CRICKET.

Otago Witness, Issue 3016, 3 January 1912, Page 60

CRICKET.

ENGLISH CRICKET TEAM IN AUSTRALIA. January 5 and 6.—-v. Goolong, at Geelong. January 12, 13, 15, and 16. —v. AUSTRALIA (Third Test), at Adelaide. January 19 and 20. — v: Ballarat, at Ballarat. January 23, 21, and 25. —v. Launceston, at Launceston. February 2,3, 5, and 6.—v. Victoria, at Melbourne. February 9, 10, 12, and 13.-—v. AUSTRALIA (Fourth Teat), at Melbourne. February 16, 17, 19, and 20 —v. Now South Wales, art Sydney. February 23, 24, 26, and 27. —v. AUSTRALIA (Fifth Test), at Sydney. March 1 2,4, and s.—v. South Australia, at Adelaide. OTAGO TEAM’S FIXTURES. February 16, 17, 19. —Against Auckland, at Oarisbrook. NOTES «¥ LONG SLIP The members of the Otago representative team returned from Christchurch on Friday by the second express, and were m-ei on arrival by the selectors, members of tho Otago Cricket Association, and admirers. An informal reception was tendered the team, opportunity being taken to congratulate tho players on their fine performance against Canterbury. Hopkins won tho trophy presented by the president of the Otago Cricket Association for the first Otago player to make a century against Canterbury, the Otago Cricket Association trophy for tho player who makes a century in interprovincial cricket, and Messrs Doy and Stokes’s trophy for the best batting aggregate in the match against Canterbury. Downes, on the vote of the team, won the trophy presented for the mest meritorious performance, and llamsden wen the trophy for the best bowling aggregate. Great regret was felt by the members of the Otago team that Siodeberg was too unwell to make the trip to Christchurch. On the easy wicket at Lancaster Park on the first clay of the Otago-Canterbury match Sicdeberg would have been in bis element.

The now Lancaster Park is certainly a vast improvement on the old—though it is the old so well-equipped and re-drossed as to be almost new. The pavilions have all been shifted round to face the east, and a fine new members’ stand has been erected, from the elevation of which a splendid view of cricket can be obtained. The .ground proper is smaller, and spectators are brought closer to the play. Tho turf has been freshly top-

dressed and is in fine condition, though it will take a couple of seasons at least to bring it to perfection. Tne ground is now the best-appointed in New Zealand, and in a few years will rank with some of the best in Australia

A large new scoring board which the Lancaster Park Company has erected was used tor the first time im the Otago-Canter-bury match. It would have proved a boon to the spectators had the figures been kept up to date, but too frequently the fig-ures were wrongly placed. The board it.s>9if is very complete and requires two persons to work it. This, possibly, is some objection from a financial point of view, for not every association can afford to pay two men to work the score board. As a convenience to the public it is splendid. Kenny, the Opofio representative, had no call to be got out Ibw in the first; innings of Otago against Canterbury, had he taken the proper que, Dan Reese was bowling lefthand round the wicket and swinging away. Kenny frequently played the Canterbury captain with his pads and was safe, but when Reese —wily tactician! —changed his delivery and bowled over the wicket Kenny should have taken the hint. The first ball of the change saw Kenny step in front and given out Ibw. In the long scries of matches between Canterbury and Otago only two centuries had been scored prior to this season’s contest. In 1880 O. Watson, playing for Canterbury, scored 175, and two years ago in Christchurch H. 13. Lusk scored 102. Now comes Hopkins, who Iras the honour of being the first Otago representative to score a century against Canterbury. Everyone was pleased to see Gerald Austin get going against Canterbury. Ho played a fine solid innings throughout, and was well sot when the unique incident arose which brought about his dismissal. Although Austin has made many good scores at various times, his 64 is his highest against Canterbury, his previous best being 37, Siedeberg’s 90 against Canterbury in 1905 was the highest score of an Otago representative against the sister province prior to Hopkins’s performance in last week’s engagement.

The chances debited against Otago on the first day of the Plunkot Shield match are Hopkina (78) to W. Carlton at cover point off Patrick; Austin (36) to J. Bennett, a hot ome-hand catch low down at mid-on; M‘Farlane before he had scored gave a chance to Lusk in the slips, and later to Oaygiil at square leg. Hopkins and Austin were taken to ta.sk somewhat by the Christchurch press for being over-cautious on a batsman’s wicket. But the fact is they went oiit to play the game for their, side, and a good start meant much to Otago. The batsmen certainly did not take any risks, but they put the blade into it when opportunity offered, and only the slow, dragging outfield prevented more runs being scored. Clipping off drives that would have gone all the way on a faster ground hung in the outfield and brought singles only. As a curiosity, It may bo mentioned that when W. Carlton took nearly five hours to score 63 the Christchurch critics wore silent as to his slow batting, but rightly praised the professional for playing the game for his side. Had patriotism not outweighed their judgment the same praise should have been .given the two Otago men. The Canterbury bowling was, in th'b main, in the hands of Reese, Bennett, and Sandman. The other bowlers —Ollivier, Patrick, Sims, and W. Carlton, —while useful enough as club trundlers, were not of xepres'entatvio class. It was recognised when the team was selected that a mistake had been made in leaving out T. Carlton, a left-hand bowler who created a favourable impression when playing for Canterbury against Otago last year. This bowler would have greatly strengthened the Canterbury attack, particularly on the first day of the match, when Hopkins and Austin had so completely collared the bowling. The wicket at Lancaster Park was unfit for the resumption of the Otago-Oantor-bury match on Tuesday morning, and it was decided to wait until 2 o’clock in the afternoon. At that hour the pitch had improved a good deal, rolled out easy, and was in favour of the batsmen. The ball was inclined to cut through, but under the sun’s influence the wicket dried and the bowlers were able to get some work on. Still, not enough to Ixave troubled the Otago batsman as it did the tail-enders. It was fortunate that Hopkins and Austin had made their fine start, otherwise Otago would have been in a bad way, for none of the other batsmen save Condliffe looked like making a stand. The bottom fell out of the Otago innings badly for no apparent reason. Certainly not because the bowling was difficult or the wicket bad. Reese and Bennett did not strike a length at the start, and Hopkins and M’Parlane became aggressive, runs coming, freely. It appeared then as if Otago were going to put up a big total. M’Parlane was the first to go. Ho .had been unhappy on the first day, but appeared to better advantage the second, and looked like getting runs. The bowling did not trouble him, but after getting Reese to the leg boundary and square-cutting Sandman beautifully to the rails the Albion batsman lifted one to the off which dropped dangerously near Ollivier, and in attempting to drive Sandman the Albion man was clean-bowled. Hopkins was the next to go, beaten by a straight ball that kept low, which the Carisbrook representative misjudged and played back to. Hopkins carried his total to 132, the second highest individual score ever made in matches between Canterbury and Otago. The highest score is Watson’s 175 for Canterbury against Otago in 1880. Hopkins gave a fine display of solid cricket throughout. His actual batting time for the two days was four hours. lie hit 10 4’s, but many of his strokes which only produced singles would have gone to the boundary on a faster outfield. Eckhold played the defensive game, getting in an occasional square cub, and the Dunedin Club man looked like staying when Boxshall took a smart catch behind the wicket. Watson opened well by hitting a full toss to the rails, and later on got in one or two crisp square cuts-. The ball now started to play queer capers on the wicket, and Watson made a mishit The ball went off the bat to Lusk at square leg, but the fielder dropped the easiest of catches. The life availed Watson nothing, however, for he was clean-bowled by Carlton the next over, before ho had got the measure of the wjeket. , Ramsden was beaten bv a ball which nipped' up quickly and dipped off, the bails. Condliffe played a good innings, mixing his attack and defence judiciously. His best stroke was a square cut, timed perfectly ana marked

by -fine tx)wor. After being at the crease for 70 minutes Condliffe lifted one high into the deep field, whore an easy catch was taken. Bannerman opened by lifting Bennett high and hard to the on boundary, but he was not comfortable’. Neither Downes nor Eckhoff made any show, and the innings closed abruptly. There was great rejoicing in the Otago camp when Downes got Norman caught at square leg a few minutes after Canterbury took up their first strike. Then Ramsden, who had just found his length, beat Cay gill with a perfect ball. Caygill is the Canterbury colt who played two fine innings against Otago at Carisbrook last year. Oliivier was at the crease some time before Downes beat him with a ball which kept low. It was thought that : Sims would stop the rot, as ho is in good form this season. After playing, several balls back, Sims got a ball from Downes which completely beat him, the batsman turning round, puzzled to see his wickets down, Carlton played solid cricket, off-driving powerfully, but taking no risks. Twice Downes boat the batsman and just boat the wicket, and before he had reached double figures Carlton was nearly run out from a smart throw in by Austin. Lusk was showing most aggressiveness, and made the majority of his runs by the use of a fine pull stroke. Before he had got into double figures, however, he went out to drive Downes, missed the ball, and gave Condliffe a good chance of stumping, which was not accepted. Dowries was getting some assistance from the wicket, and bowled well. Bannerman could not strike a length, both Lusk and Carlton getting on to him. Eokhoff sent down a lot of rather poor stuff. The ground fielding of Otago was slack, save that of M'Farlane at mid-on, ’ who earned applause for brilliantly stopping two of Lusk’s pulls in succession.

