BIG CRICKET.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 36, 7 February 1912, Page 5

BIG CRICKET.

ENGLAND-VICTORIA MATCH. Melbourne, February G. The match was resumed under pleasant weather conditions and on a good wicket. Scanty interest was taken in the match, only a hundred spectators being present at the start. Barnes was unwell, and Hitch, who had strained Ids groin, was also absent. The injury is not serious, but ho is resting for the tost riiatch. Vine and Strudwick were fielding as substitutes. McKenzie and Armstrong resumed to the bo wling of Douglas and Hcarne. Armstrong was immediately aggressive, and scored 23 in 12 minutes, including four consecutive fourers off Hcarne. He made 38 while McKenzie was getting 10, and reached 50 in 50 minutes, scoring to-day at the rate if two runs per minute. Rhodes relieved Hcarne, and Armstrong cut him twice in succession for four, placing beautifully, and bringing 200 up in 180 minutes. At 200, Hobbs relieved Douglas, and scoring slowed, four men on the boundaries saving many runs. The hour yielded 93. At 229, Woolley relieved Rhodes, and Armstrong clit his first ball for four. McKenzie was dismissed with the last ball of the first over. The partnership was an excellent display and produced 138 runs in 6-1 minutes. McKenzie hit seven fourers —G—78 —23G. ; Spencer was next, but was caught first ball—7—o—237. Carkeek was clean bowled—8 —0—246. At the luncheon adjournment Armstrong was 94 not out. On resuming Armstrong and McDonald forced tho runs, the former reaching his century in 107 minutes. McDonald quickly obtained 30, including seven fourers, and 300 was hoisted in 241 minutes. McDonald was caught at cover. Matthews was absent. Armstrong played brilliantly for 136 minutes, including 17 fourers. The innings lasted 253 minute's. . Rhodes 1 and Mead opene'l, McDonald and Scott howling. Mead was dismissed by the first ball of McDonald’s second over—l0 —7. Iremonger was well caught deep at third man—--2—3—10. Gunn and Rhodes quietly obtained the necessary nuns in 41 minutes. The attendance for the whole match was 9203, and the takings £162. Blackham’s share will be about £IOO. Scores:—

VICTORIA. First innings 195 Second Linings.'

Baring, liny., I) Douglas 0 Smith, b Douglas Al. ' ... 12 Scott, run out ... .-.I 1 ' ... 0 Seitz, c Vine, b Woolley v.V ... 40 Brown, b Hitch 14 McKenzie, c Smith, b Woolley ... ; 78 Spencer, c ( Smith,-b Hobbs .... 0 Oarkeek,. b Woolley ... ... 0 Armstrong, not oiit hi■ ‘ 120 McDonald, c Hobbs, b Iremonger 3S Matthews, absent ... ... Extras ... .., ... ... 12 Total ... 314 Grand total ... ... ... 500 Bowling Analyss.—-Douglas, two for 52; Hitch, one for 38; Iremonger, ■me for 46; Woolley, three for 71; Hearne,, none for ~31; Rhodes, none for ,31; Hobbs, one for 33. ENGLAND. First innings ... . ... ... 407 Second Innings. Rhodes, not out ... ... ... 22 Mead, b McDonald 0 Iremonger, c Smith, b Scott ... 3 Gunn, not out ... ... ... 10 Extras ... ... ... ... 2 Total for two wickets ... 43 Grand total 510 Bowling Analysis.—Scott, one for 11; McDonald, one for 19; Seitz,'none for B; Brown, none for 8. England won by eight wickets.