CRICKET

Otago Witness, Issue 3861, 13 March 1928, Page 30

CRICKET

By

SLIP.

AUSTRALIANS’ ITINERARY. The following are the remaining matches of the Australians’ tour: — March 14 and 15—v. Taranaki, at New Plymouth. March 16 and 17—v. Wancanui, at Wanganui. March 20 and 21—v. Poverty Bay, at Gisborne. March 24, 26, and 27—First test match * at Auckland. March 31, April 2 and 3—Second test at Dunedin. MR MARK COHEN’S DEATH. The death of Mr Mark Cohen removed from cricket circles one whose enthusiasm did not wane with the passing of the years. Mr Cohen was one of the founders of the Albion Club, which was formed in 1865 He was captain of the first team, and Sir Thomas Mackenzie was secretary. Mr Cohen was an enthusiastic player and a popular captain. As a bowler he was more successful than the average player of those days. He made a very special feature of fielding, and considered that the missing of a catch was sufficient reason to drop a man out of a team. He never failed to attend a meeting of the club without impressing upon young players the value of good fielding. To the last'he took a keen interest in the club, of which he was patron and a life member, and he assisted it in many ways. When the diamond jubilee of the cluh was celebrated three years ago he opened the batting for the veterans. He was kindly treated by the bowlers and made a long stay at the wickets. In the days when he captained the Albion team he was keenly interested in country cricket, and on many occasions took teams into the country districts, MiJton and Lawrence “Being his particular favourites. Latterly he was a frequent attender at Albion matches, and when in Dunedin he seldom lost an opportunity to see his old club play. NOTES. Dickinson’s performance against the Australians has brought him into the limelight again, and he is being freely spoken of as a member of the New Zealand test side. The following praise comes from ” Burwood,” of the Dominion :—“ In Dickinson New Zealand has the good fortune to possess that rare asset in the world to-day—a fast bowler They are rare birds, indeed, and all the world is vainly seeking for them. With the possible exception of Jack Gregory and £>cott, Dickinson is faster than any bow er Australia possesses. That he is a first-class batsman also he proved by hitting up a century for Otago against Wellington in the Plunket Shield match at Dunedin a few weeks back A one-time New Zealand Rugby representative, Dickinson is possessed of sturdv phvsique and can keep going tirelessly both at the bowling crease and in the field It is incomprehensible how the selectors refused to select such a sterling all-round player for the English tour. Dickinson’s striking proof of form is very pleasing on the eve of the tests of strength between Ausral,a and Zealand. In Dickinson and Merrntt, New Zealand will hav e a fast and a slow bowler, who will compare favourably with anvthing the Australians can match against them. Patsy Hendren, the well-known English cricketer, who acts as coach in South Australia, thinks many promising cricketers are checked by the use of bats and balls far too big for them. “ It i s ridiculous, he says, “ for boys between « and 13 to use men’s bats. Small boys should not use the standard ball, nor bowl on a 22yd pitch. EASTMAN RE-ENGAGED. REPORT on LOCAL CRICKET. • „;£• C ; Eastn ? an > the Otago Cricket Association s coach, was re-engaged for next season at a meeting of the executive ’of the association on Thursday evening. Mr Eastman forwarded a report on the game in Dunedin, and specially mentioned the necessity tor good grounds. ,"® re P c rt was as follows: — IS S °', ne X ery ® ood material among the primary schoolboys I have had under me and some should become fine cricketers. It would be a good thin" if sports masters would teach boys the law of the straight bat and instruct the bowlers P l helr / rm u- Up as h ’S h as Possible and to learn to cultivate a length, as well as pointing out the essential points of taina of asters should advise capI f t? ams the necessity of changing their