DUNEDIN CRICKET CLUB.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13996, 31 August 1907, Page 14

DUNEDIN CRICKET CLUB.

Following is the fourteenth annual report:— Tho committee look back upon the past season as tho most auspicious in the club's history. Tho season 1906-7 will be Tcrnembored by membars of tho club and oricketerß in general as ono of tho very best seasons that has been experienced in Buncdin, when it is said that ncrt a singlo match had to bo abandoned on account of bad weather. The season was a red letter ono for the club, as tho Senior Eleven had the honour of securing tho senior shield. To have tho premier toam baa long been the club's desire, and the committee is coniidont that all clubs will admit that the distinction which the Senior Eleven achieved was deserved. The team played consistently all through, and too much praise cannot be given to tho captain (Mr w. Mackersy) for the capablo manner in which he handled his team. To show the consistency of the First Eleven, nine of the team had averages ranging trom 17.30 to 31.30. Tho batting is headed by A. Eckhold, with, an avewgo cf 34.30, a really fine performance, while W. Mackerg- heads -tho bowling with -13 wickets at a cost' of 6.53 por wicket, another excellent performance. The No. 1 Second Grado did not quite come up to expectations, but it was not til! the last match that they lost the Socond Grade Championship, when the Albion teo-m inflicted defeat upon them, and they dropped from first to third place. But still'their performance throughout the season wa3 a very creditable one, This team was also strong in batting, 10 members scouring double-figure batting averages. J. "VVitkio heads tho list with an average of 31.66, and is closely followed by J. Graham 31.25, T. De la Mare 31.20, and J. Melviilo 27. J. Willne heads tho bowling also with 10.77 for 18 wickets, and W. H. Skitch was a good second with 23 wickets at a cost of 11.21, Th; J<o. 2 Second Grade team did not win many matches, but still they were always able to make a good fight, and it is felt that this team did not do themselves justice. D. Wilkio heads tho baiting in thi3 team with an average of ill, X. Kavaimgh being second with 15.73. A Johnston was the most successful bowler, with an average of 12,05. The Third Grado team, though they did.not win a great may. matches, did exceedingly well' under the circumstances, some of whom give promise of turning out good oricketcre. A. Eckhold has again the proud distinction of holding tie Maclean cup—an honour he thoroughly deserves by his splendid all-round play during tho season. On Labour Day a I team from tho club. paid a visit to Milton, and, alter an enjoyable game, sncceeded in defeating % local team. A team also visited Kaitangata on the 9th November, and. a very pleasant time was spent with, the Kaitangata bays, and tliiis match also resulted in a win for tho Bun cdin team. ,It was very pleasing to notice the good form shown, hv "the young members of the club, A.' Eckhold," 11. Rinnernwn, T. Do la Mare, and G. leys all showing good form, which augurs well for the future of the club. Messrs C. G. Wilson and E. Ackroyd represented Otago against Can- ! terb'ury, English team twice, and Southland. ! A. Eckhold and ~\V. Mackersy were selected ' to lepresant tho province against the Eng. ! lish team in the second match and : Southland. P. Courtis, H. Bannerman, and \V. Latham also played against Southland, and' P. Courtis, "Vi". Latham, and J. Graham re- . presented Otago against North Otago. T. j Do la Mare and N. Kavanagh were selected 1 in tile Second Grade representative. - team ; against Canterbury and Southland, while W. H. Skitch and • E. S. Wilson also playod in: tho Southland Second Grade match. The "tab has bsai sgsio iraf«rtjm»to' ju lsing '

the services of three valuable niembsrs in G. Wyeherley, S. Goycn, and E. Ackroyd. The first-nmnod especially ]ias been, an escellent worlrer.fer tho club, and his loss will ho severely felt. Each of these members iras tho recipient of a small prestation from ■tha members as a mark oi esteem in which they wero held. It is with deep regret that your committee has to report the death, of. Mr J. Blaney, who was a vice-president of the club sines its inoeption, and ltis cheery iranrer will be greatly missed by the members of the club.

financial.—The club commenccd the season with a credit balance. The bahuice sheet now submitted shows thr.t tli» club has still' u satisfactory balance, which, considering wo liavo - paid oil a liability of £12 10a to the Caledonian .Society, shows that the funds have bran carefully handbd. during the year. Your committee urge upon lb© younger membcrs tho necessity of taking ihotc interest iu the club, and not, leaving everything to tho older members, and of continuing to attend practice regularly.