CRICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4276, 1 November 1875, Page 3

CRICKET.

The cricket season may now be considered to have fairly begun, and we trust that many such matches as the D.G. C. against the S.D.C.G. may be played on the Oval. It is always desirable to get such'matches as this played, as it creates a healthy rivalry which must result in the improvement of the game. During former seasons there has been considerable difficulty experienced by the committee af the D.C.C. in arranging their matches for the season, so that all the players of moderate ability should be able to take part in some decent matches where they might be able to improve themselves, but as the committee could not manage to satisfy everyone, considerable grumbling was the result. Doubtless, had the Citizens' and Albion Clubs flourished as they did in previous seasons, this would not have been the case, as more matches would have been played. The Cup matches to some extent helped them out of their difficulties, but when the contest for the cup dwindled down to two or three competing teams, a great number of those who were in losing teams were left without being able to play. This season, however, the S. D.C.C. have sprung into existence, and, although a club merely in name at present, they have among them a. fair division of what used to compose the first eleven of the D.C.C, and by seceding (if we may use the term) they have opened the way for some promising young players to come forth and do battle in the front rank of the old Club. As was seen on Saturday week, the success of the movement was ap parent, and an amount of interest was engendered in their first meeting which bids well for the introduction of more such matches, espeas the Cup matches are not likely to be played upon the same terms as last year. The match of last Saturday week showed plainly what effect competition will have upon players, and the manner in which Macdonell and Fenwick i>layed an uphill game is deserving of all commendation, and showed the result of much and steady practice. At one time, when five wickets had fallen for 13 runs, and the best of the D.C.C. bats among the five, the game looked all the world to a China orange for the blue and black, but the proverbial uncertainty which so often characterises a cricket match soon altered the state of affairs. The batting of the S.D.C.C. was not as good as we hail anticipated, although in one or two 'instances some good play was shown, Lambert quite excelling himself, while Lathbury, who is a recent arrival here, played very nicely for his score, and will doubtless do better in his second innings. H. E. Godby and Macfarlan are worth a considerable number more runs than they obtained, while Clark, Alien, Marshall, and Hose are not generally got rid of as easily as they were. The South Dunedin are undoubtedly weak in bowlers, and to this fact may be attributed the long score of their opponents. For the old Club, M'Donuell, Fenwick, Park, Morrison, and Ma can showed there is yet some good stuff left in their batting raulcs, while Paramor and Glen are much superior to the others as bowlers. The fielding on both sides was fairly good, but much better can be done. We look forward with much interest to the termination of this match, as we believe some good play has yet to be seen. We would again point out to the Committee the extreme desirability of haying the long grass .on the out field cut, as it is most unfair to a fielder there, and also to the batsman, who often loses one or two runs by it. We notice that the Canterbury men prefer to play their annual match with this Province, rather thau take a trip to Auckland ; but they may doubtless yet do both during the season. In Melbourne, the Victorian Cricketers' Association is now in full swing, and the New Zealand trip will doubtless offer them something for consideration during the season ; probably they may make an offer to a New Zealand team to visit them, it would prove a paying speculation to them. Wills has issued another Colonial Guide, which contiins a large amount of information regarding different players and matches in the Colonies, and is pronounced a great success. Wills himself has joined the ranks of the Richmond Club, and as one of the papers quaintly remarks, " that if he can get over the Umpire may prove of great service to them." The Melbourne Cricket Club have determined to import a professional bowler for their Club, and have left the selection to the Secretary of the Marylebone Club.