bowling more during the progress of matches, as the boys seem to lack knowledge tn this respect, and thus bowlers are «-n Pt ll°i n tn r UCh , to ° lon K when a change would bo of material benefit to their side Some excellent material is to be found among the boys of the secondary schools, but at the moment it needs careful cultiI® b °?L S ar l nc ?'Y at the susceptible period when they should considerably benefit by being coached The remarks regarding masters giving the bovs advice regarding batting, bowling, and" fielding as mentioned m connection with the primary schoolboys' a S ° appHes to tho secondary “ Among the colts who were selected for coaching there is some excellent material with a few outstanding boys. These players require to pay strict attention to field work and stroke play, both in. front and behind the wicket. The bowlers should now be able to cultivate somethinomore than good length bowling. T mean spinning, flighting. _ and swinging. This can only be obtained by conscientious \° r , , With regard to fieh”ng, more time should be devoted to this department of the game, especially in the direction of returning the ball, always endeavouring to throw it on the full to the wicket-keeper or bowler or with a long hop. Catches can lose or win matches, and practice in this department of .the game is very necessary. “ In our representative team we have some first-class talent, and the n'lelcus of a very fine representative side. The players at’o now at uu age when they

should absorb the knowledge imparted by a coach, and the result mostly depends upon the players themselves. The players must realise that to be a first-class batsman n is essential not only to play with a straight oat, out to have sure and correct footwork, and then more toot work. This is particularly applicable to on side play, and many of our representative piayers fail with scoring strokes on the leg side, mainly through tlicking at the ball 'with a cross bat in stead of playing it with a straight pat. I would like to condemn the tendency to search for the fast ball while outside the off stump. The bowlers consistently b 0... a fairly good length. This is, of course, the first law in bowling, but they must try and cultivate either spin, swerve or var.ation of pace. The ground fielding of the representatives has been particularly gratifying, but catching practice is essential in this connection. I hope that more time will be devoted to it in the coming season. “ I must say that when I wa s taken for a lour of the grounds in and around Dunedm f was amazed to see such keenness shown on the different paddocks. Carisbrook appeals to be the only ground for senior cricket in Dunedin. Logan Park I saw in the making, and 1 consider that -this ground has great possibilities of becoming first class in the right hands. The first essential for a good cricket ground is a good pitch and cutfield, and these are not to be found at the North Ground or tne Oval. It does not appear fair to me to teach a player on a ground like Carisbrook when to play forward or back and then have him suffer the indignitv of not knowing whether a good length ball will shoot or fly past his face. This I have frequently seen happen on the Oval and the North Ground. On these two grounds it. is almost impossible for any fielder to do justice to himself when fielding a ground ball. He is everlastingly in doubt, and this makes for indifferent fielding when on a good ground. 