CRICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13786, 27 December 1906, Page 4

CRICKET.

—«0. ■ OTAGO v. CANTERBURY. AN EASY WIX FOR OTAGO. The intcrprovincial cricket matoh between Ofapo and Canterbury was resumed at C'arisbrook at 2 o'clock on Christmas Day under perfect weather conditions. If anything, it was a trifle warm for the placers, but from a spectator's point of view tho day could not have been improved upon if arranged "as per order," as they say in tho wholesale houses. There was a fail* attendance of the general public, lho number being below what, 'might reasonably have been expected under the circumstances. The wicket was again in good order, favouring tho batsmen rather than Ihe bowler?. Canterbury, with seven wickel.! down for 130, against Olago's firsl innings score of 202. took tho wickets at 2 o'clock, Sims and Bennett, the two nol-onf men, facing the bowling of Downes and Fisher. Sim? played perfect cricket, giving the finest -exhibition of the match. Canlerbury required 72 to calch Olago, but the last wicket, fell when only 35 of that mimlier had been compiled Olago thus stalled Iheir second innings with 37. runs in hand, The innings had not, long stalled when Boxshall, the , Canltrhtiry wicket-keeper, in taking a fast one from Beimel I, had (lie misfortune to very severely injure his right thumb, the (op joint being badly split. Ilowden, the Otago. batsman and a medical sttidenl. brought . lii.s : surgical knowledge to bear, and (leltly slilchcd the wound, enabling Boxshall to resume his post after a. short relirenicnl. The fenlnro of Olago' s innings was the line stand made by Ilowden and Graham. It was jiarlieulaily pleasing lo see llm laller strike form, and he playfd reuliv good trick-el until given out, as, stumped by Boxshall. There is considerable doubt as lo whether Ihe exAustralian was really stumped. Boxsha.ll appeared to fumble Ihe ball, ami the general opinion was thai the hails fell before Ihe ball touched the wickets. That, Graham was out of his crease there can. lie no manner of doubt, and lie acceptcd' Ihe umpire's (Mr Cooper) verdicl as it mailer of coins:', and at once made for Ihe pavilion, so lli:il .ihere was leiilly no need for lho lowier (Olliviei) lo Mihsequeiilly pull a stump oul of Ihe ground. The umpire's verdicl had already 'been given. Graham, had put. on 37. looked capable of making a big store when thus overtaken by one of the inisforluues or crickcl. Ilowden played a brilliant innings for 62, being eventually caught by Lusk. Baker, the top scorer of (lie first innings, fell an easy victim to, Pirns, who evidently put himself on lo bowl for Ihe special purpose of getting Baker. Anyway, he sent down a full-toss lo the ex-Grange man for his first ball, linker promptly slogged it oyer to Ihe on, where a inan was calmly waiting to receive it. Kxifc Baker with a. single lo his credit. Siedeberg played a serviceable innings for 23. ami Wilson, who went in somewhat late, and when llio score was below what appeared to lie necessary, brought caul ion lo hear, and by careful play not, only put on 25 not, out oft his own bat, but by example was successful in prolonging Ihe innings. The last Olago wicket, which, by flic way, was a dear one for Canterbury, lickhoff laliling up 19 in quick lime, fell within a few minutes of 6 o'clock, and .slumps were drawn for tho day. Otago