CRICKET.

Otago Witness, Issue 3169, 9 December 1914, Page 55

CRICKET.

NOTES BY LONG SLIP. The following: table shows the positions of the Senior Grade teams to date:

Weather and wickets, those essentials to the complete enjoyment of cricket, and for tho bringing out of the best in the game, were alike perfect on Saturday, when the round of grade matches was pursued another stage. There was considerably more enthusiasm and more keenness displayed on Saturday than at any previous week-end this season, with tho result that good individual performances at the bowling and batting creases were established. Given a succession of fine days, cricket in Otago would go ahead by leaps and bounds, and tho game, I feel sure, would resume its old popularity. Referring to this subject, and getting away from Saturday’s matches for a moment, the question of attendance at cricket cropped up the other day. I mentioned to a local player who had complained about the lack of interest in Dunedin that poss.bly the public was not so much to blame, but that the cricket had something to do with it. In support of this contention, it has been noted that where there appears a reasonable cha,nce of seeing a good, bright exhibition of play, irrespective of victory or defeat, the public is inclined to patronise that particular game. Since the Colts team has come into existence it has got around that J. N. Crawford is instilling the idea that the bat is for the purpose of hitting the ball, and hitting the unoffending leather hard and often. Tnc result is that matches in which the Colts have been engaged have attracted larger attendances, as a rule, than other games. The fact that too many players have long had the idea that the bat is mainly for the purpose of keeping the ball out of the -wicket has been in a great measure responsible for poor attendances at local cricket. There are other reasons, of course; but unattractive and unenterprising cricket has done more to keep the grounds empty than anything else. Now, all this is to be changed. We are to have attractive cricket in future—cricket with some sparkle about it that if it does not actually bring the public to the edge of their seats, it will at least bring them to their seats. There is a subtle difference. Batsmen are being coached to make attack their best defence, while not neglecting the necessary defensive play. This phase of cricket in Dunedin is not entirely now—it was practised a generation ago,—but is being revived again, thanks be to the efforts of J. N. Crawford. The Colts are not alone in this benefit, though naturally their improved style in this particular is more marked than in the seniors, some of whom still believe in the theory of defence over attack. This to say that, given an advance in methods, cricket will be brighter and made more attractive for the public. The ideal game is that in which all play, and there are no spectators. Such a game has not yet been discovered. Dunedin is not singular in its experience of public patronage, though there are those who are disposed to think otherwise. It will probably be news to these that in Australia, where cricket has for years been regarded in high favour, the authorities are up against the gats question. The attendances of late in club cricket in Sydney have fallen away so considerably as to exercise the minds of the legislators to the • necessity of popularising the sport. Every week since July a special committee of the New South Wales Association has been considering ways and means to make the game more attractive. There is no attributing the falling off to tho war, for it is last season’s deficit that has made it imperative that something should be done to make the game at least selfsupporting. Voluminous evidence has been taken, and a report will bo presented in due course. Such reforms as may be agreed upon will have no bearing on the present season, tho intention being to introduce them next spring. Meanwhile, as one writer puts it, “cricket is up against it.” While the number of players show no diminution, tho public is staying away in large numbers. The other day, when the two best elevens in the State were playing, and when the public patriotism was appealed to, inasmuch as the takings were to bo devoted to the Lord Mayor’s War Fund, the attendance was miserably noor. Sydney’s experience, although one least expects it in Sydney, is much like our own; but mention of the War Fuad serves to introduce tho subject of our own War Fund and the Otago Cricket Association’s efforts to assist. Three or four weeks ago collectors were on tho North Ground helping to gather funds; but while the attendance was large, the results were poor. Since then 1 notice that clubs have been instructed to make their own arrangements for taking up collections. Perhaps it would not bo a bad idea if the association could see its way tc giving the takings of the Colts v. Otago Eleven match on election day to the War Fund. I realise that tho local association is short of funds, and cannot give out oi its own treasury a donation of any sort; but as the association has expressed a wish to assist it might taka this opportune—the only one