Canterbury, admitted on all sides to be the most powerful batting team that has over represented the province, played with her back to the wall, and put up a light which will be remembered when ether contests are forgotten. After the first four wickets had been lost cheaply, .the remaining Canterbury batsmen played for keeps. It was a fight to a finish, and Canterbury is to he congratulated on a magnificent performance. The panberbury batsmen took not the slightest ‘risk, every man. having to be dug out. W. Carlton, the professional! coach, set a splendid example to bis side, and it is almost solely due to him that Canterbury found herself at the end of the only 38 runs behind the Otago score. As an illustration of Carlton’s style of game, it is only necessary to say that he took nearly five (hours bo make 63. In \ one and a-half hours’ play before lunch he made only 18. It was a magnificent exhibition of defence. Downe s tried sll he knew to tempt Carlton to hit, but the professional covered his wicket with the whole face of the bat. When Cariton did open out to, hit, it was with a perfectly-timed' square cut and off drive. On the first day he narrowly ‘escaped being run out before reaching double figures, but it was not until he had reached 56 that ho gave a chance to Austin at mid-off. The ball came Head high. The Carisbrook representative, who had just previously brought off a magnificent catch: at. deep mid-off dismissing Reese, overbalanced as he took the ball, and falling backwards lost it. The life was not very expensive, for Carlton made only seven more runs, though talcing nearly 40 minutes to do it before he played a hanging bail from Downes into the hands of Watson at short leg. Lusk batted well, scoring mostly with a fine hook stroke, but- Rees© played very streakily, and scratched a good deal to Downes. The best exhibition on the Canterbury side was that given by W. Patrick, who, while showing impregnable defence, was masterly in attack. He w'as very strong on the leg side, hut it was the perfection of his off strokes and his square cutting that were the features of his play. Patrick made the highest score on his side, but just when he had passed Carlton’s total Eck > * Id bowled' him with a ball that swerved and came back. Otago had bad luck in not getting Patrick tun out juat after he had reached double figures. The babslman played a ball to cover and ran to Carlton's end, but the professional stayed in his ground. A smart throw in from Hopkins hit Carlton’s wicket, and tt)ho rrebouncL enabled Patrick to race back before Bokhoff could get the ball and throw down the wickets. It was a great slice of luck for Canterbury, and by no means a solitary example of good fortune which befriended the province during its innings. Dusk, Carlton, Reese, Sandman, and Patrick all had lives, and) had the chances been taken Canterbury would have been out for 150. Canterbury were at the wickets 6 hours 13 minutes for 264, against Otago’s five hours for 302. Downes worked his bowling well, but the style of game'" adopted by Canterbury was enough to dishearten a stronger bowling side than Otago hadi at its disposal. All the men who bowled secured wickets, but Downes and M Farlane were the only truhdlcrs who troubled the batsmen. Downes, getting a. little assistance from the wicket, bowled up to his best form, while M Tar lane sent down many lino balls. Ram&don kept a good length, and was swerving a good deal, but was not dangerous. Bannerrnan was a disappointment after his showing at Dunedin. He could not maintain a length. The Otago ground fielding was good, particularly that of Hopkins at cover. His smart stopping and accurate throwing in were frequently applauded. The light, which had not been good, was dull when Otago went in at 5 o’clock on Wednesday, and the wicket, after being cut and ' rolled, played much faster than at any previous stage. The team made a had start, and a regular rot set in. five wickets falling for 22 run. When stumps were drawn for the day the total had only reached 32. Kenny was bowled with a yorker by Bennett, and Hopkins was fairly beaten by Reese with a ball which broke from log, the Cariy brook man playing inside it. Austin was beaten by the pace of the wicket, playing back to a straight ball from Sandman, which just took the top of the bails. Austin, being in doubt, appealed. The umpire at the bowler’s end could give no decision, as his view was obstructed, and an appeal was made to the umpire at square leg, who gave Austin out, bowled. The batsman thought the ball had come off the wicketkeeper’s glove on to the bails, hence hie appeal. The incident caused a little sensation at the time, but it was afterwards proved that Austin had been bowled. M‘Farlane was playing himself in, and looked well set when he went do have a go at Sandman, and was caught by

Lusk in the slips. Condliffe, who had had a trying day behind the wickets, and was not fit, was clean bowled with a ball 'vtell pitched up, which he had misjudged. At fi quarter to 6 Downes went out and appealed against the light. The Canterbury captain left it to the umpires, who favoured play going on. The light had not been good for the last hour, but it was the faster wicket which, was beating the Otago batsmen. Otago put up a great fight for the Plunket Shield, and in the most exciting finish were beaten butViot disgraced. Otago, weakened by the absence of Siedeberg and Torrance, was not given a chance against the powerful Canterbury side. Carlton, the professional coach, practically won the game for Canterbury. Splendid as was Canterburies recovery on the first innings, no less splendid was Otago’s performance on the last day in dismissing seven of the best batsmen on the Canterbury side on a good wicket for 91. Two chances, absurdly easy, were given, and if they had been accepted would have meant the dismissal of the two not-out men Carlton and Ollivier —and the game would have hung in the balance on the last wicket, and the way in which Downes and Ramsden were bowling anything was possible.-' Rain overnight had not affected the wicket as was anticipated, and when Otago resumed on Thursday morning it played fairly true —if anything, perhaps, in favour of the bowlers, yet not enough to cause disturbance to the batsmen. It was anticipated that if Otago could set Canterbury 15b to get the southern province stood a good chance of winning, and subsequent events proved this to be sound judgment; but unfortunately Otago failed badly, Reese and Bennett skittling the remaining five Otago batsmen for 20 runs, and getting rid of tho whole side for the miserable total of 52. The collapse was totally unexpected, and allowing for the excellent bowling of Reese and Bennett, is unaccountable. Watson, was beaten by Reese with a ball that came back from leg, and Eckhold, who looked well set, lost his wicket in trying to drive a swerving ball from the Canterbury captain. Ramsden and Downes played Bennett on, and Eckhoff, the last man, was fairly beaten by Reese. The full time occupied was an hour and 47 minutes. It was recognised that 91 runs was a poor total to set Canterbury on a fairly good wicket, but as matters turned out it proved nearly enough, and with an element of luck would have gone close to a victory for Otago. A light shower fell during the interval, reducing Otago’s chances and handicapping the Bowlers with a greasy ball. Downes had recourse to the sawdust, and could not get a spin on the ball, but nevertheless he bowled so well that at tho end of an hour’s play he had had only two runs scored off him. The Grange trundler had Lusk feeling for a ball which the batsman played forward to and missed—a good ball which completely deceived tho batsman. Of the first ball after lunch Carlton, who was then 4, gave a chance in the slips, -where Bannerman and M'Faxlane were fielding. It was an easy catch for M’Farlane, but Bannerman dived for it, missed it, and blocked M’Farlane. Shortly after this, when he was 10, Carlton gave another chance off Downes to Eckhoff at silly point, but the ball fell short of the fieldsman. With the total at 40 Condliffe took a smart catch behind tho wickets off Downes, dismissing Caygill. The play was painfully slow. Downes tried all he knew to tempt Carlton, but to no purpose. The professional had been batting 78 minutes for 10 runs. Sims was almost beaten by Downes first ball, and although ho got 15, he was in sore distress all tho time to the Otago captain, who eventually got his wicket. Sims was partial to Bannermau, who could not strike a length, and scored tho majority of his runs off the Carisbroolj; bowler. Reese, too, got on to Banncrinan, whose three overs cost 21 runs. As Bannerman had been put in for his bowling and there was a possibility of getting tho batsmen to lift one, the Otago captain was justified in putting him on, though it proved expensive and made a difference to Otago's chances. When Ramsden was brought on the run getting almost ceased, and three wickets fell rapidly for only nine additional runs. The now bowler got the Canterbury captain caught by Hopkins at cover. The total was then 75 for four wickets, and with only nine runs added, Ramsden got Patrick brilliantly caught behind the wickets by Condliffe. Norman came in, to be out leg before to Ramsden without scoring. The excitement was intense. Downes at this stage had three wickets for 14 runs and Ramsden three for 8. With the next ball Ramsden had an average of four for 8, getting Sandman brilliantly caught in the slips by Eckhoff, who effected a marvellous one-hand catch from a fast one. The field now came close in, and cramped tire batemen. Seven runs' were wanted, and tho manner in which the last three wickets had fallen created possibilities of further sensation. It was not long in coming. Ollivier, who was not comfortable, had an absurdly narrow escape of a run-out from a smart throw-in by Downes, but Ramsden, at the bowler’s end, in his excitement, failed to gather the ball, and knocked the wicket down with his hands. This was tlio last chance, for, amid great cheering, Ollivier made the winning hit, off-driving Downes for 2. Canterbury thus won by three wickets after an exciting finish, in a game remarkable for its kaleidoscopic changes of fortune and glorious uncertainty. Both teams were heartily cheered as they came oft the field, and Carlton, who practically won the match for Canterbury,, was carried shoulder-high. The Otago players to a man deserve the congratulations of Otago Cricketers and admirers for the game they put up against such a fine batting side as Canterbury placed in the field. In the absence of a left-hand bowlc-r like Torrance, who would have been invaluable, and a batsman like Siedeberg, the Otago team’s showing in all the circumstances and through the various changes of fortune was remarkable.

