Cricket.

Southern Cross, Volume 4, Issue 2, 11 April 1896, Page 12

Cricket.

• CRICKET CHATTER. (By The Englishman.) On Good Eriday a more favourable day for cricket could not have been ■desired for the combined match between the Invercargill and Star Clubs. A clear sky and fairly'cool atmosphere, with a true wicket, were quite favourable enough to predict a close and interesting game. Play opened about 11 a.m. The Star batted first, and made the respectable total of 111 runs, of which Carver Brothers contributed 24 each ; McInerney 22 and J. Quinn 12. The Parkites, in their first essay, made 101. The last three wickets fell for nothing, to the deadly bowling of Willie Carver, who was in fftie form. Paul Morgan made a name for himself in compiling 34 ; Kingsland 22, and Burnes 18, were the other doubles. The Star commenced their second innings, and at call of time had lost six wickets for 48, W. and A. Carver again making a stand, the former 17 (not out), and the latter 22. Paul Morgan’s fielding was anything but good; he missed catches time after time. For the Star, the bowling honours lay with Willie Carver, 5 for 11. Robertson and Kingsland did best for the I.C.C, On Saturday the semi-final for the cup was played for between the 1.8. team and the Arrowites. The weather was again delightful, and the wicket in good order. Play started at noon. Inglis winning the toss for Arrow, elected to bat. The innings produced a modest 12, five of which were extras. Such a downfall came as a surprise to everyone, Dr Thomson, from whom much was expected, being dismissed with a yorker from Burhes, which seemed to cast a over all succeeding batsmen. Burnes and Kingsland trundled capitally, , taking 5 for 6 and 4 for 2 respectively. The busy B’s then commenced their innings, which closed for 120. Burnes lud on plenty of wood for 50. George (15) and Maley (14), were the other doubles. The most successful bowler for Arrow was Perelle -2 for 13. After luncheon the Lakeites opened up their second account, and shaped a little better for 39. Purdue 5 for 16 and Midget Ward 3 for 18, were the destructive bowlers, the B’s winning rather easily by an innings and 69 runs. On the Eastern Reserve a match was played between the Waikaia and Star Clubs, victory resting with the home team by 42 runs on the first innings. The feature of the afternoon’s play was the batting of A. Carver, who carried his bat through for H2—a very creditable performance indeed. For the Star- Nash took 2 for 6, and W. Carver 3 for 16. For Waikaia, Christie took 4 for 49, and Hardman 2 for 10. Scores — Waikaia, 66; Star, 108 ; Waikaia, 70 for 6 wickets.

On Easter Monday the Invercargill B’s met the Waikaia in the final for the cup, the weather again being fine and the wicket in excellent order. As the afternoon wore on a large number of enthusiasts assembled to witness the final go. Play was begun at 11.30 a.m. The Waikaia men were the first to bat, and were all disposed of for 61 runs. E. Hamer contributed 37 of them in his usual free style, Both teams adjourned for lunch at the Park View Hotel, where Host Dan Coakley provided an excellent repast.

At 2 p.m. play was resumed. Kane and Rodgeis were the first batsmen to open the B’s account. Rodgers •was not in long until he fell a victim to J. Hamer, who made a pretty onehanded catch, 1—4 —8. Tom Kingsland joined Kane, and was given out l.b.vr. to the same bowler —2—o—lS. Twemlow came to the rescue, and for a long time could not make himself at home with Hamer’s breaks. Kane was batting well when Twemlow foolishly caused him to be thrown out. 3—25 —38. Burnes partnered Twemlow, and a prolonged stand wa's made. Christie effected a sep-

aration by beating the Captain with a beauty. 4—35 —91. Geo. Watson succeeded him, and fell a victim to Hamer s ball. 5—0—92. Purdue joined Twemlow. Runs came freely till J. Hamer got Twemlow with an off break. 6—40—113. Miller replaced the gap. Twentysix runs were added before A. Hardman got one past Purdue. 7—14 - 139. McMaster filled the vacancy, and after scoring a single was bowled by Hamer. 8 —1—140. Maley succeeded him. Caught and bowled by the same bowler. —142. Midget Ward joined Miller, and 38 runs were registered between them before Ward fell a victim to Gee. The innings closed for the grand total of 180, which is the highest score made in an innings this season. Ward deserves great credit for keeping up his wicket as he did while Miller made the runs. Miller played a pretty innings, and most of his runs were made by cuts. The visitors opened their second innings, and could only make 44, E. Hamer again topping the score with 15. Ward took 5 for 26, and Maley 4 for 16, leaving the B team the victors by an innings and 76 runs.

I congratulate Burnes and his men in securing the Association Cup for the second time. It reflects great credit on him for the painstaking manner in which he has kept his men together throughout the season. There is no doubt every individual has materially assisted one way or another to place them in the position they now hold. On Monday evening the visiting teams were entertained at a dinner in Deschler’s hotel. Songs were rendered by Messrs Cross, George and Hamer. Several toasts were proposed and responded to, after which a jovial hour was brought to a close by the company singing “ Auld Lang Syne.”