had made 211, which, with their lead of 37 runs on tho llrst innings, set Canterbury the lask of making 248 runs to avert defeat and 249 runs lo secure a win. Tho wicket, which had played exceptionally well, and had been in favour of lho balsmon. sljowed smis of wearing at Ihe end of the day, and, given a. continuance of fine weather, the chances favoured Otago. During the night, however, a, great slor.m of wind arose, and yesterday morning broke dull, wilh a light southerly wind. About 10 o'clock tho wind veered round to the south-west, and lieavy vain camet on. For about an hour and a-hqlf rain fell very sleadilv, and for a whilo it f,coined doubtful whether play would lx' resumed. However, about half an hour l>efor«* noon—tho appointed hour e for starting,-tho rain suddenly went oil, ami the sky cleared, and there was no more rain during the day. As a matter of fact, tlw rain did no dumogo so fur as the wicket wa-s conoerned, and Canterbury's prospoctfl should have been improved by it. The grass was just sufficiently wet to affect tho ball so that the bowlers could not get liny work on. Willi a strong sun shining, the wicket up till after tho luncheon adjournmont was certainly in favour of tho batsmen; afler that it was neutral. A fairly strong soulherlv wind was blowing, but did not appear to detrimentally affect play in any way. Tho attendance of tho publio was only moderate. Canterbury made a very |»or stand, all things considered. Sims gave another characteristic exhibition, batting splendidly until unfortunately ran out when 38. Of the others, Anthony, who, made 17, had three lives off Fisher's bowling—two of thorn being very difficult ones to catch—before being caught o.T Downos; and Bennett, who made 22, had a couple of lives, Downes dropping a hot retnrn off his first ball. Thcso wcro the only ones to get into double figures. Boxshall, although ho pluckily continued Keeping wickets on Tuesday, found 'his hand too painful yesterday to permit of his tak lug pari in lho game, and C-antevonrY accordingly hatted one man short. As' tli'o iiinlh wicket, however, fell when 139 tuns were wanted to equal Olago's score, the io«s of the wicket-keeper's services wilh the bat in no way affected (lie result of Ihe match. With tho exception of ono over, when Eckhofl' took a turn at the ball lo enablo I lie bowlers lo cha-ngo ends, Downos ami Fislier bowled throughout Ihe innings; and that Canterbury, on a favour•'bio wicket, were disposed for only 309 speaks for itself as to the manner in which these, well-tried Iriimllors played up lo their past performances. Downes secured fivo wickets for 62 runs and Fisher three foil 32, but Anthony and Bennett should nlso have fallen to Fisher, both batsmen being Jnissed oft his bowling. Tho Otago lidding was keen, and wilh the exception of two fairly easy catches that were missed loft nothing to be desired. Two of the chances that Anthony gave lo Aekroyd ■ should -hardly be counted against the latter, inasmuch as although tho lioldsman got hi<i hands on to (he ball it was at such an angle ■ I lirit it would have been large! v a inciter of luck to have brought oft a <i.tch. Williams did splendid work behjnd I lie wickets. ' The Carishrook groundkeeper, .Mr Wal.son. is to bo complimented <m the wicket and Ihe oulfield. .Messrs ( ooper and .lelley actol as umpires throughout the match.