The best display of cricket in the game was that of Hopkins, whose innings, from a cricket view-point, overshadowed any other individual performance. Austin’s innings was little less masterly, and was his best against Canterbury, as it was his highest score. The bowling of Downes throughout the game was nothing short of wonderful, and must rank with the best in his long career. In addition, he captained the side splendidly, utilising his attack to the best advantage, and exercising a judicious control over the Otago game generally. MT'arlane and Rumsdcn both bowled well, the latter doing fine work on the last day. Condliffe, who had been off bis game in the first innings of Canterbury made amends by _ taking two splendid catches, besides keeping wickets. The fielding of Otago was good, the stooping

and picking-up and returning being quick and accurate. Though beaten, Otago comes out of the Plunket Shield contest with honours.

OTAGO v. CANTERBURY. CHRISTCHURCH, December 26. After the soaking rain which caused the abandonment of play on Christmas Day the wicket was expected to be waterlogged yesterday morning, but the water had disappeared, and an inspection of the pitch at 11.30 brought about an agreement between the two captains to resume play at 2 o’clock. By that time the ground was in a fairly playable condition, but after play had progressed for an hour or so the damage done by the ball cutting through gave the bowlers a great pull, and any runs got during the day were secured by sheer merit, whilst many of the batsmen were out as the result of the ball’s vagaries. The result of the day’s play leaves Canterbury still a big handicap to make good, though they did as well as they could be expected to do. If the weather keeps fine and the wicket rolls out decently to-morrow morning they still have a good fighting chance, especially if they succeed in saving the follow on. There was a big attendance of the public, the threatening weather of the morning probably keeping a lot of holiday-makers in town, and the play, though for the most part slow, appeared to thoroughly interest those present. The fact that the local men are up against a stiff proposition appeared to keep the interest from flagging, and given tine weather to-morrow there should be another good attendance. It was early apparent that the wicket was far more difficult than on the first day and the rungetting fell away * correspondingly, the remaining eight wickets only adding 90 runs. Hopkins looked like giving further trouble until a very difficult ball beat him. Condliffo played a useful innings under very difficult conditions, for he played a lot of good bowling with excellent defence. He scored by good strekes all round the wicket, but his cutting may be singled out as being very fine, especially as the condition of the ground made this stroke difficult above all others. M'Farlane reached the boundary several times with powerful and well-timed strokes, but he was inclined to bo reckless. The Canterbury out-ericket yesterday was a groat improvement on that of Saturday, the fielding generally being sound and smart. Sandman, after having 56 hit off him without a wicket on the first day, bagged four for 20 _ to-day, and ho bowled very well, all his four wiokets being fairly beaten with good balls. Bemiett was not so steady as on Saturday, but still sent down some good balls, and he captured three for 34. Reese, though not keeping a good length at first, was fairly steady, though he failed to get a wicket.

One can hardly imagine a more difficult wicket than when Canterbury went in to bat, and it must bo admitted that the batsmen who got out showed by their play that they were good wicket batsmen, and they did not rise to the occasion. Indeed, with four good men out for 30 it looked as though most of the side would be out by closing time. However, Carlton had adapted himself to the difficult wicket with consumate skill, and receiving valuable assistance from Lusk, tho pair doubled the score, and played out time, without further disaster. Carlton earned unstinted praise for his sound display. Downes used all his wiles to tempt him, but not once did the professional make an impatient or bad stroke, with the possible exception of a ball that rose head high, which he chopped down dangerously near tho slips. Lusk also batted sobdly, though he did not look so firmly fixed as his partner, and at times he was hard put to it to keep Downes out. The Otago fielding, with one or two exceptions, was first class, being safe and smart, tho returns to tho wicket being especially accurate. Downes was easily the best of the Otago bowlers—indeed, ho was the only one who seemed likely to get wickets, and from the start to finish he had the batsmen playing him. for he varied his pace and length with the sanje skill as of yore, and no greater compliment could be paid him.

At 2 o’clock the two Otago not outs (Hopkins with 122 and M'Farlano with 4) resumed their innings to the howlidg of Reese from the north end and Bennett. Neither bowler pot his length and runs came freely. M'Farlane sending 230 up with 4 to the leg off Reese. This brought Sandman on, and M'Farlane cut his first beautifully for 4. He then lifted a ball dangerously near t<> Ollivier, and in trying to repeat the stroke next ball was clean bowled. 240 —3 21. Condliffo followed, but in Sandman’s next over Hopkins was beaten by a ball that came in from leg and kept low 241—4—132. Eckhold filled the gap. and play l)eca.me slow. Singles sent 250 up for 4i hours’ play, and then Condliffo lifted Bennett to the on for 3. The latter had his revenge by getting Eckhold smartly caught at the wicket in the same over. 254—5—5. Watson was next, and opened by hitting a full toss to the fence, and Condliffo reached double figures with a beautiful cut for 4. this being the first boundary scored off Bennett. Reese replaced Sandman at 265. and steady bowling still kept the runs down. Carlton relieved Bennett, and the ball was now cutting Queer capers on the heavy wicket. A mishit of Watson's gave Lusk a easy catch at short log. but it was dropped. It made no difference, however, as Carlton Ixiwled him in the next over. 276—5—10 appeared as Ramsden went, in Condliffo reached 20 by hittimr a short one from Roeso to the square leg fence. The latter then made way for Bennett, and Condliffo cut, him for 4, a lovely shot. Bennett in his next over bowled Ramsden with a beauty. 287—7—2. Downes’s appearance was erected with applause, and Sandman replaced Carlton. Condliffo cut, Bennett for 2, and off drove him fmelv for 4. In the same over ho lifted one to long-off, and was well caught, by Caygill.' 296 8—34. Bannerman joined his skipper, who opened out to Sandman, and was clean bowled. 297 —9 2 Eckhoff was last man, and Bannerman sent 300 up with the biggest, hit of the match, but Sandman bowled him next over, the innings closing for 305 after 5a hours’ play. After the usual interval Otago took the field, followed by Norman and Caygill. Downes opened the bowling from the north end, and both batsmen bi-oke the ice with singles. Ramsden howled at the other end. In Downes’s third ever Norman put a short cne into Eckhctf’s hands at short leg. 51 —1. Carlton was the ingoer, and after nine successive maidens Ramsden got a vort-er under Caved!’® hag. s—3—l.5 —3 — l. Ollivier followed, and Carlton sent 10 up

with a forward cut for 4, after half an hour’s play. Singles sent 20 up for exactly an hour’s play. Shortly after Ollivier was bowled with a ball well up, which came in from the off. 24—3—4. Sims joined Carlton, and after slow play Eckhoff relieved! Ramsden, who had sent down 13 overs for 10 runs and a wicket. Sims got 3 to leg off Eckhoff’s first ball, and Carlton sent 30 up with a pair. Downes, in his next over, bowled one all round Sims legs, which the batsman did not attempt to play. 30—4 3. Lusk was the ingoer, and Carlton reached 20 with 3 for an off drive, and) then got 2 for an uppish stroke through the slips. The same batsman was responsible for sending up 50, which had taken an hour and threequarters. The professiinal square cut Downes grandly for 4, and at 55 Bannerman replaced Eckhoff, and Lusk got him for two pairs with fine pull strokes, sending 60 up. Stumps were shortly after drawn for the day. December 27.