that offers on a home ground this season. Tho Otago Eleven v. Colts should be a good attraction on election clay, and if the public would not ho appealed to through patriotism, tho match itself should draw. This will not be a popular suggestion ; but if the association is to assist tire War Fund, it can only be done this way, the original arrangement for the clubs to take up collections to stand. So many complaints have already reached me this season respecting alleged wrong decisions of umpires, and more than one instance of a bad decision has come under my immediate notice, that there arc grounds for supposing that the standard oi umpiring in senior cricket in Dunedin is not what it should be. There is no intention here of quarrelling or finding fault with those members of the Umpires’ Association who sacrifice their Saturday afternoon? umpiring in local cricket, but to point out tho* necessity o£ exorcising every care and the best possible judgment in giving a decision. Many of our umpires do exorcise care and judgment and still make mistakes —no umpire is fallible, as few batsmen are eure of the decision which gives them out leg before wicket ;--but it is the umpire lacking knowledge of the finer points of the game giving a wrong decision who creates

dissatisfaction and discontent, and instils trepidation in the hearts of batsmen. Nor is it straining tho point to say that umpires such as these not only do the game no good, but actually retard the raising oi the standard. It is no satisfaction to know that the umpiring in other centres is no better than in Dunedin. I don’t know thai it is not; but I do know that tho umpiring in Dunedin this season has caused a good deal of unfavourable comment. The Umpires’ Association is a useful body, and the members generally are doing good work; but there is every reason to suppose that the standard of umpiring might be higher. I know tho difficulties in securing active workers, and realise the sacrifice umpiring entails; but no one should have the right to be admitted to active membership who has not gone through a preliminary examination as to his qualifications. To return to Saturday’s cricket, the excellent weather —it was a perfect day, and cricketers enjoyed it as few do, —and the excellent wickets, while not having a marked effect in team play, brought out a few special individual porformanc s. If v h"nv examples, Bruges made a century (actually 103), Shepherd got so, anu hil. >y . scored 97, and Watson put together 75 not out. Those arc not phenomenal performances but as scoring generally goes in Dunedin they arc certainly good ones. Strangely enough, while wickets were true, batsmen did not have it all their own way. 1 here was a bowling performance or two which in the special circumstances had even more merit than tho figures indicate. Stigiish, the legbreak bowler, who must be regarded in tnc light of an Albion “ discovery,” took eight wickets for bO; Crawford captured five tor 40; those two mainstays, Casey and EtkhoH, four for 33 and six for 55 respectively; while Graham, tho Grange trundlcr, did even bettor with six for 30 and five tor c 8 11 tor 63; Beeby was satisfied with two for 16 and four for 28, and Edwards was modest in his demands with four for 38. Generally there appears to have been a battle between the batsmen and bowlers, with the honours about even. Tho ideal conditions which prevailed at tho Caledonian Ground wore taken advantage of in the Carisbrook A-Dunedin match. The wicket favoured tho batsmen, and, in the case of Carisbrook, it was made the most of, although as an actual fact two men, Bruges and the Rev. W. Hay. made tho scores out of Carisbrook s 256 for six wickets. This was another case of the declaration being made_ too late for the purpose of securing a win. inasmuch as it left Carisbrook too little time to gotDunedin out, although play was continued until 7 o’clock. Siodeborg, who had made a century the previous Saturday, was not allowed to repeat the performance; and hereby hangs one of those stories not infrequent this season —a batsman given out to an alleged doubtful decision. Siedeberg was given out caught behind the wicket, but it is alleged that the ball came off the batsman’s pad. I did not see the incident, but from those who did there appears to have been a doubt about it. If there was a doubt, the batsman should have got the benefit; but apparently in the mind of the umpire there was no doubt. Who is to arbitrate ;'n a case like- this’ The umpire’s decision in matters of fact is final, and while batsmen may bo unfortunate, theirs to accept the decision. It is all in the luck of tho game While human is what it is and cricket what it is, these incidents and similar will never be entirely dissociated. It was pleasing to see the Rov. W. Hay get going again after two or three weeks of indifferent success. His 97 was not only a valuable innings to the side, but after ho had got tho measure of the bowling it was a good one, though not altogether chanceless, and was marked by a freedom of style which made it attractive. We always sympathise with a batsman who gets so near to the century without actually reaching the