TI'ICSDAY'X PLAY. •■Vlii'ii play was resumed at 2 o'clock on Tuesday Canterbury were 150 for seven wickets, Sims (41) and Bennett, (0), Ihe not-out men, resumed batting against the, bowling of Downes and Fisher. Bennett ran into double figures, when he was dismissed by sc,ailing one-from Fisher into Aekroyd's hands at third man. Boxshall rail up 6. when he was dismissed by Downes. Malone. Ihe hist man, was slumped by Williams liefore he had scored, the innings closing for 165. or 37 behind Olago. Sims, the not-out- man, with 59 to his credit, played a lino, sterling game, and gavo a very pleasing ami interesting of clean, clever batting against first-claw bowling. The Olago innings commenced a few minutes before 5 o'clock. Ackrovd anil

11rnliivm opening for Olago against- the kiwling of Mitlone mid Ollivier. Aekroyd , li'ul a very short life, spooning a soft one from Malone into OUivier's liaihls at silly point before lie had scored. Ilowden joined Graham. and the. partnership proved a very profitable* one' for Otago, tlie score being carried from 7 to 78 before it was dij-soivrd by Graham l>oiiig stumped ill the manner previously described. Graham played a splendid innings, many <if his strokes bo in:; loudly applauded. Everyone wan ploa-sed to see the ex-Aus-tralian make a score and get in some of llie work for which he so justly has a reputation. His placing and lute-cutting were particularly meritorious. lioW(k*n I lie while was laving on the willow and getting in a lot of clover work, his glances to lei} being u. feature of his innings. Sictleberg joined Ilowden, ami runs continued to come freely, tho century being hoisted with only two wickets down. At 118 Ilowden had the bad luck lo tip out* from Bennett- into Lusk's hnnils, mid retired after a very meritorious innings for 62 runs. It was tho liest piece of bat 1 work in the match on Otaso's side, and second only to Sim s 's throughout the ihree

(lays. Baker joined Siedeberg, Imt after ho had scored a single Sims went on and tempted him witii a full-toss whioh 15akcr promptly smote lo the on into Anthony's bands near the boundary. Four for 119. Austin came in, but 11 runs later lost his clubmato, who was caught by Head oft Ollivier, after adding a serviceable 23 lo tho score. Wilson joined Austin, and the score was carried from 130 to 160 before Austin lost, his wicket, to Lusk. licing caught by Head. The retiring batsman played with refreshing vigour, and well earned his 15 runs. Fisher was the incomer, but did not get fairly going before lie was brilliantly caught by Lusk oil' his own howling. The seventh wicket fell a I 171. and Downos only put on an additional 3 when he was out Ibw to llenii'Mt, Williams joined his caplain, and rati led up 13 in vigorous style, carrying (he score from 174 to 187, when he was caught bv Sims, off Lusk. Kckhoft' filled the broach, anil onco set to work by knocking the bowling about. Wilson was lonc-erned chielly in keeping his wicket up, and out of 24 put on by tho lost-wicket partnership Eekholl' contributed 19, being eventually caught by Ollivier off husk's bowling. Wilson r<»turned to (ho pavilion with 25 not out

against his name. The innings closed for 211, just before 6 o'clock, leaving Canterbury a full afternoon in which lo make

the 249 required to win. The Canterbury fielding showed- a marked improvement- on that of .Monday. YESTERDAY'S PLAY. At 12.30 yesterday Otago look tho field, and two minutes later Lusk and Anthony, for Canterbury, came, to Ihe wickets, the former taking strike from Downes, who bowled from tho railway end. Lusk opened his account by cutting Downes for a single. Fisher, who Ixuvled from the south end, sent down a maiden. Lusk

got a 4 for a nicely-placed one through ihe slips, oft' Fisher, but opt Ihe nexl. ball, the last of the oyer, lo the slips, where, Aekroyd, at third man, was handy, and brought, oil' a. catch. 5 15. ' Sims partnered Anthony. A 2 In Kims, oil' Kislier, and 4 to' Aulhonv. oil' Downes, brought 10 up. after 20 minutes' play. This was Anthony's opening store, and he followed it up by driving Ihe next bail for a couple. In Ihe next over he cm Downes to Ihe Ijoundury, the hall liuumlijig ovt:r Fisher's head, and for a late cut off the (fringe trawler he stored 3, bringing up 20 on the hoard. With his score at 13 Anthony gave a very difficult chance off Fisher to Aekroyd, who got his hands on lo lho ball but, fell, losing possession. Scoring was very slow, the fielding keeping down the runs very materially. The batsmen were _ playing very cautiously, Sims scoring 6 in half an hour at the wickots. Austin missed a late cut by Sims, 2 resulting, and bringing 30 up. Two balls later the satno batsman cut one past Wilson to the lioundary for 4, both hits being off Downes's bowling. With his total at 17 Anthony gave Aekroyd, at third man, another difficult chance, off Fisher, but Aokrovd again fell when attempting to tako tho ball low down. Wilh the score at 34 Dowries, oil' vhosu bowling 24 runs liatl been hit, changed ends with Fisher, lOckboff going on for an over in order that, tho change might bl died oil. Sims hit 10 off Eckhoft's over. Downes's change to tho south proved effective. Anthony being caught off the fifth ball bv Wilson at short mitl-ofl. 44—2—17. The luncheon adjournment Was here taken, afler 52 minutes' play.