In the whole annals of New Zealand cricket it would probably be difficult to find an instance of a more meritorious recovery than that made by Canterbury against Otago to-day, and that under most adverse conditions. On the first day the visitors put themselves in a strong position by making 212 for the loss of only two wickets. Then 24 hours rain soddened the pitch, and made Canterbury’s task an hopeless one. However, notwithstanding the untoward conditions on the second day the local men may bo said to have slightly improved their chances, for after getting eight Otago men out for 90 they put on 61 for the loss of four wickets. Today the wicket had dried up considerably, though it was still all in favour of the bowlers, and in both batting and bowling Canterbury completely outplayed _ their southern rivals, until at the drawing of stumps to-day the latter had lost five of their best men, and were only 70 runs ahead. Of course the game is not by any means a foregone conclusion, and if the visitors can only put up one or two docent partnerships the home team may yet find it difficult to get the runs on a wicket impaired for four days’ play and possibly more rain.

The wicket had dried up considerably since Tuesday’s play, and though still difficult, it did not enable the bowlers to cut such queer capers with the ball, though at times a ball would pitch on a “ spot and fizz up in an unexpected manner. Under the circumstances the dreadfully slow batting was excusable, and the_ onlookers bore with it patiently, recognising that it was the only way to regain the lost ground. Tho weather was again very bleak, and the complete absence of sunshine left the strong easterly wind with a most chilling effect. There was a fair attendance of onlookers considering there was no holiday in town, the sum of £66 5s being taken at the pates. But what tho onlookers lacked in numbers they made up in enthusiasm, and the fine uphill play of Canterbury was warmly recognised. The two main factors in Canterbury’s good score were Carlton and Patrick, and it would be difficult to separate them in point of merit. Of course, it must be remembered that the professional had an hour and a half’s batting on Tuesday, when the wicket was far more difficult than yesterday, and certainly Carlton’s feat o hatting for 4g hours on such a wicket, and against uniformly good bowling will stand out as one of the grittiest batting performances ever put up by a Canterbury player. Throughout he gauged the length and flight of the ball with, unerring accuracy, and with one exception, when ho gave a chance with his score at 56, he never made a stroke that looked like ting him out. Of course, in suen an innings his scoring strokes were few and far between, but at times he got in some forward cuts with such power and good timing that they got to the fence notwithstanding the phalanx of fieldsmen on the off side. He also made some nice drives, though he seldom risked the stroke. Those who know Patrick’s usual brilliant style will recognise that in dropping down to a defensive game he “ played to the score and adapted himself to the necessities of the occasion in a most praiseworthy manner. For a long time he was as careful and almost as correct as Carlton, and even after ho was well set and putting on the runs by fine forceful strokes he rarely did the wrong thing. His scoring shots were all executed in masterly style, and over and over again he found the fence to long off or betivcen that and point, whilst an occasional back cut went off the bat in a wriety and most' finished style. He was batting for 2* hours. Lusk’s figures do not flatter him. lor ho played very soundly and patiently for his 35. Ho made some fine hook strokes, and at times got in a powerful drives. Conversely Reeses a) were all his innings was worth, for at no tirno was ho in ins best form. Like the others, however, he adapted himself admirably to tho “ stay in and the runs will come ” policy, and this had a cramping effect on his naturally free style. sandman made his runs in a manner that surprised oven those who recognise his abilities as a barman for whilst showing good defence ho scored his runs by orthodox and well executed strokes. . , The Otago out-crickct was first-class, and throughout the innings there was hardly a mistake made in the field, the only eenous one being Austin’s missing of Carlton, and this was caused by the fieldsman slipping just as the ball came to his hands. The ground work was admirable right throughout It would be difficult to differentiate between tho Otago bowlers. Downes probably troubled the batsmen most, but it was a wicket that suited him to a nicety, and from his end the ball kicked in a most bewildering fashion. Ramsden and Eokhoff ably seconded their skipper’s efforts for they both bowled exceedingly well, and at no time could the batsmen take liberties with them. , , Little need be said about Otago s second inning®. Excellent bowling by Sandman and Reese got rid of some of their star batsman early, and during the last halfhour the batsmen seemed quite overwhelmed with the position in which they found themselves. Both Sandman and Reese kept a splendid length, and the Otago batsmen were hard put to it to keep their ends up. Play was resumed at 11.30, the two notouts—Carlton (32) and Liask (12)—opening to the bowling of Downes and Ramsden. Runs came at a fairly good rate, chiefly through Lusk’s efforts. The first change in the bowling was successful, Bckhoff replacing Ramsden and getting Lusk caught in the dins off his first ball. 87 5 35. Reese followed, and a good stand was made, the batsmen taking absolutely no risks. The score was kept slowly, but surelv, moving until lunch time, the total

then being 142. Shortly after resuming Reese opened out to Bannerman, and gave Austin a hard, low catch at deep mid-off, which was well taken. 148— 6r— 30. Patrick joined the professional, and the latter gave Austin an easy catch at midoff, which w T as dropped. A. little later Patrick should have been run out, but the ball was thrown to the wrong end. Soon after, however, Carlton put a kicky one into Watson’s hands at short-leg. 176-7—63. Sandman followed, and soon became busy the score being taken to 228 before M’Farlane got one past him that kept low. 228 —8 —_ Bennett only got a pair, and was then bowled by M’Earlanc. 234 —9 —2. Boxshall was last man, and runs cam© faster than at any time in the match, Patrick making some beautiful cuts and off drives. With the total at 264, Eckhold got one past Patrick, the innings closing, after six hours’ plav, for 264. With a lead of 38, Otago commenced their second innings with Kenny and Plopkins. Bennett opened the bowling, and yorked Kennv in his first over. 1 —1 —0. Austin followed, and Reese, bowling from the other end, got a good one past Hopkins in his second over. 72 —5. M’Farlano was next, but Sandman replaced Bennett, and bowled Austin at once. 19 —3 —7. Condliffis failed to score, being beaten by a good one from Reese. 20—4 —0. Eckhold was next, but soon lost M‘Farlane, who lashed out at Sandman, and was caught in the slips. 22 —5 —9. Watson filled the gap, and after uneventful play stumps were drawn, with the score at 32 for five wickets. December 28.