honoured figures; but it is not always justifiable to term it “hard luck.” I am sure the Rev. Mr Hay will agree. The honour of making the second century in senior cricket in Dunedin this season goes to Bruges, but the ex-Christchurch batsman is not a stranger to the throefigure score. His latest effort, despite a generous field was full of merit, the minority of his strokes being executed with skill and marked with rare crispness. The remaining batsmen showed form, including Austin, a young Second Grade player who has been promoted to Senior company. The most successful of the six Dunedin bowlers was Mackersy, who demonstrated that his arm has not lost its cunning. Ho secured tho whole of the Carisbrook wickets—six for 104. —and if the fielding had boon up to tandard his average would have read much better. Dunedin realised that time would not permit of their overtaking the Carisbrook score, and played for the draw. The batting was therefore more of the solid than of the aggressive order. Cranioncj played a good innings for 50, and Gngg also batted well, while Johnston played a free and dashing innings for 40 not out. At the call of time Dunedin had three wickets in hand, and tho game was drawn. The Rev Mr Hay, the Auckland left-hander, howled well, and secured four wickets for 38. Tho Colts are going from victory unto victory, and appear destined to fulfil the prophecy of their coach that they will not be beaten this season. This is a large order, and there is still a long way to go; hut- present indications are that if the Colts do taste, defeat before tho season is out they have every chance of being premiers. It was thought by many that Carisbrook R would chock the Colts’ glorious career, but while they made a bad start the Colts had still sufficient batting to give 11mm a good victory’ at tho finish by four wickets. Carisbrook R had made a sound score of 2-02, which in ordinary circumstances assured them of a sporting chance. Austin, the R contain, pi'ved a good innings for 25, but Westbrook and Tuck well did not get going. The latter has nrssed tho scoring tho last two Saturdays, but he has scores of 26. 53. and 50 to his cred't in Ids first three strikes Cameron ranged from the orthodox to (he unorthodox in compiling 25, but Watson’s innings was an example of correct cricket, with never a had stroke. Watson is perhaps tho one player in Dunedin of whom it can he said that he has all the, strokes combined with the knowledge of how to play them; but, like many other good batsmen, he docs not always do himself justice. On Saturday ho did. giving a perfect exhibition of cricket, his 75 not out showing sound defence with skilful execution 'n attack. We do not always hear good of ourselves: wherefore I am moved to say that two of our most prominent cricketers, as they are two of the best judges, have expressed

the opinion that Watson is the one correct batsman in Dunedin cricket. The one other batsman to make a score was Sped ding, who played a_ useful innings for 31. The Carisbrook innings closed for 202, but, as it subsequently turned out, it was not enough. The bowling was mainly in the hands of Crawford, Shepherd, and A. W. Alloo. Tho coach bowled well for 15. overs, but, being troubled with an injured side, retired, but rot before he had secured five wickets for 40. Shepherd took three for 53, and while comparatively unsuccessful Alloo sent down several good balls As Crawford and Shepherd were mainly responsible for the dismissal of Carisbrook B, so they were responsible, with tho assistance of Galland, for tho score which ultimately gave the Colts the victory. Shepherd takes pride of place in the batting with a clean, hard-hitting exhibition for 98 —a score which might have readily boon a century had the applause of the crowd not disturbed him into the belief that he had already reached the hundred and led him to recklessness, —the Albion colt running out to Austin and being - clean bowled- It would appear that the sole aim of some batsmen is to make 100. When they have attained these figures they practically throw their wicket away by taking tremendous risks. It is a kind of cricket suicide which is regarded as justifiable, but wrongfully so Nevertheless, Shepherd is to be congratulated on his score, but there is no ease of hard luck or misfortune about Ids not getting Ins century. The chances are lie would have got it had he played his own game. Galland. who is a batsman of tho free, clean-hitting type, batted in characteristic fashion for 47 not cut, and the Colts had secured another victory. There was nothing of a sensational nature about tho Opoho-Albion match. As a truth, tho cricket generally was disappointing. A good wicket bad been prepared, but neither team rose to the advantages of it. Opoho secured a two-point win with the comparatively poor score of 123 —a total too, that would have been even smaller had tho Albion fielding been up to the mark Tho best innings on the Ojiolio side was that of Casey, who batted splendidly for 37 playing confidently and hitting freely. Timlin, too, played a good innings. For the rest the batting was poor, and all wore more or less in trouble to Stiglich, the