l'lay was resumed at 2.15, Ollivier partnering Sims. Fisher took up the bowling at the railway end. Sims cut the second ball, and a, run was ossayed. Wilson lioklcd very promptly to Williams, but in the umpire's opinion Ollivier wan in his creaso before tho bails went off. It was a close shave. Fifty appeared as the result of an hour's play, Sims having contributed 30 out of the total. Sixty appeared two overs later, thanks to a couple of 4's to Ollivier, off Downes. Both batsmen w-ero making the most of their opportunities, and by smart running between the wickets wero notching off singles. Olliviei' ultimately put, up one from Fisher to Siedeberg at cover, tho ball being safely held. 65—3—9. Pattrick came in next, anil scored a couple olf his second ball from Fisher. Sims sent Downes away twice for a couple each time, bringing up 70. Fisher's record at this stago read 14 overs, 7 maidens, 20 runs, two wickets. Pattrick withstood an appeal from Downes for leg before, but Ihe following ball Downes had satisfaction, Pattrick sending tho ball into the slips, wliero Uckhoff brought, off a fine catch. 72-4—2. Whitta was the incomer, and in the third ball of Fisher's over sent a hoi ono into Eeklioff's hands at short slip, Ihe chance, however, not, being accepted. Two balls later Whitta hit a short one to Ihe off. Sims made the call and commenced to run, but Whifta_ did not respond, and Siedeberg by smart fielding returned to Fisher, who had Ihe bails off before Sims could get back. 73—5—38. _ Bennett came in, but 5 runs later Whitta lost, his wicket to Downes, being caught at short- mid-oil' by Wilson. 78—6—4. Read was the incomer. Bennett lifted Downes for 3, 4 byes wcro scored, and Read got Downes away for a brace, 90 appearing on the board. Both men hit out frceFv, Iml the kocn fielding kept runs down to a minimum, several boundaries being saved. With the score at 95 Fisher gol one past Road, elean-bowl-ing him. 95-7- 5. Bain joined Bennett-, and scored a single oil' Fisher, Bennett driving the same bowler to Ihe boundary for 4, bringing up 100. The century took 1 hour 50 minulcs lo compile. With the score still at 100 Bain was given out Ibw to Downes. 100—8—1. Malone camo in next. Beimel I scored a single off Fisher and 2 off Downes. The next ball from tho Grange Irawler Bennett lifted high away to the outfield, but Aekroyd let it go through his hands, 2 resulting. Bennett signalised his let-off by sending Downes to leg for 4. Fisher sent down a maiden, and in the following over Downes secured Bennett's wickel. the batsman skying one and Williams bringing off an easy catch.

109-9-22. Boxshall, Ihe tenth - man. did not bat. owing to his injured hand. The match thus ended in a win for Olago by ■ 139' runs. Sooves: -- Otago, First Innings 202 Second Innings. Ackrovd, c Ollivier, b Mulone 0 Graham, 411411128134413311, st Boxshall, b Ollivier 37 Iloivdon, . 112322111:111144114444431441, c Imsk, b Bennett 02 Siedeberg, 141121423-1, c Head, b Ollivier .. 23 Baker, 1, e Anthony, b Sinus 1 Austin, 12141141. c l'attiiek, b l,usk.. .. 15 Wilson. 42444111112, not- r.ul 2.', Pislier, 11411. e and b Lusk 8 Downes, 12, Ibw, h Beimel! 3 Williams, 14:141. >• Sims, b imsk 13 KekliotT, 1144141, e-Ollivier, h Lusk .. .. 11l Kxlrss 5 Total ..211 Bow.ing Analysis.—Bennett, 21) overs, 5 ni»itlcii9, 82 rims. 2'wickets: Malone. 0 overs, 2 maidens, 27 runs,, 1 wicket;. Ollivier, 11 overs. 3 lmtiden*, 4U runs, 2 wickets; Read, 3 overs, 23 runs; Llisk, 10.4 cvers, 1 maiden, 33 runs, 4 wickets;' Sims, 1 .over, 1 maiden, 1 run, 1 wiekel.