After a long drawn-out match the local men secured a three-wicket victory over Otago, and thus continue to hold the Pkinket Shield, New Zealand’s badge of cricket supremacy. On the play there was not very much to choose between the two teams. The southerners perhaps had a bit the best of the deal in regard to the wicket, and it was only Oanterbury’s fine uphill play op the third day that turned the tide in their favour. When the gam© was resumed yesterday morning it was all in Canterbury’s favour, but the rain of tho previous night had again rendered tli© wicket treacherous, and as Otago had 70 runs on, with still five wiokets to go, it was possible that Canterbury would f ind it difficult to get the runs. The southerners tail of five, however, went down for 20 runs, thus leaving Canterbury only 91 runs to get. Even then they had little to spare, so well did Downes and Ramsden bowl and so keenly did the side field. The match was never exciting until the last twenty minutes. The Canterbury score sheet showed one for 17. two for 40, three for 56, four for 75, and the game looked very safe, but one of those remarkable changes so frequently seen came over it. Ramsden went on to bowl, and in quick succession he got Reese, Patrick, Norman, and Sandman. As each wicket fell the excitement rose, until Ollivier made the winning hit, and if the local men had had another 20 or 30 runs to got, or if Ramsden’s success hdd come before Bannerman’s expensive overs, the result might have been different. However, the “ifs” in cricket are illimitable, and at the best are more speculation. Otago went down, but they kicked hard as they went, and they played a good sporting game against what will be generally admitted was a better side. Tho weather yesterday was again most uncricket-likc, the usual cold easterly wind blowing across the ground, and rain threatening more or less all tho time. Under the circumstances, there was a very fair attendance, and the sum of £45 was taken at, the antes. The umpires—Messrs A. D. Hart, and R. Spencer —have given general satisfaction, whilst the scorers—Messrs Tillyehort and Austin — kept tho tallv going with accuracy and despatch. The new scoring board is a great improvement on the old, the state of the game and the individual figures heng clearly discernable all over the oval. When the men working it have had a little more practice it will leave nothing to be desired. As the Auckland professional (Keif) was largely responsible for winning the shield for Auckland and retaining it so long, so may the Canterbury professional (W. Carlton) bo credited with a very large share of the credit for Canterbury’s win yesterday. What was said of his play in the first innings applies with equal truth of his batting yesterday. Others played carefully for a time, and then an impatient or bad stroke sent them back to the pavilion, but not so Carlton. He never forgot for one moment, that runs were difficult to get on the treacherous wicket, and that tho safe game was the winning game. Indeed, yesterday he never made a weak or rash stroke, and he was the only man on the side to playDownes with absolute confidence. His batting in this match will long ho remembered ns the soundest ever seen in a Plunket Shield match. Of the other batsmen, Lusk spent his time in playing Downes with the utmost caution, but in. improving Canterbury's chances whenever ho got a chance at the other bowler. He got in some beautiful off shots from M’Farlane. Reese went in with a determination to end the game as quickly ns possible, and took all the risks, but there were some beautiful strokes in his score of 16. Sims also made things lively, and. like his skipper, got in some masterly strokes. His running between the wickets with Carlton was also very fine, and livened up what for the fnost part had been slow play. Caygill showed a lot of sound defence, but he let off a Jot of fine scoring balls, and hit chiefly table halfvolleys outside the off stump. As already mentioned, the Otago out cricket was most creditable. Downes was the star bowler and in hie palmy days probably never bowled better. His length was perfect, though with sufficient variation to worry the batsmen. His first 16 overs contained nothing but singles, and only once towards the close of tho innings was he hit to tho fence, and that was off the onlv short ball h© sent down. Ramsden’s fine average of four for 9 was got by good bowling. His length and direction were always perfect, and made one wonder why he was not put on until so late. The Otago fielding was invariably good, though there are two or three slow movers on tho side. Hopkinfi. at point, did splendid work, whilst Condliffc proved himself a stumper little inferior, if anvthinc, to the New Zealand keeper Boxsha.ll. Tho conclusion of the Otago second innings served to demonstrate that Reece is at the height of his bowling form. As in the first innings, ho kept a splendid length, and sent down very few loose balls, and his head work always had the batsmen “thinking.” Bennett also bowled really well, getting an even better average than Reese.

The little fielding the side had to do wav d °pTay € was resumed shortly after 11.30 r the two not-outs —Eckhold 5 and Watson 4 —opening to the bowling of Sandmanand Reese. With only, 7 added Reese bowled Watson with a beauty. *9—b—lU. Ramsden was next, but just a* the haii century went up Reese bowled Eckhold—--50—7—10 Downes followed, and as handman had failed to get his length Bennett replaced him, and clean bowled Rameden 50— Bannerman was hardly in before Bennett boat Downes with a fine off break. 51— Eckhoff, the last man only made a single, and was then bowled by Reese, the innings having lasted an hour and 50 minutes. Just after_ the innings closed drizzling rain ect in, but soon stopped, and Canterbury went out to try and make the 91 runs required to win. Lusk scored three 4’s off one over of M'Earlane’e, but, with the total at 17, Downes bowled him with a good off break. 17—1 —16. Carlton was next, end, by slow play, the score was raised to 40, when Caygill, who had been in trouble to Downes, was caught at the wicket. 40 2 10. _ Sims livened things up considerably, putting on 15 in ae manv minutes, but at 56 he played on from Downes. 563 —15. Reese at once made things lively, and, chiefly through his efforts, Bannerman’s three overs costing 21 rims. On Ramsden replacing him Reese was at onoe caught at cover. 654 —16. Patrick did not stay long before being smartly taken at the wicket. 84 —5—3. Norman was almost immediately out Ibw to Ramsden.-—84 —6—o. Ramsden got his fourth wicket through a magnificent left-handed catch in the slips bv Eckhoff. Sandman being the victim. 84 —7 —o. Ollivier then assisted Carlton to hit off the remaining runs, the innings having lasted 2 hours 40 minutes.

Otago.—First Inningis. Kenny, Ibw, b Reese . 11 Hopkins, b Sandman 132 Austin, run out 64 M'Farlane, b Sandman 21 CondJiffe, c Caygill, b Bennett 3f Eckhold, c Boxehall, b Bennett 5 L. Watson, b Carlton 10 Ramsden, b Benrett ' 2 Downes, b Sandman 2 Bannerman, b Sandman 5 Eckhoff, not out 0 Extras ... 16 Total 302^ Bowling Analysis.—Bennett, 48 overs, 27“ maidens, 51 runs, 3 wickets; Reese, 43 overs, 14 maidens, 91 rune, 1 wicket; Sandman, 36.1 overs. 6 maidens, 76 rune, 4 wickets; Carlton. 9.1 overs, 30 rune, 1 wicket; Ollivier, 3 overs, 16 runs; Patrick, 4 overs, 11 runs; Sims, 3 ovens, 11 rune. Second Innings. J. Kenny, b Bennett 0 C. C. Hopkins, b Rees© 5 G. G. Austin, b Sandman 7 T. Macfarlane, c I/usk, b Sandman ... 9 J. W. Condliffe, b Reese 0 A. Eckhold, b Reese 10 L. Watson, b Reese 10 J. Ramsden, b Bennett 5 A. Downes, b Bennett 0 W. E. Bannerman, not out 1 A. Eckhoff, b Reese 1 Extras 4 Total , 52

Canterbury.—Fii-st Innings. Cay gill, b Ramsden 1 Norman, c Eckhoff, b Downes ... ... 1 Carlton, c Watson, b Downes ... ... 63 Ollivier, b Downes ♦ Sims, b Downeo ...1 ... 3 Lusk, o Bannerman, b Eckhoff ?5 Reese. c Austin, b Bannerman 30 Patrick, b Eckhold 66 Sandman, It INPFarlano 21 Bennett, b M'Farlane 2 Boxshall, not out 13 Extras 25 Total 264

Second Innings. Lusk, b Downes 16 Cay gill, c Condliffo, b Downes ... 10 Carlton, not out 26 Sims, b Downes • 15 Reese, c Hopkins, b Ramsden 16 Patrick, o Condliffo, b Kamtden ... 3 Norman. Ibw. b Ramsden 0 Sandman, c Eckhoff, b Ramsden ... 0 Ollivier, not out 3 Extras 2 Total for seven wickets 91 BOWLING ANALYSIS.

OTAGO v. CANTERBURY. SECOND GRADE REPRESENTATIVES*. EASY WIN FOR CANTERBURY. This match should have commenced on Christmas Day, but Carisbrook Ground was too sodden to allow of play, and, irrespective of that, the weather conditions were such as to render cricket impossible. The opening of the match was accordingly postponed until the following day. When the teams assembled yesterday morning at halfjpast 10, the appointed ETine for commencement, the wicket prepared was not fit for play. However, thanks to the exertions of Mr Watson, trie groundkeeper, a wicket was prepared at the extreme southern end of the ground, and by half-past 11 it waa possible for the match to proceed. Canterbury won the toes, and Hammond (the captain) elected to send his side in. The wicket, even towards the end of the game, when a drying wind had for several hours been at work, could not be called fair, far less good, whilst for the first innings of both sides it was simply bad. It was purely a matter of luck in the first half of the game which side came out on and, although Canterbury were 13 runs t 9 the, good, it could, not be said at that stage that the score showed the quality of the teams. It was at no time a batsman’s