1 realise that perhaps the importance of having perfect wickets and outfields is not as apparent to local bodies as it is to cricketers, but to make a cricketer the first essential is a good ground. To cultivate enthusiasm for cricket and sport generally among the young players of Dunedin, the main thing is to provide the right kind of ground, and, although this country is so very much younger than the Old Land, I have to point out that a great deal of tho success of sport at Home is undubtedly due to the condition of the grounds I w-- very grateful for the programme arranged by the Coaching Committee for my guidance this season, and it was admirably arranged in all respects and required very little alteration. With re gard to the colts, I would suggest that in future tlie very best players be selected from the clubs, as in several instances • this season I had colts who /eally needed elementary teaching Might I suggest that next season I be allowed to weed out any unlikely players and inform the Coach ing Committee accordingly so that they can bo replaced tn connection with the representative players selected for practice, I would suggest that the nets be definitely abolished, and instead arrangement made for some form of wicket in the centre of the ground, thus giving one and- all re presentative match practice, winch mean.? not only batting and bowling practice out more particularly positional field play. I would also suggest- that the representatives be given at least three nights a week practice at Carisbrook. Players selected for representative practice should real’se that it is an honour to represent their province- and not an obligation, and they shm Id. therefore, •■>“ most reeriilar in their 1 attention at practice. in conclusion, I regret excedingly that, owing to my mishap and operation my coaching duties Were interrupted, and I was prevented from devoting as much time to my duties as I would have wished. 1 trust that by the end of next season there may be a number of young-cricketers showing that they have derived benefit from my coaching.” “ It is a very sound report,” said Mr Wycherley. He was glad, he said, that Mr Eastman had touched on the subject of grounds, as the association had been “ plugging away ” in that direction for some time. Mr Eastman had put his finger on the weak spots of Otago cricket, and when he came back he would be able to do good work. He would be able to think things over at Home, and on his return he could make a flying start. The Chairman (Mr C. Todd) said the weaknesses of the game in Dunedin must be rectified, and with Mr Eastman’s help and good grounds that could be done. The association would confer with the civic authorities at the end of the season, and it was to be hoped that as a result good grounds would be obtained so that the association would receive the full benefit of Mr Eastman’s coaching. OTAGO ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. A meeting of the Executive of the Otago Cricket Association was held on Thursday evening. The President (Mr C. Todd) occupied the chair. Mr R. C. Blunt wrote stating that, in appreciation of the kindness show-n him by the association during his short stay in Dunedin, he intended to present it with a framed photograph of the New Zealand team which toured England. It was decided to send Mr Blunt a letter of thanks. - The photograph is at present on view in the Sports Depot. The Secretary 7 of the North Otago Association wrote asking whether definite arrangements had been made for an Otago team to visit Oamaru on March 23. It would be impossible for a North Otago team to travel to Dunedin.—Mr Mackersey said that the selectors already had nine names, and would have no difficulty in obtaining a team.—The secretary was instructed to advise the North Otago Association that a team would be sent to Oamaru. Improvements to the score board at Carisbrook were discussed, and it was decided to find some better means of indicating the bowlers before the test match with the Australians. AUSTRALIA v. CANTERBURY. VISITORS WIN BY~NINE WICKETS. CHRISTCHURCH, March 5. In the match between Australia and Canterbury the former won. easily by nine -wickets. Scores: —