Canterbury.—First Innings, Lusk, 44, b Downes 8 Anthony. -.ffiMlMl 14211, b Fisher .. M Pattriek, st Williams, b Downes .. .. I) Ollivier, HIHMUII, c Eckhoit, b Downes 13 Whitta, 1.122, b Eckhofl 8 Sims, WlU2Ui;H3li4l2Ul32mi2Uslll, not out so Head, 11111111, e Williams b Downes .. 8 Bain, c Wilson, b Fisher o Bennett, Jli, e Ackrovd, b Fisher .. .. lo Boxshall, Ht, b Do.wnes 0 Jlaloiif, st Williams, b Downes 0 Extras ...• G Total IG3 Bowling Analysis.—Downes, 2'J.S overs. -I nuidens, 55 runs, (1 wickets; Fisher, 'it overs, G maidens, IB runs, 3 wicked; EokliotT, 9 overs, II maidens, 23 runs, 1 wicket. Second Innings. Ijiisk. 14, e Aekroyd, b Fisher 5 Anthony, c Wilson, b Downes .. 17 Sims, 329*2144212122112211, run out .. ..38 Ollivier, 144, c Siedeberg, b Fisher .. .. 9 Paitrick, 2, c Eckhofl', b Downes .. .. 2 Whitta, 4, c Wilson, b Downes 2 Bennett, 133211224, e Williams, b Downes 22 Read, 221, b Fisher 3 Bain, 1, lbw, b Downes 1 Malone, not out n Boxshall, absent (hurt) 0 Extras .. 0 Total 109 Bowling Analysis.—Downes. 122 balls, G maidens, G1 runs, 5 wickets; Fisher, 120 balls, 8 maidens, 32 runs, 3 wickets; Eckhoff, 6 balls, 10 runs. Tho cash takings ai the gate for the throe days ainimntod to about- £95. of which £50 was taken on Christmas Day. ENGLISH TEAM v. WELLINGTON. (Per Uxited Press Association.) Wl-XLIXdTOX. December 25. The innovation of wicket- 011 Christinas. Day was a groat eiiccca*. judging by the attendance to see the Englishmen play their first .match in Wellington, for though 110 trains were running, there were some 4000 people 011 tho ground in the afternoon. The day was sunny but breezv. and the ground very fast. The ball' fairly bounded on it. and it- was difficult to nop a good hit reaching tho boundary. Tho fieldiug of tho local men, however, was rery good, ami many fine strokes were

well stopped. The visitors were fortunate enough to get- the first hit, and as they are already feeling the effects of oonstant travelling they were not. sorry to miss art afternoon's fielding. Burns was in excellent form, and with Harrison put on 64 runs at tho start. Upharn bowled in a way thai forbado many runs being made, but lho Englishmen did well until itonaglian went, on. 110 secured three wicket* quickly, and had two difficult- chances missed as well off him. Branston scored smartly, but so far the visitors have scarcely batted up to expectations.