game, for the outfield was always sodden, and a ball after landing would not travel, and the batsman had to get it clean away to get anything more than a single. Loose stuff could not be treated in the orthodox manner, for the reason that there was no telling how a ball would come away from the pitch. In the first innings Fraser, with four 4's and a 3 and a total of 21 runs, easily carried off the batting honours on the Canterbury side. Otago’s highest scorer was Harvev, who knocked up 14, including throe 2’s and a 4. In the bowling, in the first innings W. Beeby, with eight wickets for 39 runs (for Otago), and Hudson, with six wickets for 36 runs, and Faulkner, three wickets for 13 runs, easily came out on top for Canterbury. The second innings started at 3.30. and it was not long before Canterbury collared the bowling. The scoring, of course, was not even ordinary, not to say phenomenal, but on the wicket it must be considered very fair indeed. Russell’s score of 20 included one 4 and six 2’s; Hobbs, who was not out with 23, hit two 4’s and five 2’s; and Boag, not out with 26 (the lop scorer of the match), hit out for four 4’s and five 2's, this being his complete score. The innings was declared closed with seven wickets down for 126. Otago’s fielding, which in the first innings had been remarkably' good, and better than Canterbury’s, was in the eecond rather poor, a number of chances being missed and needless runs allowed. Otago required 140 runs to win when they went to the wickets for their second try with only 55 minutes to play. Otago decided to attempt the impossible, and essayed the task of hitting up 140 runs in 55 minutes instead of merely playing the bowling. It is true the wicket was improving, but at its best it was a long way off being one from which it was possible to get 100 runs to the hour, except with the best of luck or, of course, bad bowling, and bowling was not’ Canterbury's weak point. The inevitable occurred, and Otago were all out for 31 five minutes before the specified time for stopping play. Hammond bowled two overs, and secured the splendid average of three wickets for 3 runs, whilst Faulkner in nine overs captured four wickets at the expense of 8 runs. Tim match, which, as the figures show, resulted in a win for the visitors by 103 runs, was witnessed by about 200 spectators, who were quite impartial in their acknowledgment of meritorious play. The following are the detailed scores: Canterbury.—First Innings. O’Malley, c Marks, b Beeby 5 Hudson, Ibw, b Beeby 0 Russell, b Beeby 12 Watson, b Beeby 11 Piercy. Ibw, b Beeby 0 Luttrell, o M’Neil. . b Beeby 2 Boag, c and b M‘Neil C Fraser, st Bowie, b Beeby 21 Hammond, b Edwards 12 Hobbs, not out ... • 6 Faulkner, b Beeby ... 2 Total ... 75 Bowling Analysis.—Beeby. 13 overs, 2 maidens, 39 runs, 8 wickets; Ho Id nee?. 4 overs, 3 maidens, 7 runs; M‘Neil,-4 overs, 20 runs, 1 wicket; Edwards, 4 overs, 1 maiden, 7 runs. 1 wicket. Second Innings. Hudson, b Harvey 8 Piercy. Ibw, b Harvey ... 4 Russell, c Marks, b O.‘Booby ... ... 20 Fraser, Ibw, b W. Beeby 13 Hobbs, not out 23 Luttroll, b M‘Neil 18 O’Malley, b W. Beeby 2 Hammond, b O.'Ducby ; 6 Boag. not out 25 Extras - ... 6 Total for 7 wickets (innings declared closed) ... ••• 126 Bowling Analysis.—W. Beeby, 13 overs. 4 maidens, 36 runs. 2 wickets; Harvey. 9 overs, 3 maidens. 25 runs, 2 wickets: M'Neil, 5 overs, 15 runs, 1 wicket; Edwards. 6 overs, 20 runs; O. Beeby, 5 overs, 1 maiden. 19 runs, 2 wickets; Marks, 3 overs, 1 maiden, 5 runs. Otago.—First Innings. Thomson, b Hudson 0 O. Bqoby, b Hudson 0 M’Neil, o Boag, b Faulkner 3 W. Beeby, c and b Hudson 9 Harvey, not out 9 Haig, c Piercy, b Hudson 7 Edwards, b Faulkner 0 Marks, c Fraser, b Faulkner 0 Bell, b Faulkner ... 12 Bowie, run out 3 Hold ness, not out 0 Extras 12 Total ... 60 Bowling Analysis.—Hudson, 15 overs. 1 maiden, 36 runs, 6 wickets; Faulkner. 10 overs, 2 maidens, 13 runs, 3 wickets; Piercy, 4 overs, 1 maiden. 4 runs, no wickets. Second Innings. W. Beeby, c Russell, b Faulkner 1 Edwards, b Hudson 4 Harvey, b Faulkner ... 0 Marks, c Hobbs, b Faulkner 2 Thomson, b Faulkner ... ... 5 Bell, b Hnrnmond 0 Haig, c Watson b Hammond 10 O. Beeby, b Hammond 6 ’M'Neil, run out 5 Bowie, not out ... 0 Ho Id ness, absent . 0 Extras .. 0 Total ... 31 Bowling Analysis.—Hudson, 5 overs. 11 runs. 1 wicket; Faulkner, 9 overs, 4 maidens, 8 runs, 4 wickets; Piercy, 4 overs, 2 maidens. 8 runs; Hammond, 2 overs, 3 wickets; Russell, 1 over. 1 run. THE HAWKE CUP. INVERCARGILL, December 26. The Hawke Cup match was continued today in perfect weather, but the play was disappointing. South Canterbury collapsing before the Southland attack, and being all out in the soCond innings for 54. Southland had no difficulty in knocking up the 46 odd runs required, and won easily by 10 wickets, thus retaining the cup. Scores; South Canterbury. First Innings 11l Second Innings. T. W. Lynch, Ibw, bA. Crocket ... 4 J. Lynch, b Iknnerman 18 Donohue, cT. Crocket, b Hiddleston ... 5 Davis, b Hiddleston 1 J. Faber, c Hamilton, b Hiddleston ... 3 T. Lynch, o Watkins, b Banuennan ... 2 Patton, b Bannornian 8 Inglis, b Barmerman 0 Douglas, b Doig 1 Temple, b Doig 3 O’Callaghan, not out 3 Extras 6 Total 54

Bowling Analysis.—Do.g, two wickets for 14 runs; Raymond, none for 1; A. Crocket, one for 9; Hiddleston, three for 10; Eannerman, four for 14. Southland. First Innings H 8 Second Innings. D. Hamilton, not out 30 P. P. Watkins, not out 20 Total for no wickets 50 Bowling Analysis.-—O’Callaghan, no wickets for 10 runs; Patton, none for b; T. Lynch, none for 12; Douglas, none for 10. CANTERBURY v. WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, December 30. The matoh Wofiington v, Canterbury was commenced on the Basin Reserve this afternoon in, glorious weather and in the presence of a moderate attendance. On account of the heavy rain during the week it was expected that the wicket would favour the bowlers, and thought such proved to be the case this in itself was no justification for the painfully slow and uninteresting batting which was witnessed. The outfield was also rather slow, but the wicket played well. The only change in the Wellington team was that Bowles rep laced Mahony. Reese won the toss and elected to field. Wellington’s batting, excepting that of Findlay, Blamires, and Patrick, was exceedingly "poor. The start was disastrous, Bowles spooning a soft one back to Sandman before any score was recorded. Sandman, and Reese kept the batsmen very quiet, but it was left to Bennett to complete the debacle. This bowler performed the meritorious feat of getting the hat trick by clean bowling each of his men. He kept an excellent length- Sandman sent down several loose baits, which, however, in most cases escaped punishment. Findlay, who was top scorer, went out to Carlton, and twice hit him right over the ropes, and seemingly found little difficulty in scoring. Canterbury showed but little more enterprise in their 100 minutes batting. Hickmott showed some good strokes, and was unfortunate in being run out when apparently well set. Had Hayes responded to Hickrnott's call he could easily have got in. Hayes was in 100 minutes for 38, and took no risks. Reese and Carlton were both unable to got going, the former being beaten several times by Saunders before being eventually dismissed. Saunders was the steadiest of the local bowlers, and the batsmen took no liberties with him. Patrick was not very consistent, sending down several long hops. None of the others met with much -success. Bercndsen’s catching of Ollivier was brilliant, the fieldsman taking the ball very low down. Canterbury's fielding was excellent, T. Carlton and Sandman being especially noticeable. The local players were not so smart in the field, Saunders especially letting two or three past. Only 182 runs were sooted for three and a-half hours’ play, which caution was rather flattering to the bowlers. Canterbury are now in an excellent position. Bowles and Phillips were the initial batsmen. Sandman, who opened the attack, boat Bowles with his first three deliveries, and the batsman softly returned the fourth to the bowler. 0 —1 —0. Blamires filled the vacancy, and by steady play he and Phillips took the score to 14, when Boxshall missed an easy chance of stumping, and off the next ball T. Carlton dropped a hot drive from Blamires, both off Sandman. Reece’s next over proved fatal to Phillips, the last ball clean bowling him. 14—2 —7. Gibbos did not last long, he also falling a victim to Reese. 22 —3 —o. Reese’ had now taken 2 wickets for 5. Patrick and Blamires put on a few. Bennett relieved Sandman, who had bowled six overs for 15 runs. In his third over Bennett clean bowled Blamires, who had batted cautiously throughout. 42—4—20. After a maiden from T. Carlton, who replaced Reese, Bennett clean bowled Little. 425 —0. Ho then completed the hat trick by bowling Hickson and Finlayson with the next two deliveries —both splendid balls, to which the batsmen played back. 42 —7 —o- Bennett had now taken four wickets for 9- Patrick, who was playing freely, was joined by Berendscn, but only six wore added when Patrick stepped in to a full one from Carlton, but missed it and was out Ibw. 48 —8 15. Findlay was the incomer, and the two colts made a fairly decent stand, Findlay hitting and Bercndsen keeping his wicket up. Twice Findlay lifted Carlton to longon, over the ropes for 6, and on another occasion he was missed near the boundary by Hayes, who just got to the ball but failed to hold it. When Borendson had scored 7 he returned one softly to Bonnet. 70 —9 —7. Saunders and Findlay put on 11. and then Sandman, who had relieved Carlton, got Saunders, the batsman tapping one to Bennett at. mid-on. The innings lasted an hour and a-half. Canterbury sent in Hayes and Ollivier at 4.10 o’clock, the former playing a maiden over from Saunders. Patrick bowled from the other end, and both batsmen showed extreme caution, taking a quarter of an hour to put up 10 runs. Then Borendsen, behind the wickets, brought off a fine catch off Saunders, dismissing Ollivier. 10 —I —l. With W. Carlton in runs came more freely. Patrick had been thrice sent to the leg boundary, but in his sixth over lie dismissed Carlton with a beauty. 27—2—10. Hic-kmott was next, and he and Hayes made a serviceable stand. Although flic bowlers wore frequently changed a separation was not effected till the score had reached 75,when Hayes, declined to respond to Hickmott’s call, and the latter was run out. 75 —3 —30. Reese and Hayes added 20 before Saunders, who was keeping an excellent length, found Reese’s timbers. 95—4 —10. Patrick and Hayes played out time, the score at 6 o’clock being 101 for four wickets. January 1.

