagging McLeod's wicket when the total stood at 348. . " '

With a good Wicket this score was thought to be well within the range of the South Australians, but they made a disappointing display, and the whole team were disposed of for the small score of 116. The Trott Brothers and C. McLeod comprised the destructive element, and Hill and F. Jar vis were the only two who made any show against them. Having to follow on, the South Australians showed much more like their usual form, and the board showed 72 runs when two wickets had gone, one of them being that of the Australian champion, who had the bad ljick to be run out. Darling and Lycns then became associated, and completely collaring the bowling treated the field to a merry piece of leather hunting. Despite frequent changes in bowling, they were still there when the stumps were drawn for the day.

Victoria. —First Innings. Worrall, b Jones ... ... ... ... 5 Bruce, c F. Jarvis, b Jones ... ... 8 Laver, c and b G. Giffen ... ... ... 78 IT. Trott, c Reedman, b Giffen ... ... 152 Levis, 1.b.w., b Giffen '.. 10 A. Trott, b Jones 41 Harry, b Giffen 0 C. McLeod, c Lyons, b Giffen 23 Barrett, b Jones 5 R. McLeod, b Jones 9 Trumble, not out 13 Extras ... ... 4 Total ... f ... 348 j Bowling analysis. Jones, five for 71"; ! Giffen, five for 147 ; F. Jarvis,fnone for 70 ; Reedman, none for 22 ; Green, none for 6. South Australia. —First Innings. Lyons, c Trumble, b 11. Trott ... ... 6 Reedman, b C. McLeod 3 Darling, c Lewis, b A. Trott 6 A. Jarvis, b A. Trott 0 G. Giffen, b A. Trott 15 Dyer, c H. Trott, b C. McLeod ... 2 Hill, c Harry, bH. Trott 33 W. Giffen, b C. McLeod ... 1 F. Jarvis, c Worrall, b A. 'lrott 22 | Jones, b A. Trott 15 Green, not out ... ... ... ... 11 Extras 2 I Total '.. 116

Bowling analysis.—C. McLeod, three for 31 > H. Trott, three' for 41 ; A. Trott, four for 24. South Australia- —Second Innings. A. Jarvis, cA. Trott, bH. Trott ... 5 G-. G iff en, run out ... ... ... ... 9 Lyons, not out ... ... ... ... 100 Darling 1 , not out ... ... ... ... 43 Extras ... ... ... ... ■•• 2 Total for two wickets ... ... ... 159 [Note. —The bowling analysis of each innings as received by cable is incorrect.] Melbourne, February 18. Owing to rain, the continuation of the match between South Australia and Victoria had to be postponed. Melbourne, February 19. The weather was fine to-day and the wicket fair, but somewhat sticky, for the match Victoria v. South Australia.

Lyons and Darling: resumed batting-, but after 10 had been added to the total, the latter skied A. Trott, and Barrett brought off a splendid catch. Lyons hit out vigorously and gave the bowlers a good deal of trouble, but at 126 had a life given him. Nine runs later he spooned the elder Trott to Trumble. The remaining batsmen failed to make a stand, and the innings closed at 245 in a rather peculiar way. A ball frcm Trumble bounced into Jones' breast pocket,.and that player, becoming confused, threw it out, and was given out for handling the ball. Trott and Bruoe,ohit off ( the number required to win in a few minutes, and Victoria consequently won by ten wickets. As the games now stand, Victoria will win the shield unless the Southerners beat New South Wales, in which case there will be a tie. The following are the scores : South Australia. —Second Innings. A. Jarvis, cA. Trott, b H. Trott 5 G. Giffen, run out ... 9 Lyons, c Trumble, b H. Trott ... ... 135 Darling, c Barrett, bA. Trott ... ... 45 Keedman, st Lev/is, bH. Trott ... ... 8 Dyer, c Barrett, b Trumble ... ... 7 W. Giffen, c and b Trumble ... ... 3 Hill, c Barrett, b H. Trott 1 F. Jarvis, not out ... .... 14 Green, c and b Trumble ... 0 Jones, handled ball ... ... ... ... 9 Extras ... 9 Total 245 11. Trott took four wickets for 70; A. Trott, one for 40 ; Trumble, three for 50. Victoria.—Second Innings. Bruce, not out ... 12 H. Trott, not out ... ... ... - ... 3 Extra ... ... ... ... ••• 1 Total 16

The annual match between the Government Insurance Department and the Australian Mutual Provident Society was played on Monday, and resulted in a win for the former by 30 runs. The weather was perfect, but it was a bowler's wicket, and, as seldom happens in this contest, four innings were completed. The Government office batted first for 103, Niven making 13, Webb 13, Kelling 29 and Pindlay 19. The two last named added 55 for the fifth wicket. The first venture of the A.M.P. closed for 67, of which Broome and Richardson made 12 each and Baiclay 10. The second innings of the Government office began disastrously, six wickets being down for seven runs, when Spence and Young added a welcome 18 and 12 respectively. The last wicket fell at 5 o'clock, for 46. The A.M.P. thus required only 83 to win, and with an hour and a half to bat their chances looked very rosy They were, however, dismissed in three-quarters of an hour for 52 runs, of which R. Gore made 20 and Barclay 13, not out. Findlay, ten for 55, and Latta, seven for 31, bowled splendidly for the winners; Benbow, ten for 54, and Bethune, ten for 52, being equally destructive for the losers. Kelling wins the bat presented by Mr Morris Pox (Actuary of the Government Insurance Department) for the highest score in the match.