England having won Ihe toss, Johnson and Douglas began balling, Upham awl Tucker bowling, the latter with the wind behind liiin. Douglas survived #n appeal for Ibw first ball, but Johnson had barely time to get in three or four nice boundary hits when Upham was successful with a second appeal, and Douglas had lo leave. 22—1—5. When Harrison came in Johnson mifi.vhit Tucker, and by a great effort Hawthorne held the cnlcli ct cover,' rolling over in doing so. 24—2—15. Burns joined Harrison. Both men got occasional 4's oft' tho slow bowler, but treated Upham, who was very straight, with great respect. A drive by Harrison for 3 was the only stroko of consequence mads from him for a muulier of overs. At 44 lirice relieved Tucker. A run was stolen from his first ball, which nearly cost. Harrison his wickel. With the help of a fine off drive by Burns 50 appeared at 3.25. As Ihe men got set they began to bit wilh more confidence. Seven worn scored off an over of Upham's, and at 60 ho gave way to Monaghan. Harrison gave a difficult chance off his second ball at inid-on, for which Collins did not. start soon enough. Next over Burn*; drove lirice three times for 4, making 76 for an hour's play, Brieo was thereupon changed [or C'oberofv, who had tho pleasure of seeing Hnrns send him over ihe ropes to leg, 9 in all coining from his first over. In Moiiagliun's next over Harrison was slumped. 90-3—19. Two balk later Page, was luiwled. Cobci'oft, made amends for his bad beginning by bowling Simpson-llayward wilh ihe second ball sent down lo him. The .haismau played forward, misled it, and seemed very surprised to find himself oul. 93—5—1. Branslon joined Burns, and assisted to bring 100 up, Burns at Ihe same time reaching 50. C'obcroft's next uver produced 9, mostly lo Branslon. and the score, was advancing very quickly when Burns at last returned ono to Monaghan. 111—6—51. His was a vigorous innings, and included a 6 and seven 4's. With Towns and Branston together, Tuoker came hack to the crease, A better change would liavo been Upham, who had been bowling well. Tucker was hit for 4, and a number of singles followed, Monaghan, however, stuck the batsmen up, and off him Branston gave a hot- chance at. leg, which Beechey stopped, but could not hold it. Just as another change seemed advisable Monaghan bowled Torrens, 137—7—8. Branston, who had been scoring briskly, brought, 150 up with Wynyard's help, and was then caught at point in trying to cut Monaghan. 152-8-32. Wynyard, when joined by Fox, lifted Monaghan to the 1-ope.s, one of only two boundaries scored off Itini. Fox wns quickly stumped, and nine wickets wero

down for 160. The innings clowd for 204. Wellington had half an hour's batting, and lost two wickets for 27 Hickson (10) and Collins (11) being disposed of. The sum of £350 was taken at tho gate. December 26. Wjrnyard _ and his men inuit have imagined that- they were playing football rather than cricket to-day, for by lunch lime three of thorn were hors (le combat.

Douglas strained his side a few minutes after play was resumed, and left tho field. Then Wynyard fell a victim to an old weakness in his leg, wrenching a muscle so badly that lie bad to bo carried off tho field and placed in a, doctor's hinds. Just before tho midday adjournment Torrens twisted bis leg, and could not go on bowling. Torrens will be able to bat with a man to run for him. but, neither of the others can take any further part in the match. Notwithstanding these mishaps, the visitors looked likely to dispose of tho local men for a comparatively small scorc. May, bowling with tho wind, sent the balls in at such a pace that lie took three wickets almost at once, and for a long time practically nothing was scored oft him. The Wellington captain, however, maintained his place at, the wickets, and when Monaghan joined .him scored fast, taking risks which he had avoided at first, and giving two hard chances in doing so. Eventually he reached the century, much (o the delight of the spectators, who cheered him heartily, and who wore joined by the Englishmen in their applause. Williams was very powerful on the leg side, and mado a largo number of boundary hits in that direction. The lieldintj of the visitors was excellent, especially the way they picked up tho ball on the run and returned it without wasting lime. Their good example was not lost on the local team, who, when their turn came, also exhibited some very fine fielding. Oil going in again, Burna and Johnson made a threatening stand, and Wellington were well rid of the former for 59. lie had some luck, as two or three hits went very near the fieldsmen, and from one lie ought to have been caught, 'but the wiong man went for the ball. As the gamo now stands the Englishmen have a little the best of if, but; the chances arc that it cannot Ik finished. In tho absence of _ Wynyard Johnson captained the visitors.