leg-break bowler, who was responsible for the dismissal of eight Opoho batsmen for 60 runs. Indifferent as was the Opoho exhibition, that of Albion was worse. On a good wicket tho whole side was dismissed for 98 runs, of which total Duthie and F. Williams contributed between them. 66. There were ' extras, leaving 22 as the contribution c.. eight batsmen. Duthie batted brightly, as he invariably does, and ran to 37 in fast time with clean scoring strokes. His cutting was especially crisp, though just edging one or two from Casey out of danger. F. Williams played a steady innings. though with plenty of powder behind his shots. Baker, the Albion captain, for once in a way failed to get going. The bowling and catching of Opoho were good. Those mainstays of the hill team, Casey and Eckhoff, who secured good figures, tho fast bowler four for 33 and tho break bowler six for 55. Two exceptionally good catches were taken, one by Evans off Casey, which brought about Duthie’s dismissal, and one by Eckhoff, which sent Johnston back to the pavilion. A rare trier is Eckhoff. On a true wicket on the home ground St. _ Kilda made rather a poor showing against Grange, and tho north end team narrowly mused securing a three-point win. They dismissed f it. Kilda for 71 and 75, tho second innings just closing seven minutes before tunc, when Grange wanted only 14 runs to secure the extra point. Tho Grange innings was patchy, practically two men doing tho scoring. ” Chadwick, who compiled 40, batted freely, and it was in attempting a big hit that Harvey got one past him and found the wicket. Eckhold also batted well for his score of 47 not out. With eight wickets down for 132 the Grange declared. St. Kilda batsmen fell rapidly to tho Grange bowlers, the only one to make anything of a stand in tho first innings being M'Faull, who reached 16 by careful piny. The second innings was little better than the first, the only difference being that Livingstone on this occasion got the top rcore with 21. Altogether it was a poor 'exhibition by the suburban team on a good wicket. Graham, ’he Grange bowler, came out of the match with high honours, securing 11 wickets for 63 runs, while Bceby took six for 44. In all the circumstances it is a pity the Otago Cricket Association has had to decline the visit to Auckland this season, especially in view of the fine spirit ch'splayod by the Auckland Association in the matter. Having received Auckland's offer of finanwal assistance, Otago decided that it would send a team provided suitable dates could bo arranged. There did not appear to be much difficulty about that; but first Wellington and then Canterbury declined to alter their arrangements, and for this reason Otago has now decided not to send a team to Auckland. The original dates play Canterbury at Christmas, Wellington at New Year. and. ; f a team was to ho fwnt, Auckland tho following week might have been made suitable dates had there been no other considerations. These considerations presumably were the Plunket Shield, and the fact that it nvght have boon necessary to have sent a weak team to Auckland, as all the members of tho team taking part in the Canterbury and Well : u a ton $ -'s between the Christmas and Now Year hn'idays would bo unable to get away for the extended tour. The question cf the consideration of the I’hinlmt Shield must bo d'sm'ssed; but tho difficulty of grtt’ng the full team away on the extended tour to Auckland had to be faced. Otago could not reasonably know that all the members could not get away for throe weeks: but. antVvpating such a. difficulty, and hot seeing suitable dates, the visit to A uok’-md has been abandoned this season. H>d Otano been as keen to send .a team in Auckland as Auckland was to have it, the dates would have been made suitable. Tim sub-committee of the Otago Cricket Association set up to go into the matter of the disputed boundary in the Carisbrook A-Albion match, having reported that a stroke was not a boundary, and that four runs should not have been added to Carisbrook’s total, the match which had l nreviously been recorded as a t : e now goes down as a win for Albion bv 4 runs, making the first win of the North End Club this season. The decision in (Ids case is justifiable, and establishes a precedent for future guidance. PAVILION GOSSIP. Dr C. E. Dolling, after a lengthy absence

from club cricket, is again donning the flannels lor his old club Adelaide. H. V. Hordern, unquestionably the finest ' bosie ” bowler Australia has known in modern times, has decided to drop out of first-class cricket for good, owing to an injury to his bowling hand (says the Bulletin). Higgins, who comes from Dunedin with a reputation in big cricket, has thrown in his lot with the Invercargill Cricket Club, and his shaping on Wednesday was not long lived. He had the misfortune to be “leg before” to Handford.