CANTERBURY. First innings ’ 305 Second Innings. Gregory, b M’Namee ~ 2-3 Hamilton, b Grimmett ... 3 Jacobs, c Schneider, b Grimmett ... 60 Rage, c Woodfull, b Grimmett 9 Aewman, b Grimmett 31 Nixon, c Richardson, b Grimmett ... 3 Merritt, b Grimmett 14 Evans, c Jackson, b M’Namee 20 Read, b M’Namee 10 Dorreen, b Grimmett 6 Cunningham, not out 3 Extras jg Tota l 201 Bowling Analysis.—M’Namee, three for 2J; Oxenham, none for 29; Grimmett, seven for 115; Blackie, none for 9. AUSTRALIA. First innings 494 Second Innings. Woodfull, not out ... 54 Ponsford, st Doreen, b Read 2 Jackson, not out 42 Extras .’ ’’’ 5 Total for one wicket 103 Bowling Analysis.—Read, one for 28 • Newman, none for 19; Merrritt, none for 30; Page, none for 13; Nixon, none for 8. A VISIT TO MOUNT COOK CHRISTCHURCH, March 6. rhe Australian cricket team will, at the concluseion of the tour, spend a few days at Mount Cook as the guests of the New Zealand Cricket Council. They will return to Christchurch on Easter Monday in time to catch the ferry steamer for Wellington the same evening. SOUTH ISLAND TOUR. WELLINGTON, March 6. The Australian team arrived in Wellinrrlington from the south, en route to Hamilton, where it will play a reinforced Waikato team. The manager stated that kad been impressed with the batting of Hamilton and Newman in the Canterbury match, and with the bowling of Dickinson in the Otago match. Members 01 the team also appear to be impressed with the form shown by a number of players in the teams which have opposed them to date. Dempster is generally regarded as easily the best batsman whom they have seen in action, and the visitors •speak in nigh praise of James, Badcock, and Massey for their showing in the Wellington match. Dickinson had bowled particularly well at one stage of the game in Dunedin and some of the visitors also bad a good word for Hope, of Nelson who, it was pointed out, had bowled on a wicket which did not suit him. Read impressed most of the bowlers in the Canterbury match, and a tribute was paid to the baiting performance of the lefthander. Hamilton. His “knock” was regarded as the best played against the visitors in the South Island. 8 Torrance (Otago) had bowled well, though not re?’X rded i aS b T‘? S ?T ry daD g ar <>us Merritt (Canterbury) had been dealt with severely by Schneider and Oldfield, but would, no doubt, make further development as a slow bowler with more experience. THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM. MATCH AGAINST NORTH ISLAND. * HAMILTON, March 8. I *\ e T c F lcket , match, Australia v. the North Island eleven, concluded in a drawn game in favour of the latter team In response to North Island’s first innings score of 190 Australia made 144. The North Island was disposed of in its second innings for 117, and Australia lost two wickets for five runs in its second strike ocores: NORTH ISLAND. First Innings. Badeley, c and b Oxenham ... 31 Badcock, c Oldfiold- b M’Namee 15 Kavanagh, c Richardson, b Morton 19 Lambert, c Oldfield, b M’Namee 2 Gallichan, c Oxenham, b Blackie 14 Sandell, c Woodfull, b Schneider 47 M’Girr. c and b Morton p Garrard, c Woodfull, b Morton 8 Hawke, not out Lenihan, b Blackie ... ’’’ 0 Everest, b Morton ... .' k Extras ... “’ g , Total 190 Bowling Analysis.—Morton, four for 21Blackie, two for 48; M’Namee two for 51; Schneider, one for 20; Oxenham, one for 41; Kippax, none for 2. Second Innings. Sandel, b M’Namee 20 Kavanagh, c Richardson, b Morton ." 16 Hawke, c Oldfield, b Blackie 4 Gallichan, b M’Namee .. 2 Badeley, c Richardson, fa Morton 20 Garrard, c b Blackie ~ 7 Lambert, c Oldfield, b Morton ... 13 M’Girr, c Oldfield, b Blackie *” 9 Badcock, b Morton ... . &15 Lenihan, c Oldfield, b Morton 0 Everest, not out , 2 Extras ... ’’’ 9 Total Bowling Analysis.—Morton, five for 53M Namee, two for 30; Blackie, three for AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Woodfull, lbw, b M’Girr 2 Schneider, c Gallichan, b Everest' 28 Jackson, c Gallichan, b Badcock ... 0 Kippax, o Gallichan. b M’Girr 1 Richardson, c Garrard, b Badcock’ .. 41 Alexander, c Kavanagh, b MGirr ... 11 Oxenham, b Badcock 13 Oldfield, st Garrard, b Badcock ... 23 Morton, b Lambert 1 Blackie. b M’Girr ... 13 M’Namee, not out 3 Extras ~ t " e J” g Total 144 Bowling Analysis.—M’Girr, four for 47; Badcock, four for 37; Everest, one for 22; Lambert, one for 30. Second Innings. M’Namee, b Lenihan 0 Oldfield, b Gallichan ... '4 Richardson, not out ... ... 1 Total for two wickets 5 Bowling Analysis.—Lenihan, one for 3; Gallichan, one for 2.