The fln.T was again fine but stormy, and the &ttendanco was about lmlf tlmt of yesterday. When the not-out s (C'obcroft and Mahony) resi moil liaUing Towns bowled an over to let. Douglas and Simp-son-IJayward change ends. Douglas and May rocked (lie ball in at. such a pace that tho batsrnen were powerless to touch it, excopt at the lisk of being caught by one of the four men cchaloncd in (he slips. Douglas was only able to bowl one over, and was replaced bv May, who is .still faster. Occasional hits were made olf some of ihe slow bowler's erratic fullksres, and !\y slow degrees 50 appeared. It was linn that the English captain came lo grief in trying to stop a cut by Cobcroft. There was some delay before the game was resumed with Tufnell and Our\v«n iii placo' of Douglas ami Wyn.va.rd. Shortly afterwards C'obcroft was caught in the slips. 63-3-16. Williams opened with a brace of 4's from full-pitchers, and then lost Mahony, who ivas well caught low down by May oil' u sharp return. 68— 't—ls. Uecchey was soon bowled, and Tucker came in. Torrens relieved Simp-son-liayward, and had an unfortunate career. I lis first ball—a full-toss—Wil-liams sent lo Ihe leg boundary, and he despatched the next in Ihe same direction. Then Torrens fell lame, and finished lip with three flow balls, one of which was sent flying lo Ihe ropes. Branslon took his ' place, and at luneh time the score had readier 8? for live wickets. After luneh Williams—an Knglisti visitor—fielded in place of Torrens. Williams drove Branslon to long-oil. and then i.ii. him lo lee. each stroke bringing 4. and 100 appeared with the assistance of a bye. A run later Tucker was softly taken in the slips olf a feeble stroke. 101—6—6. Hawthorne shaped more confidently than his predcrKsnrs at May, who at this singe lia<l sent, down 13 overs for a run apiece. Williams continued, his powerful leg hitting when opposed to the others, but could do nothing with the Surrey man. At 127 Hawthorne wax well caught at mid-on. Brico failed allogellicr, and eight wickets were down for 135. Monaghan did not inspire confidence at the start, and Ihe end appeared in sight, but lie proved unexpectedly diflirnlt to dislodge, and gave his skipper a chance lo increase his score. Willi; ins reached 50 safely, and then began to hit oet, with the result that he was twice mi?sed—both hard chances lo ihe left ham!. Simp;on Jfayward caused consider able amusement by his method of varying iohs. He sent up a skying full-toss. ono moment and a downright grubber at intervals. Once Williams did put one. up near May, but the latter could not reach it. May went on again after a rest, and was cut for 'I bv Monaghan. who also got a brace of flukey' ones behind the wicket oIT Bransron. Burns relieved the latter, and after 50 runs Imd been added the partneiship was broken by May taking Monaghan finely with one hand in the slips. 185—9—17. Monaghan made a stand just when runs wore lxiilly needed When Vpliam, the last man. arrived his captain's total stood at 87. and after a number of had been scored, chiefly from lobs, which bof-h men treated with respcct. a little excitement was imparled to a rather ordinary day's cricket hv ihe double prospect of the M.C.C.'s total being reached and of Williams achieving a century. When 95 the latter hit. Hay ward to square-leg. Johnson saved a boundary, but returned the ball a little wide or Williams would have been run out. Then the batsman cut the same howler for 2. and reached 99. Off the fifth ball of the next over he secured ;i. needed single, a::d a eeneral roar from ill" fi'.cclalors htplpil.ili> hoisting of his 100. In the following over he jumpedout to S'mpsou-Jiayv.ard fo r the first time, anil landed a slinging drive in the hands of Hums, who brought oft' a line catch at mid-off. 211—1C—100. Williams's innings included sixteen 4's and eight 2's. and comprised more than half the runs that, actually came from the bat.