—Southland Times. The retirement of Clement Hill from the first-class cricket world removes one of the greatest cricketers that ever graced an oval. He has done a tremendous lot for Australian cricket. It is to bo regretted that his services as a legislator were not further availed of. Cecil Dacrc, the Devonpo-rt (Auckland) schoolboy, aged 15, who in previous seasons made some phenomenal scores, is right up to his best form this season. His scores in school cricket since the season opened are: 140 not out, 143, 103 not out. 8, 140 not out, 114 not out, 105 not out. —Total, 758. Average, 379. Playing for Northamptonshire against Warwickshire, Thompson, at short-slip caught three batsmen off three successive balls from S. G. Smith. The catches were made off the last three balls of an over. Smith bowled another batsman with the first ball of his next over, so he took four wickets with four consecutive balls. The following ruling, given by the Mariebone Club, clears up a point on which some misapprehension exists among cricketers: ‘‘A fieldsman may lean against the boundary to catch or field a ball, and if a fieldsman when standing within the playing ground, even though he he touching the boundary, catch a ball outside the boundary, the batsman should be given out.” L. Watson, late of Dunedin, and brother of Harold Watson, of Carisbrook, has been making good scores in Christchurch cricket. Recent contributions were 41 and 82. Of tho latter performance a local writer says; “ Watson, the ex-Dunedin player, gave an attractive exhibition for his 82. He has good scoring strokes in all directions, and played a workmanlike innings throughout. He was decidedly ill at ease to Reese, but his performance was not only meritorious, but a match-winning one.” Alexander Kermodo has returned to Sydney from England, and intends remaining here, says *’ Not Out.” He is a big man, Gft liu, and weighs 14st, as against lOst when he left Sydney 12 years ago to qualify for Lancashire. He looks very well, and desires to re-enter cricket here. As heis again residing in Pyrmont, he will be qualified for a permit to represent Glebe. For some years Kermode played for Bacttp in the Lancashire League matches. Last season he secured • 90 odd wickets for the club, and also made lots of runs. . Some heavy scores were made rn Senior Grade cricket in the north on Saturday. At Auckland Grafton declared at 445 for _ seven wickets. At "Wellington East Wellington knocked up 464 (Midlane 171, Baker 112) against Old Boys, and North "Wellington (meeting University) made - 436 for . nine wickets and declared, two ex-Otago representatives in Gillie Wilson and Hiddleston contributing 165 and 115 respectively. At Christchurch, West Christchurch were responsible for 498 for nine wickets at the Kaiapoi, Butler 118 and Bryan Brown 93. M'Laughlan, the cx-Otago bowler, is doing good service in Christchurch, and incidentally is pleasing the critics. This is what “ Scoring Board ” says cf him in a recent match ;—"M'Langhlan is fairly fighting himself into the front rank of our local bowlers. Saturday after Saturday he has done more than was expected of him, and the Otago left-hander must keep pretty close to the Canterbury Eleven, despite the opposition of our five New Zealand bowlers, Bennett, Sandman, Reese, Carlton, and Wilson. The soft wicket certainly helped the lefthander, but it was a great performance to get seven for 27, when Carlton, his confrere, got only three wickets. WELLINGTON ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, December 1. At a meeting of the Management Committee of the Wellington Cricket Association to-night, it was decided to_ reply as follows to the Otago Association's request for a representative match at Christmas: — “ We have already arranged with Auckland, Christchurch, and Otago for matches at Christmas. Now Year, and Anniversary Day, and wo regret that it is now too late to make any alteration.” A communication' was received from the New South Wales school team cancelling its match hero at Christmas, .as, owing to the outbreak of war, it will bo unable to make the trip to tho dominion. OTAGO ASSOCIATION. A meeting of the Otago Cricket Association was held in the Empire Buildings on Monday evening, Mr J. J. Clark (president) in the chair. The Canterbury Association wrote intimating that it was anxious to send a Second Grade team to Dunedin in Christmas week, the visitors paying their own expenses. The visiting team would be strong enough to be termed a junior representative eleven. — The President stated that this fixture was abandoned last year, at the request of the Canterbury Association.—lt was decided to welcome a visit from a Canterbury junior team. Messrs Wycherley, Thomson, and Haig wore appointed to select the Otago team and to make all arrangements for the match. The sub-committee set up to go into the question of the 'disputed boundary stroke in the match between Albion and Carisbrook A, played at the North Ground—this match ended m a tie, with 165 runs each—reported that the stroke was not a boundary, and that four runs should not have been recorded in tho Carisbrook score.—lt was decided to notify both clubs of tho decision arrived at by tlie sub-committee. It was decided to write to the Umpires’ Association, asking for an explanation of the action of the two umpires in the Dun-ed-'n-Carisbrook A match in walking off the ground at half-past 6. despite the fact that tho captains of the teams decided to go on with play till 7 o'clock. It was decided that, owing to the impossibility of rearranging the dates fixed to play against Christchurch and Wellington, the association found it was unable to send on the Otago team to Auckland. Mr Thomson was appointed manager of the team. SATURDAY’S MATCHES. Colts v Carisbrook B. This match, which was played at Carisbrook on Saturday, created a deal of interest. It was generally believed that, if any team was to stop the triumphant career of the Colts, it was Carisbrook B, but the Colts added another victory, beating the B team by four wickets. Winning the toss. Carisbrook B had first use of a splendid ■wicket, and put up 202, of which total Wateon made 75 not out by perfect cricket.