MATCH AGAINST AUCKLAND. . AUCKLAND, March 10. lhe cricket match between the Australian cricket team and the Auckland representative side was continued at Eden I ark to-day in ideal conditions. ocores:— AUSTRALIA. First Innings. w’ ■?,’ £°, nsf ?, rd ’ c Bowley, b Anthony 45 W. M. Woodfull, b Player ' ... 69 A. F. Kippax, c Rowntree, b Bowley 11 A. Jackson, b G. L. Weir ... ... 46 V. Y. Richardson, st Rowntree, b Bowley W. c. Alexander, c Rowntree, b G. L. Weir 95 VV. A. Oldfield, b Player 16 C. V. Grimmett, b G. L. Weir ... .. 22 D. J. Blackie, b Player 3 S. L. Morton, not out 6 R. M’Namee, c Rowntree, b Player ... 0 Extras n Total 431 Bowling Analysis.—Player four for 93, G. L. Weir three for 64, Bowley two for 62, Anthony one for 72, A. F. Weir non« for 21, Cooper none for 26, Snedden none for 31, Langridge none for 33, Postles none for 18. AUCKLAND. First Innings. E. H. Bowley, c Blackie, b Morton ... 0 A. F. Weir, c Richardson, b M’Namee u I. W. Cooper, b Grimmett 12 J. Langridge, c and b Blackie 46 A. Anthony, c Woodfull, b Morton 23 N. C. Snedden, c Woodfull, b M’Namee 21 A. S. Player, not out 27 W. Hendy, b M’Namee 0 A. J. Postles, b M’Namee 4 G. L. Weir, b M’Namee 10 R. W. Rowntree, b Grimmett 10 Extra s 18 Total 171 Bowling Analysis.—M’Namee five for 12, Morton two for 25, Blackie one for 37, Grimmett two for 79. Second Innings. E. H. Bowley, not out 14 A. J. Postles, not out 5 Extra 1 Total for no wickets 20 NEW ZEALAND TEAM. PROMINENT PLAYERS NOT AVAILABLE. Dempster, Mills, and James have notified the New Zealand selectors that they will not be available for the test matches against the Australians, and Blunt can play only in the second test at Dunedin. Mr F. Williams, one of the selectors of the New Zealand team, left yesterday morning for Wellington, where the first test team will be picked. OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND. INVERCARGILL, March 7. The interprovincial cricket match between Otago and Southland was commenced this morning in dull but fine weather. Southland had first use of a fast wicket, and compiled 304 runs. Lee and Groves were largely responsible for the bulk of the runs, their second wicket partnership totalling 180 runs. I.ee just missed bis century by twa runs after having given tt faultless exhibition of sound but bright batting. Groves, who made 78. also gave a chanceless display, and appeared set for his century when ho was dismissed lbw. The Otago bowling, although possessing variety, lacked sting, and the majority of the later Southland batsmen got themselves out. With an hour and a-quarter to play, Otago made 63 for the loss of two wickets, Alloo and Conradi, the not out men, battine confidently for their runs. The out cricket of both sides was good. The game will be continued to-inorrow. INVERCARGILL, March 8. The match between Southland and Otago, which was continued to-day in perfect weather, resulted in a drawn game. Otago increased its overnight score to 323, H. C. Alloo making 146. He was missed three times —at 32, at 53, and at 70; but nevertheless gave a good display of correct batting. The visitors occupied the wickets practically all day. Fortyfour maiden overs were sent down during the innings. With 20 minutes to bat Southland went in again and scored 60 runs for the loss of one wicket. Scores: — SOUTHLAND. First Innings. T. G. Groves, lbw, b Cavanagh 73 I. W. Campbell, c Esquilant, b Leader 1 E. Lee, c and b Cherry 93 N. M’Gowan. b Cherry ... 20 A. V. Keast, st Esquilant. b Aslin ... 41 W. Carson, c Proctor, b Conradi ... 31 A. T. Anderson, c Leader, b Aslin ... 8 C. Agnew, run out 8 N Nisbet, b Proctor 1 K. Cox. b Proctor 0 A. V. Poole, not out 0 Extras 18 Total ...» 