Tho match was resumed to-day in fine but windy weather. Tho wicket was in fairly good order, but the outfield was rather rough in places. A strong wind from tho north blew diagonally across tho wicket. The attendance was about 1500. Canterbury resumed on a wicket which assisted the bowlers but little. They gave a poor display of batting, and, although Saunders was bowling really well, the visitors seemed over-cautious. Hayes was safe but very slow. Thomas was more livclv, and soon knocked up his 21, while Boxshall made several good strokes. Saunders and Patrick did practically all tho bowling for Wellington to-day, the former keeping a splendid length, and coming in from log considerably. Patrick, however, was not so steady. Tho Wellington fielding was a great improvement on Saturdays, very few runs being given away. On going in for tho second time Wellington made an

excellent start, 180 being up for the loss of only two wickets. The younger bats, ■ however, were all at sea to Reese and Bennert, and the last seven wickets were ! secured at a ccf-t of only 39 runs. Reese had 58 rims scored off him without scouring a wicket, but afterwards ho captured six at a cost of only 17 runs. This performance was ablv seconded- by Bennett. Hayes was the best of the Canterbury fieldsmen, who showed signs of tiredness. Blamires, Gibbes, and Bowles all batted excellently, the latter throwing his wicket away by going out to Bennett. Carlton’s dropping of Gibbes proved very expensive, j while Bowles had not reached double figures | when Thomas failed to roach a chance at i square log. The following arc the details of the scoring:— I Wellington.—First Innings. Bowles, c and b Sandman 0 Phillips, b Reese 7 Blamires. b Bennett 20 Gibbes, b Reese 0 Patrick Ibw, b Carlton 15 Little, b Bennett 0 Hickson, b Bennett 0 Finlayson, b Bennett 0 Borendsen, c and b Bennett 7 Findlay, not out 22 Saunders, c Bennett, b Sandman ... 5 Extras 7 Total 81 | Bowling Analysis.—Sandman, 7 overs, 1 maiden, 17 runs, 2 wickets; Reese, 8 overs, 2 maidens 16 runs, 2 wickets; Bennett, 9 overs, 2 maidens, 20 runs, 5 wickets; T. Carlton, 5 ovors, 1 maiden, 23 runs, 1 ; wicket. ! Second Innings. i Bowles, b Bennett -. 39 i Gibbes, c Hickmott, b Reese 76 j Blamires, c Boxshall, b Bennett ... 65 . Patrick, b Reese 1 8 j Phillips, Ibw, b Reese 4 I Little, b Reese 1 j Findlay, o Hickmott, b Bennett ... 1 I Hickson, b Bennett 3 . Findlayson, not out 7 Berendsen, c Ollivicr, b Reese 0 Saunders, b Reese 3 Extras 31 Total 238 Bowling Analysis.—-Reese, 28.3 overs, 4 maidens. 75 runs, 6 wickets; Bennett, 30 overs, 9 maidens, 77 runs, 4 wickets; I Thomas, 4 overs, 2 maidens, 11 runs, no - wickets; Sandman, 6 overs, 21s runs, no wickets; T. Carlton, 4 overs, 1 maiden, 14 runs, no wickets; W. Carlton, 1 over, 9 runs, no wickets. Canterbdhv.—First Innings. CXlivier, c Berendsen, b Saunders ... 1 Hayes, c Patrick 55 W. Carlton, o Patrick 10 Hickmott, run out 30 Reese, b Saunders 10 Patrick, b Saunders 4 Thomas, b Patrick 21 T. Carlton, Ibw, b Saunders 2 Boxshall, b Saunders 15 I Sandman, b Saunders 0 Bennett, not out 4 Extras 11 Total -... 163 Bowling Analysis.—Saunders 26 overs, 9 maidens, 52 runs, 6 wickets; Patrick, 28 overs, 4 maidens, 41 runs, 3 wickets; Gibbes, 4 overs, IS runs, no wickets; Findlav, 3 overs, 7 runs, no wickets; Findlay-J-on, 4 overs, 1 m;:iden, 9 -runs, no wickets; j Hickson, 11 overs, 5 maidens, 28 runs, no wickets. Saunders bowled three no-balls. OTAGO ELEVEN v. GOLDFIELDS" TEAM. CENTURY BY MTARLANE. Last season tho Otago Ciickct Association sent an Otago team on a tour of the Goldfields, and in response to an invitation a Goldfields team, consisting of nine players from Alexandra ana two from I Clyde, visited Dunedin to play an Otago eleven. Tho match was commenced at Carisbrook on Monday morning. A. Miiburn (captain of the Goldfields team) won tho toss and sent his side in to bat on an easy wicket. L. and S. Churchill opened the innings against the bowling of Ramsden and Bannerman. A bad start was made, L. Churchill being caught after scoring a single and a boundary. One wicket was down for six when Smith joined S. Churchill. Tho newcomer only scored two singles when he was bowled by Bannerman. With two wickets down for 3 Burnside came in and set up a useful partnership with S. Churchill, the Pair carrying the score to 38 before Burnside, who batted well for 16, was bowled by Eckhoff. The incomer was Kenmitz, an j ox-Otago High School boy, who kept his wicket up while his partner, S. Churchill, made the runs, the total being taken to 51 for the fourth wicket when the latter, who batted well, was bowled by Downes for 19. A. Miiburn came in and opened confidently, playing good cricket, and taking the total to 61 when lie lost Kenmitz, who had been batting 40 minutes for 2. King failed to increase the total, and Spain was out Ibw to Ramsden, also without scoring, but Miiburn, batting nicely, raised the total to 70 before the seventh wicket fell. Botting was the next to go, being clean bowled by Ramsden without scoring. E. Churchill partnered Miiburn, only to lose his captain with the total at 76 for nine wickets. The last man, R. Churchill, was bowled by Eckhold without scoring, and tho innings closed for 76. Tho turf wicket was probably a trillo strange to the country players after playing on matting, and they scarcely did themselves justice. Miiburn, the Goldfields captain, showed tho best form. Eckhold was tho most successful bowler for Otago, securing four wickets at a cost of three runs.