Using all the strokes, Watson scored all round the wicket. He hit one 6 and nine 4’s. Crawford secured five wickets for 40 runs, and Shepherd three for 53. The Colts innings was not finished, for, with six wickets down for 205, they passed the B total and won by four wickets. The feature of the Colts’ batting was an excellent innings by Shepherd, the Albion colt, who by fine cricket just missed the century, compiling 98, when Austin broke through hia defence He drove well on both sides oii the wicket and used the pull stroke with fine effect. Galland batted freely for 47 not out, and Crawford compiled 32. The wickets were divided. Nelson securing the majority—three for 53. Scores: Caeisbhook B. —First Innings. Austin, b Crawford 25 Westbrook, b Crawford 1 Tuckwell, b Crawford 7 Cameron, Ibw, b Alloo 25 Watson, not out 75 Ramsden. b Crawford 0 Hardie, run out 1 Speckling, c Binnie, b Shepherd 31 Drumm, Ibw, b Crawford 5 Nelson, b Shepherd 3 Do Beer, c Bell, b Shepherd 3 Extras 25 Total 202 Bowling Analysis: Crawford, 90 balls, 2 maidens, 40 runs, 5 wickets; Bell, 12 balls, 5 runs; Shepherd, 81 balls, 1 maiden, 53 runs, 3 wickets; A. Alloo, 96 balls, 5 maidens, 59 runs, 1 wicket; Galland, 13 balls, 20 runs. Colts.—First Innings. Shepherd, b Austin 93 Chadwick, c Spedding, b Nelson 0 A. W. Alloo, c Hardie, b Ramsden ... 5 8011, b Nelson K! Crawford, c Drumm, b Hardie 33 Galland, not out 47 Binnie, b Nelson “ 0 Extras 12 Total for six wickets 205 Bowling Analysis: Ramsden, 54 balls, 2 maidens, 37 runs, 1 wicket; Nelson, 66 balls, 53 runs, 3 wickets; Hardie, 30 balls, 41 runs. 1 wicket; Westbrook, 36 balls, 2 maidens, 36 runs; Austin, 18 halls, 27 runs, 1 wicket. Opoho v. Albion. The North Ground was the venue for th« match between Opoho and Albion on Saturday. The weather was fine, and the wicket in good order. Opoho had first strike, and compiled 123 before the last man was dismissed. The batting was only fair, and considering the state of the wicket more run 4 should have bccen scored off it. Casey batted splendidly for 37, while Timlin and Kenny also showed good form, but the majority of the batsmen were in trouble tq the leg-break bowler Stiglish, who took eight wickets for 60 runs. Albion gave a very poor exhibition, tha whole side being dismissed for 93 runsj Duthie, who batted in first-class style, ana F. Williams, who played steady cricket, alone showed any form. Eckhoff and Casey bowled unchanged, the former securing six wickets for 55 runs and the latter four for 33 runs. Opoho won on the first innings by 25 runs, but in order to make the most of the day went in for a second innings, in which, they lost four wickets for 51 runs when timo was called. Following are the scores; Opoho.—First Innings. Kenny, b Marks 20 Davidson, b Stiglish ... ... 15 Casey, st. Williams, b Stiglish 37 Eckhoff, c F. Williams, b Marks 4 Ingram, b Stiglish 0 Kilgour, Ibw, b Stiglish 1 Timlin, c Baker, b Stiglish 25 Moore, c and b Stiglish 6 Evans, not out 0 Anderson, b Stiglish ... 2 Turnbull, c Marks, b Stiglish 0 Extras 13 Total 123 Bowling Analysis.—Stiglish, 102 balls, five maidens, 60 runs, eight wickets; Satterthwaito, 18 balls, two maidens, one run; Marks, 72 balls/ 48 rune, two wickets; Stewart, six balls, one run. Second Innings. Turnbull, b Duthie 12 Ingram, b Duthie ... H Anderson, b Johnston 1 Kenny, b Duthie 14 Evans, not out 12 Casey, not out 1 Total for four wickets 51 Bowling Analysis. —Johnston, 55 balls, one maiden, 15 runs, one wicket; Duthie, oO balls, 36 runs, three wickets. Albion. —First Innings. Duthie, c Evans, b Casey 39 Brinsley, Ibw, b Eckhoff ... 4 F. Williams, c Kilgour, b Casey ... 27 Stewart, b Ecidioff i Baker, b Eckhoff o Satterthwaite, b Eckhoff 1 E. Williams, Ibw, b Eckhoff 0 Strong, b Casey 0 Johnstone, c Eckhoff, b Casey 9 Marks, not out 1 Stiglish, o Moore, b Eckhoff 0 Extras 10 Total 98 Bowling Analysis.—Casey, 114 balls, seven maidens, 33 runs, four wickets; Eckhoff, 114 balls, five maidens, 55 runs, six wickets. Cabisbuook v. Dunedin. This match was played on the Caledonian Ground on a fast wicket. Carisbrook won the toss, and wont in to bat. The Carisbrook compiled 56 for six wickets, and thert declared their innings closed. Bruges, dis< ■playing lino form, made 103. His stroke* were well timed, and included nine 4’s. Hay was unfortunate in not completing his century, being caught when he was 97. lie played carefully, and scored off the right balls. His tcoro included four 4’s. Both batsmen took 100 minutes to secure theit runs. Reid, Baxter, and Austin also battci well. The innings was closed -at 4.45 p.m M'Kersey bowled well, and captured sii wickets for 104 runs. Dunedin went in about 5 o’clock. The chances were against them scoring the required number of runs. By playing carefully they still had three wickets in hand at the call of timo. Cramond (30), Grigg (32), and Johnstone (40, not out) batted well, the last-named going in last, and displaying great freedom. The bowling honours fell to Hay, who secured four wickets for 53 runs. The match was drawn. Following are the scores:— Dunedin.—First Innings. Cramond, c Alloo, b Siedcborg 30 Grigg, c Alloo, b Hay 32 Given, run out 14 Brydone, b Hay ... 3