304 Bowling Analysis.—Conradi, 22 overs, three maidens, 70 runs, one wicket; Leader, 25 overs, six maidens, 52 runs, one wicket; Cavanagh, 10 overs, four maidens, 28 runs, one wicket; Proctor, four overs, two maidens. 10 runs, two wickets; Alloo. II overs, one maiden, 48 runs; Cherry, 12 overs, one maiden, 52 runs, two _ wickets; Aslin, four overs. 26 runs, two wickets. Second Innings. W. Carson, not out 28 K. Cox, b Giles .. 4 A. T. Anderson, not out 28 Total (for one wicket) .. 60 Bowling Analysis.—Sinclair, none for five; Giles, one for 17; Brown, none for 23; Cherry, none for 15. OTAGO. First Innings. V. Cavanagh, c Nisbet, b Agnew .. 8 N. Cherry, c Agnew, b Nisbet .. .. 0 N. Conradi, e and b Poole .. .. 38 H. C. Alloo, lbw, b Nisbet 146 L. Giles, lbw, b Poole 14 E. Brown, b Nisbet 24

V. Leader, b Nisbet .. .... ;. 0 A. Sinclair, c sub,, b Nisbet •. -. 43 J. Proctor, lbw, b Nisbet .. .. 1 N. Aslin, c Lee, b Agnew 15 W. Esquilant, not out .. 3 Extras 31 Total 323 Bowling Analysis.—Groves, none for 53; Nisbet, six for 33; Agnew, two for 30; Anderson, none for 42; M’Gowan, none for 59; Poole, two for 58; Keast, none for 15; Carson, none for two. FIRST GRADE COMPETITION. SATURDAY’S MATCHES. The cricket matches between Carisbrook and Grange and Albion and Dunedin were resumed in warm weather on Saturday afternoon, and, while the match at Carisbrook was brought to an abrupt termination by a thunderstorm which occurred about 4 o’clock, th© game on the North Ground was continued until the light began to fail. Carisbrook made only 85 in response to Grange’s score of 232, the scoring being very slow. Alloo and Galland both secured excellent figures, Alloo sending down 30.3 overs for the fine average of seven wickets for 41 runs. Galland, who bowled 27 overs, took two wickets for 27 runs. Carisbrook followed on, and had scored six runs when heavy rain began to fall shortly after 4 o’clock, rendering it impossible to continue the match. Grange secured a two-point win on the first innings. Albion, in its match against Dunedin, carried the score of 155 for four wickets on' the previous Saturday, to a total of 242 for eight wickets, when the innings was declared closed. Shepherd failed to increase his score of 101, but Binney went on steadily from z 3 to 75, Allen lending him some useful support. Dunedin, who had made 126 in the first innings, had lost five for 79 when rain put an end to the game, giving Albion a two-point win on the first innings. GRANGE v. CARISBROOK. When the match between Grange and Cairsbrook was continued at Carisbrook, the south end team had lost four wickets for 36 runs in response to Grange’s total of 232, Allan (12) and Smith (11) being the not out batsmen. Scores:— GRANGE. First innings ••• 232 CARISBROOK. First Innings. Blunt, c Galland, b Alloo 4 Douglas, run out 1 Dickinson, c Knight, b Alloo 1 Smith, b Alloo 11 M’Leod, b Alloo 0 Allan, c and b Galland ... 19 Priest, c M’Mullan, b Alloo 1 Gourley, c Elmes, b Galland 17 Proctor, b Alloo 2 Aslin, not out ... 12 Faulks, b Alloo 9 Extras 9 Total 85 Bowling Analysis.—Alloo, 30.3 overs, 15 maidens, 41 runs, 7 wickets; Galland, 27 overq, 14 maidens, 27 runs, 2 wickets; Elmes, 3 overs, 1 maiden, 9 runs. Second Innings. Blunt, not out 5 Gourley, not out ... 1 Total for no wickets 6 Bowling Analysis.—Alloo, 3 overs, 1 maiden, 3 runs; Galland, 2 overs, 3 runs. ALBION 7~DUNEDIN. The game between Albion and Dunedin was concluded at the North Ground, and resulted in a win for Albion on the first innings. The scores: — ALBION. ' First Innings. Barron, b Torrance 0 Blamires, run out 8 Shepherd, c White, b Torrance 101 Blair, c Kenny, S'Claridge 0 Duncan, c Strang, b M’Gregor 16 Caskie. b Torrance 9 Allen, lbw, b Anderaon 17 Binney, b M’Gregor 75 M’lvor, not out 2 Extras ... ... 