Tiie M.C.C. began their second innings with Harrison and Johnson. This time ("pliant was put on with the wind, and Jlonaghau, as before, bowled asainst it.

Harrison lifted the fast- bowler to the fltfuarc-log boundary, and next, ball was bowled bv one that Lout low. 11—1—7. Burns had a narrow eseaiw as soon -us Jio camo in, skying one which foil just short, of mid-on, but he might, have boon caught by the bowler had not Collins gone for the ball. Burns then put another just out of Brice's reach at the other aide of the wicket. Apart from these two faulty strokes both men seemed to he at homo, and they secured some nice hits. At 30 Burns was in luck again, as lie might have been run out. After that he began to hit all round tho wicket, and brought 50 up with four boundaries, following with another to square-leg, off Upliam. At 61 Tucker and Brico went to t.lie howling crease, lint did not make much impression. A mmil>er of very good strokes were well stopped, the Holding- being very email, especially that of Cobcroft and Mahony, at miil-oft' and cover. Johnson batte<! very carefully, and was left a long way in tho rear by his more aggressive partner, who reached 50 with a clinking off drive, and then hel|te<l himself to another, both at Tucker's expense, Once again lie was let off from a. fast snick, which flew past tho wicket-keeper and slip to the canvas. Hawthorne relieved Tucker at 90, and Upliam went on against the wind. Off his second ball Burns was nicely cauelit in the slips by Hickson. 91—2—59. His innings included ion 4's, and was characterised by sturdy, all-round hitting. Tu the same over Upham sent Johnson back with a -trimmer. 95—3—19. Tago and Branston wok the score over the 100, and played out time without further loss, though lwtli Monaghan and Colieroffc were tried in hopes of seeming another wicket. The following are the scores:—

Exaum—First Innings. Johnson, c Hawthorne, b Tucker.. 15 Douglas, lbw, b Upliam .. .. 5 Harrison, st Williams, b Moiiaghsm 1!) Burns, c and b Monaghan .. .. 5t Page, b Monaghan '1 Simpson-Hayward, b Cobcrolt ~ 1 Branston, c Hickson, b Monaghan 32 Torrens, b Monaghan ..... .. 8 Wymvard, not out .. , v .. .. 27 Pox, st Williams, b Monaghan .. fi May, c Brice, b Monaghan .. 2) Extras .. 'J Total 20-1 Bowling Analysis.—Upliam, 1 wicket for 18 runs; Tucker, 1 wicket for 30 runs; Monnghan, 7 wickets 'or 50 runs; Brice, 110 wickcts for 23 runs; Cobcroft, 1 wicket for 48 inns. Second Innings. Johnson, b Upham 19 Harrison, b Upham ...... 7 Burns, 0 Hickson, b Upham .. 59 Branston, not out ~ ... ~ 12 Page, not out !) Extras 9 Total for three wickets .. 115 Wellington— First Innings. Hickson, 0 Fox, b Dougl>3 .. 10 Collins, st Pox, b Sinipson-Hny-ward 11 Cobcroft, c Branston, b May .. 10 Ma-hony, 0 and b May 15 Williams, c Burns, b SimpsonHayward 100 Boechey, b Kay 2 Tucker, c Simpson-Hayward, b Branston 0 Hawthorne, c sub., b Branston .. 11 Brice, c and b Simpson-Hayward 0 Monaghan, 0 May, b Burns .. 17 Uplin-m, not out- 9 Ixtras ~ 14 Total QU Bowling Analysis—Branston, 90 balls, 2 maidens, 59 runs, 2 wickets; Douglas, 42 bails, I! maidens, 13 runs, 1 wickot; Siunison-Hay-ward, 103 tells, 2 maidens, CO runs, 3 wickcts; Torrens, 18 balls, 1 maiden, 1-f mns: May, 114 balls, 0 maidens, 35 rims, 3 wickets; Burns, 20 balls, 1C rnn£, 1 wicket. ,