Wilkie, st Martin, b Flay 16 Johnstone, not out ••• 40 Howard, c Alloo, b Hay 0 M‘Kersey, b Bannennan 0 Graham, not out 6 Extras 13 Total for seven wickets 153 Bowling Analysis.—Siedeherg, 96 balls, 2 maidens, 32 runs, 1 wicket; A. P. Alloo, 66 balls, 2 maidens, 33 runs; Hay, 84 balls, 5 maidens, 38 runs, 4 wickets; Bannennan, 60 balls, 38 runs, 1 wicket. Carisbrook A. —First Innings. Siedebcrg, c Milburn, b M'Kersey ... 0 Hay, c Brydone, b M'Kersey 97 Bruges, c Mackay, b M'Kersey 103 Reid, c Milburn. b M'Kersey 12 Austin, b M'Kersey .. 14 Baxter, c Mackay, b M'Kersey 13 A. P. Alloo, not out • 6 Extras 11 Total for six wickets (innings declared closed) 256 Bowling Analysis.—M'Kersey. 130 balls, 104 runs, 6 wickets; Graham, 65 balls, 44 runs; Given, 36 balls, 37 runs; Johnstone, 42 balls. 29 runs; Brydone, 12 balls, 13 runs; Wilkie, 30 balls, 18 runs, 1 maiden. Grange v. St. Kilda. This match was played at Culling Park on a wicket which played fast and true from start to finish. St. Kilda batted first, against the bowling of Eckhold and Graham. The first wicket fell at 4, M'Farlane being stumped in the first over from Graham. Livmgstone followed, but Nelson was caught a few runs later by Paterson. M'Carton and Liv’ngstono carried the score to 24 before Graham proved too good for M‘Carten. Kerr came in only to see Livingstone bowled by Eckhold. M'Faul filled the gap, and showed good defence, playing very •well for his 16. The rest of the team’s showing was poor, and the innings closed for 71. Popple and A. Graham opened for Grange. The first wicket fell at 5, Graham being bowled off his pads by G. Edwards. Chadwick followed, only to see Popple caught by Harvey at cover. Paterson helped Chadwick to take the score to 25 before ho was bowled by Edwards. Henderson came next, and 20 runs were added to the total before he fell a victim to Edwards. Holdaway did not stay long. It was not until Eckhold joined Chadwick that any stand was made. Both batsmen played freely, and the score was carried to 110 before Chadwick, in trying a big hit, missed the ball, and was bowled by Harvey. Graham and Roberts were soon dismissed. At 132 Eckhold and W. Booby were batting, when Grange declared the innings closed. Eckhold compiled 47 not out by good cricket. With 62 runs to make to save an innings defeat and an hour to play, St. Kilda commenced their second innings. Wickets fell freely, and Livingstone (21), Ward (12), and Harvey (11) were the only batsmen to make any headway against the bowling of Graham and Baeby. The innings closed for 76 seven minutes before time, so the Grange had bad luck in not securing a 3-point win. Messrs Barron and Crawford acted _ as umpires, and gave every satisfaction. Scores:— Grange.—. First Innings. Popple, c Harvey, b Edwards 0 A. Graham, b Edwards 5 Chadwick, b Harvey 40 Paterson, b Edwards 6 Holdaway, b Harvey 4 Henderson, b Edwards 12 Roberts, c M'Faul, b Livingstone ... 0 J. Graham, b Livingstone ..* 6 Eckhold, not out 47 W. Beeby, not out 3 Extras W Total for eight wickets (innings declared closed) 132 Bowling Analysis.—Livingstone, 60 balls, 37 runs, 2 wickets; Edwards, 90 balls, 38 runs, 4 wickets; Harvey, 48 balls, 30 runs, 2 wickets; M'Carton, 18 balls, 17 runs. St. Kilda. I~rst Innings. M'Farlane, st Chadwick, b Graham ... 0 Nelson, c Paterson, b Eckhold 5 Livingstone, b Eckhold 8 M'Carten, b Graham 4 Kerr, b Graham 7 M’Faul, c Holdaway, b Beeby 16 Kerr, b Beeby 2 Ward, c and b Graham 9 Edwards, b Graham 0 Harvey, b Graham 4 Oiiupman, not out 12 Total 71 Bowling Analysis.—Eckhold, 60 balls, 13 runs, 2 wickets; Graham, 84 balls, 30 runs, 6 wickets; Beeby, 24 balls, 16 rune. a. wickets. Eckhold bowled one no-ball. Second innings. M'Faul, b Graham 4 Kerr, c Henderson, b Graham 4 Livingstone, b Holdaway 2i M'Carten, b Beeby 4 Chapman, c Beeby, b Graham 4 Kerr, c C. Beeby, b Beeby 0 Nelson, Ibw, b Graham 2 M'Farlane, run out J Ward, not out ... 12 Edwards, st Chadwick, b Beeby 1 Harvey, o Popple, b Graham II Extra 1 Total 76 Bowling Analysis.