14 Total for eight wickets (innings declared closed) 242 Bowling Analysis.—Torrance, 16 overs, 13 maidens, 47 runs, three wickets; M’Gregor, 7 overs, 47 runs, two wickets ; Claridge, 16 overs, 1 maiden, 55 runs, one wicket; Anderson, 8 overs, 21 runs, one wicket; Cavanagh. 11 overs, 58 runs. DUNEDIN. First innings 126 • Second Innings. Strang, b M’lvor 21 Cavanagh, b Shepherd 3 Anderson, c Barron, b Duncan 7 N. Cherry, lbw, b Blair 17 Claridge, b Binney 1 Kenny, not out- 3 Sinclair, not out ... ... 13 Extras 14 Total for five wickets 79 Bowling Analysis.—Shepherd, 13 overs, 2 maidens, 28 runs, one wicket; Duncan, 10 overs, 3 maidens, 22 runs, one wicket; Blair, 9 overs, 4 maidens, 10 runs, one wicket ; M’lvor, 3 overs, 3 maidens, one wicket; Binney, 2 overs, 2 runs, one wicket; Allen, 2 overs, 3 runs. IN OTHER CENTRES. GAMES IN WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, March 11. Old Boys in .their first innings against Midland on Saturday made 219 (Eton 22, Barclay 79). Robertson took three for 62, Grant two for 52, and Baker three for 40. Midland had lost four wicketa for 51 when stumps were drawn.

Playing against Thprndon Institute made 90 (Burt 25). TKomdon made 179 for two wickets (Roberts 50, Monkhouse 23, Badcock 85, not out). Bowling for Thorndon Badcock took six for 42, Hyder two for 29, and Foley two for 14. Kilbirnie scored 142 (Morris 22, Bramley .52) in their match against Y.M.C./L White took two for 25, Brown three for 38, and Copeland, five for 47. Y.M.C.A. lost six wickets for 46. . Petone took the crease against Univer sity, and at the end of the day had made 226 for nine wickets (Capstick 36, Finlayson 85, Brice 55). Wellington in their game against Hutt knocked up 102 (Whyte 21, Buff .20). Beard took eight for 51. Hutt lost four wickets for 83 runs before stumps were drawn. MATCHES IN CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, March 11. The tenth round of the First Grade cricket matches was commenced on Saturday in fine weather. All interest centred in the meeting of Riccarton and Old Boys the leading teams in the championship competition, the former having one point the lead This match seem s likely to decide th e issue, and Old Boys are in a good position for a win. Riccarton were al] out for 118, of which J. L. Powell contributed 60. Merritt took four wickets for 72, Croinb three for 14, and Harris three for 13. Old Boys lost three wickets for 117 (Cromb 45 and Nixon 53). St. Albans, batting against West Christcaurch, scored 120 (Crawford 34 Dorreen West Christchurch lost five wickets for 52. Playing Linwood, East Christchurch were out for 195 (Gregory 35, M‘Ewin 41, I helps 32). Read took four for 90. Linwood lost three wickets for 37 c „ 01d . ri^ ia o S: r,P la -VW Sydenham, scored 107 (J. S. Bruges 23). Cunningham took six wickets for 21. Svdenham out Sl)’’ 66 Wlckets {or 59 ( C - Oliver not SYDNEY MATCHES. t . SYDNEY, March 11. For grade cricket the weather was fine and the wickets were good. For Paddington against Gleve Wills made 98, for Cumberland against Randwick; Nicho'ls 9 £ f o r Western Suburbs against Northern District; Shipperfield 72 (not out), and for St. George against Manly Louden 92 Bowling for University against North bydney Jones took seven for 49 and for 17 n agamst Petersham Kolleway eight AUCKLAND COACHES. t” nr Auckland, March 6 , lne Management Committee of the Auckland Cricket Association decided to-night to re-engage F. H. Bowley as coach next season prov.ded he is available. In refill to Langridge, it was decided to ascertain on what terms he could be re engaged.