The combined Wairarapa teams are anxious to meet a Wellington representative team before the end of the season.

At a meeting of the committee of the Wellington Association on Monday it was decided to register the colours (claret and old gold) of the Wellington Association with the New Zealand Cricket Council. A number of accounts in connection with i the recent match with the Fiji team wereit passed for payment, and a hearty vote fc of ■] thanks was given to the sub-committee j (Messrs Cross, Upham and Marter) which carried out the arrangements of the match. J Votes of thanks were awarded to the Cale- . (lonian Society and the New Zealand Shipping Company for the use of rope during J the Fiji match. The first of the Greytown fixtures with local clubs was played on Tuesday, when the country team met slhd defeated an eleven representing the Phoenix Club by 2 runs on the first innings. The latter team was ! considerably strengthened by the inclusion of Messrs Deaae and Ford, of Williamson's Opera Company. Greytown batted first, and scored 131, of which S. Nicholls, made 55 in good style, and Cargill 32. Deane, with five for 41, and Findlay, three for 31, bowled well. The Phoenix replied with 129, towards which Deane contributed 41 in dashing style ; Ellison, 29 ; Stevens, 16 : Fleming, 15 ; and Roberts, 11. F. Hawke, two for 16, and W. Judd, five for 68, secured the best average. In their second ( innings, Greytown had lost seven wickets for 85 when time was called —H. Hawke, 37; and R. Rowse, 14. Deane got five wickets for 27 runs. Nicholls and Ford kept wickets well for Greytown and the Phoenix respectively, while the fielding of the country team was considerably better than that of the town club. The Rival-Woodcote House game resulted in a victory for the latter eleven by 84 runs. The winners scored 130 (Sir K. Douglas, 53 ; A. Bannister, 24, not out; F. Barclay, 19; E. F. Hadfield, 11) and the losers 48 (J. O'Sullivan, 11). Sir K. Douglas, A. Bannister and G. F. Hadfield bowled well for the victors, Morton and Smyth being the most successful trundlers

for the losers. The two teams were regaled with afternoon teas. The Excelsior Second defeated the Rail way Cricket Club on Saturday by 102 runs on the first innings. A preliminary meeting was held on Saturday night of delegates from various Hutt County clubs to discuss the proposed match against the Horowhenua County. Mr W. Dasent occupied the chair. It Avas . unanimously decided to accept the invitation of the Horowhenua Coxmty to play the match at Otaki. The 17th of March (St. Patrick's Day) was suggested as the most suitable date, and if this be accepted the Hutt County team will be chosen from the Petone, Karori, Kilbirnie, Johnsonville and Waiwetu clubs, on the Bth March. Mr M. J. Atkinson has consented to act as hon. secretary for the Hutt County team. The takings at the Basin .Reserve at the cricket match on Saturday amounted to .£54 15s, making a total of d£7s 16s for the two days. The Fijians receive half this amount. The following appeared in the Bulletin : —Editor Bulletin. —It is to be regretted that De Maus, the Christchurch crack, could not have been included in one of the test matches. Although only 22 years of age he has been regarded the champion bat of Maoriland for the past four or five years, having made highest aggregate of the 22 in most o.° the interprovincial matches. For five completed innings against New South Wales teams which have visited Maoriland, he has an average of 74. He is a successful bowler on sticky, but an expensive one on dry wickets, and scores very rapidy off fast ..bowling. In an emergency he is in being one of the coolest bats that ever faced a bowler. —-Phoemi. OTAGO v. CANTERBURY. Dunedin, February 16. The following team has been chosen to represent Otago in the annual cricket match against Canterbury :—J. Baker, A. Clarke, E. Currie, F. D. Clayton, A. Downes, A. H. Fisher, F. Harper, J. Hope, W. Parker, A. G. Rains, C. W. Rattray (captain) j emergencies, W. Johnston, F. Wells. ■

BOWLING ANALTSI s. Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wkts Caldwell 154 20 61 5 Tui Vamia Vou 193 1?, 65 5 Scott ... 66 4 24 0 Collins ... 30 1' 13 0 MeOwan 12 0 9 0 Eadavu Levu... 24 1 7 0 'Groom ... 18 1 6 0

Balls. Mdns. Huns. Witts. tJpliani ... ... 120 S 43 6 Asiibolt ... ... 114 •7. 32 £i Woldship ..: ... 20 0 6 2

Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wkts Caldwell ... 60 1 33 1 TuiVanuaVou 60 1 23 1 Caldwell bowled one no-ball.

TTpham ... ... 90 7 26 4 Ashbolt ... ... 24 0 27 1 Holdship ... 18 1 11 0 IBenbow ... 72 7 9 4 "Warren ... '-6 0 8 0 TJpham bowlod one no-ball. Warren bowled