Shortly before 3 o’clock Austin and M'Farlano, the pioneer batsmen, opened Otago’s first innings. Hie first wicket fell with the total at 40, Austin, who was then 13, being caught at mid-on. Watson, the incomer, after making a single, was caught behind the wickets. With the total at 42 Eckhold joined M‘Farlanc, and a useful partnership was set up, the total being carried to 159 before M'Farlane, going out to drive Spain, was stumped. The outgoing batsman compiled 115 by vigorous batting, snoring freely all round the wicket. Ho played the bowling confidently from the outset, driving to the on and off in his best style, and scoring well on the leg side. Several of the strokes wore uppish, but they dropped clear of a none too-well-placed field. At 110 M’Farlane gave a chance at deep square leg, but Milburn failed to hold the catch. The Albion batsman was at the crease 90 minutes for his

total of 115, which included one 6 and 15 4’s. With three wickets down for 159 Torrance joined Eckhold, to lose his club mate three runs later, caught at point. Ramsden joined Torrance, and another good partnership was established, the total being taken to 205 before Ramsden, who had batted freely for 27, was well caught at mid-on. Downes joined Torrance to see the Dunedin representative lift one high and hard to the on, where S. Churchill brought off a magnificent catch. Six wickets had fallen for 218 when Downes, without any addition to the score, was snapped up behind the wickets. The last two wickets had fallen for no runs, but with the association of Eckhoff and Bannerman the score was taken to 246 for the eighth wicket before the Carisbrook representative was caught by Miiburn at midon. This brought Cameron out to join Eckhoff, who had been getting the majority of his runs with a pull stroke, an on-drive, and an occasional crisp off-drive forward of cover. At 275 Cameron put his legs in front to L. Churchill. Martin, the last man, filled the vacancy, onjy to lose his wicket, Ibw, to S. Churchill, the innings closing at 5.30 for 275. The Goldfields bow-ling was not strong, and on the easy wicket Otago should have made a higher total, especially as M'Farlane had given the side a fine start and showed how easy the bowling could bo played. King, with three wickets for 50, was the most successful of the Goldfields bowlers. The ground fielding of the country team was fair, and the catching of S. Churchill and Miiburn excellent. Kenmitz., behind the wickets, showed splendid form, and is a promising wicket-keeper. The following are the detailed scores : Goldfields. —First Innings. L. Churchill, c Ramsden, b Banncrman 5 S. Churchill, b Downes ... ' 19 D. Smith, b Bannerman 2 W. Burnside, b Eckhoff 16 E. Kcnmitz, b Eckhold 2 A. Miiburn, c Downes, b Eckhold ... 20 W. King, c Eckhoff, b Eckhold 0 E. Spain,' Ibw, b Ramsden 0 E. Churchill, not out 2 R. Botting, b Ramsden 0 R. Churchill, b Eckhold 0 Extras 10 Total 76 Bowling Analysis.—Ramsden, 84 balls, 6 maidens, 23 runs, 2 wickets; Bannerman, 42 balls, 3 maidens, 15 runs, 2 wickets; Eckhoff, 54 balls, 2 maidens, 14 runs, 1 wicket; M‘Farlanc, 42 balls, 5 maidens, 2 runs; Downes, 30 balls, 2 maidens, 5 runs, 1 wicket; Torrance, 24 balls, 2 maidens, 4 runs; Eckhold, 40 balls, 4 maidens, 3 runs, 4 wickets. Otago.—First Innings. Austin, c L. Churchill, b S. Churchill 13 M'Fariano, stumped Kenmitz, b Spain 115 L. Watson, c Kenmitz, b Burnside ... 1 Eckhold, c L. Churchill, b Spain 25 Torrance, cS. Churchill, b King ... 25 Ramsden, c Miiburn, b Burnside 27 Downes, c Kenmitz, b King 0 Bannerman, c Miiburn, b King 7 Eckhoff, not out 33 Cameron, Ibw, b L. Churchill 10 Martin, Ibw, b S. Churchill 0 Extras 19 Total 275 Bowling Analysis.—W. Burnside, 96 balls, 1 maiden, 52. runs, 2 wickets; S. Churchill, 92 balls, 57 runs. 2 wickets; W. King, 66 balls, 50 runs, 3 wickets; L. Churchill, 48 balls, 38 runs, 1 wicket; E. Churchill, 24 balls, 1 maiden, 24 runs; Spain, 42 balls, 34 runs, 2 wickets. WELLINGTON v. HAWKE’S BAY. WELLINGTON, December 26. The Hawke’s Bay and Wellington cricket match was abandoned, Hawke’s Bay, in their second innings, having lost four wickets for 134 runs. Scores :—Board, c Phillips, b Findlav, 6; Creed, c Findlay, b Patrick, 37; &myrk, c Saunders, b Findlay, 2; Hindmarsh, run out, 1; Blamires, not out, 55; O’Brien, not out, 22; extras, 12. Bowling: Saunders, no wickets for 35 runs; Findlay, two for 25; Gibbes, none for 21; Patrick, one for 36; Grace, none for 6. [The first innings scores were: Hawke’s Buy, 238; Wellington, 175.1 ( PALMERSTON N„ December 26. The Hawke’s Bay cricket representatives commenced a match at Manawatu to-day. The v isitors batted first and sored 115, the principal scorers being Board (12), Hindmarsh (18), H. L Blamircs (16), Steves (13), and Ashcroft (20). Manawatu replied with 99, Tic vena getting 30. Greer 14, and Bennett 13. Hawke’s Bay in their second innings hove lost four wickets for 13 runs. The match will ho continued to-morrow.

TARANAKI v. WANGANUI. - NEW PLYMOUTH, December 26. Taranaki, playing Wanganui, scored 24 and 23 for six wickets. Wanganui scored 179 (Orton 72) in t'lieir first innings. NEW PLYMOUTH, December 27. The match between North Taranaki and Wanganui was concluded, this corning, Wanganui winning by 10 wickets. Taranaki’s second innings produced 109 runs, the last wicket putting on 75 (Blundell 41 not out and Arden 2l). INTER-COLLEGE MATCH. AUCKLAND. December 28. The inter-college match Auckland University College against Victoria College (Wellington) began on the Domain this morning. The visitors won the toss, and batted first. Rain set in early in the game, and when Victoria College had 26 runs up for no wickets play was adjourned. AUCKLAND, December 29. A cricket match between a team from Victoria College (Wellington) and Auckland University College was played here to-day. Victoria College made a poor showing, scoring 65 in the fust innings (Broad 20, Dempsey 17) and 48 in the second (Caddiok 10). Graham took four wickets for 8 runs and Taylor six for 21. Auckland scored 516 for five wickets (Wallace 158, Taylor 52, and Graham 47 not out), and won by an innings and 203 runs. NEW SOUTH WALES v. VICTORIA. MELBOURNE, December 26. The Now South Wales v." Victoria fixture was continued in fine weather and on a good wicket. The Victorians on Saturday made 166 runs in their first innings, and the WelslTfnen have replied with 341, Emery (43), Bardsley (34), Kelleway (101), Trumpet (58), Gregory (39), and Barbour (27) being the chief scorers. Bardsley retired hurt, the first bull from Armstrong striking his side and tearing away a car-

tilage of the lower rib. Bardsley will be unable to play any further in the present match, and will probably not be able to take part in the second test against the Englishmen. • Matthews took throe New South Wales wickets at ac; -st of 65 runs; Hartkoff, two for 20 ; Armstrong, one for 24; Macrow, cne for 87; Kyle, one for 109. MELBOURNE, December 27. The match between Now South Wales and Victoria was continued to-day. Victoria made-217 runs in their second innings. Kortlang (67), Smith (22), Matthews (65), and Brown (26 not out) being the chief scorers. Cotter took six -wickets for 86 runs, Emory two for 50, and K die way two for 32. In New South Wales’s second innings Macartney (28) and Waddy (15) wiped out the deficit, and New South Wales won *by 10 wickets. THE ENGLISH TEAM AT BENDIGO. MELBOURNE, December 26. The Englishmen commenced a two days’ match at Bendigo against a District Fifteen. England, in their first innings, have scored 176, Hobbs (67), Hearne (21), and Douglas (19 not out) being the top scorers. The Bendigo team has scored 122 runs for six wickets. MELBOURNE, December 27. The match between the English team and a Bendigo fifteen was continued to-day. The local playcirs made 163 in their first inning®. Hitch captured seven wickets for 47 runs, Hearne four for 34,' Vine two for 47, and Iremonger one for 25. In their second innings England lost five wickets for 120 runs (Woolley 64 and Rhodes 28 not out).

BOWLING ANALYSIS. Overs. Mdns. Runs. Wkts. Bennett 8 2 9 3 Reese 15.5 6 19 5 Sandman ... ... 10 3 16 2 Carlton 2 1 4 0

BOWLING ANALYSIS Overs. Mdns. Runs. Wkts. Dow nee 48 27 53 - 4 Rajnsden 30 12 58 I Eckhoff 26 11 46 1 Bannerman ... 13 4 34 1 M'Fairlano ... 23 11 35 2 Eckhold 2 0 Bannerman bowled one wide. 13 1

Overs. Meins. Rune. Witts. M'Farlane ... 9 3 20 0 I)ownc« ... 23.2 22 20 3 Eokhoff ... 7 1 19 0 Bannerman ... 3 0 21 0 Ramsden ... 5 2 9 K