—Graham, 60 balls, 3o runs, 5 wickets; Holdaway ,18 balls, 8 runs, 1 wield; Beeby, 06 bans, 28 runs, 4 wickets. SECOND GRADE. Carisbrook (2ib) defeated High School (lib). For the winners L. Lomas (ikl) puiyea good cricket, and lias the honour of maKiiig me second century .n Second Grade docket tins season, li.s score included 19 4 s. Aubt.n (2.), Rayner (15), Elliott (10), reached double figures. Vv oistcnbolmo (6 for 66), Fin ton (4 lor 40) bowled unchanged for Carisbrook. Lockhart (32), Holmes (to), Hutchison go), Cameron (13) played well for the School, and Ai'Naugiit and Lockhart divided the bowing honours. Mornington and Albion met on the North Ground, the h.ll team winn.ng by 83 runs on the first inn.rigs. Albion made 66 (Marks 16, Stigbsh 11). Holderness (7 for 21), Shaw (1 lor lb) bonded well for Mornington, who replied with 149 (F. Haig 52, Anderson 18 not out, Watson 10, and Shadwell 10). Marks ( 5 wickets) and Ritchie (two wickets) were the most successful bowlers. Albion’s second strike_ produced 144 (Marks 54, urnsido 36, Stiglish 11). Holderness (4 for 31), Shaw (2 for 20), Caradus (1 for 12), Hope (1 lor 10), and Freeman (1 for 20) secured the wickets. Carisbrook C defeated Anderson Bay by 36 nuns, the scores being; Carisbrook C 177 (Swan 39 net out, Davis 38, H. Harraway 21, Walcott 31, and M. Harraway 13);

Anderson Bay 141 (11. Abercrombie 50, N. Cameron 33, Gr. Kirkwood 20, Gtill 13. cind G. Abercrombie 11) For Carisbroolc Haynes, .Alloo, and Swan secuic'd the wickets, as did Kirkwood and Luko for Anderson Bay. _ ~,.4.1. Grange defeated Dunedin O on the North Ground° bv 38 runs. Grange made 145 (White 47/Keast 11, Forrest 28, Wright 20, and Millar 10). Dunedin C made 107 (Fish 37 Robertson 17, M‘Kcy 14, and M'Farlane 10). Wright bowled best for Grange, while Egigleton did likewise for Dunedin. Christian Brothem defeated IS t. Kilda on the first innings. St. Kilda made 88 (Livingstone 26 and Murie 24). Christian Brothers responded with 103 (J. Fogarty 18, D Fogarty 19, Grainger 36). The bowling honours for St. Kilda were divided between Andrews (5 wickets) and Edward* (5 \yickets), and for Christian Brothers by E. O Connor (7 for 30) and Flanagan (two wickets). THIRD GRADE. High School A defeated St. Kilda by aa innings and 29 runs. St. Kilda made 65 (Keys 22, M‘Kvoy 11, Ledger-wood 11, Coxon 10) and 56 (Barron 19, lergusson 10), lea takino- s.x wickets for 15, Whelan four for 20, and Hutchison three for 14. High School scored 161 (Shepherd 60, Harm way 37, Inglis 12, Fca 11). For fat. Kilda Coxon took five wickets. . , Mornington 73 (Catto 27, Provis 12) defeated Opoho 41 (M'Oombe 25) by 32 runs. Anderson and Catto bowled well for Mornington and Dyer for Opoho. Grange defeated Albion B by 37 runs. Grange made 124 (Brown 41 Smith 20 Gardner 15) and Albion responded with 87 (Arthur 35, Gardner 17, Riach 10, and Thomas 11). Brown and Cameron bowled best for Grange, while Auld ana Riach did likewise for Albion. , . Christian Brothers defeated High School B on the Asylum Ground by 192 runs Christian Brothers made 21 1 (Needham 32 retired J. Tarleton 40, L’Estrangc 36, Heffernan 22 retired, Roidy 14 retired A. Tarleton 10, Fogarty 10 not out). .High School’s total amounted to 25 (Davis 13). Needham (6 wickets) and Gaffaney (4 wickets) bowled well for Christian Brothers, and M'Neilly was the pick of the School bowlers. OTAGO ELEVEN v. COLTS. The following teams have been selected for the Otago Eleven v. the Colts match, to be played at Carisbrook on election day, play to commence at 1.30. Otago Eleven. —Ramsdcn. Tucicwell, Watson, Rev. W. Hay. Siedeherg (captain), Oas’cy, Duthie, Eckhold, Bruges, Westbrook’; emergency, Stiglish. Colts. —Crawford (captain), C. Chadwick, L Chadwick, Galland, Shepherd, Bell, A. W Alloo, Stephens. Malcolm, Binney, Eckhoff; emergency, M'Mullen. MATCHES IN OTHER CENTRES. AUCKLAND, December 6. The fourth round of the senior matches was commenced yesterday. Results:—Eden A, HI; Ponson.by, 99 for four wickets (Worder 44). Waitemata, 110; North Shore, 140 for three wickets (Howie 62 not out). Eden B, 188 (Punch 43 not out); Grafton, 136 for three wickets (Kingston 70, MacCormick 40 not out). University, 161 (Graham 44); Parnell, 45 for five wickets. WELLINGTON, December 6. The senior matches were concluded on Saturday in fine weather. On the previous Saturday East made 464 in the first innings against Old Boys, who knocked up 279 yesterday, and following on, made 56 for one wicket. East thus secured a first innings victory. Last week North made 436 for nine wickets (declared) against University, who put up 225 and 111 for three wickets yesterday, North thus getting an innings win. For Old Boys Tucker (64* and Beechey (52) batted best, and for University Joplin tooped the list with SO not out. CHRISTCHURCH, December 6. The fourth round of the senior matches was played yesterday. West Christchurch, 493 for nine wickets, boat Kaiapoi, 156 (Smith 88) and 219 for three wickets (G. Green 71 not out and D. M'Gregor 93). Sydenham A, 148 and 158 for three wickets (J. Taylor 70) beat St. Albans, 101 and 204 (H, A. Bishop 88 not out). East Christchurch, 293 for five wickets, innings declared closed (T. Carlton 116 not out and C. Beal 89), beat Riccarton, 63 and 74. Linwood, 63 and 230 for five wickets, innings declared closed (E. Perrin 116), beat Sydenham B, 102 and 119.

Hi R O 1 d £ JS .s *o s £ Hi Colts ... 5 5 — — 10 Opoho ... 5 3 1 1 7 Dunedin ... 5 2 2 1 5 Grange ... 5 2 2 1 5 Carisbrook B ... ... 5 1 2 2 4 Oarisbrook A ... 5 1 2 2 4 St. Kilda ... 5 1 3 1 3 Albion ... 5 1 3 1 3