CRICKET.

Colonist, Volume XLVIX, Issue 11771, 30 October 1906, Page 4

CRICKET.

I (By "Short-slip." I A heavy shower fell on Saturday morning, and it was thought that cricket would once more have to be shelved, but the showers cleared away about ten o'clock, and matches were played as usual. As was expected, the Athletics put a totally different complexion on their game with Nelson, and the latter have now about 120 to win, with 7 wickets^to go. For the Athletics Smith was again top scorer, hitting hard for 43 which included a sixer. In both innings the tail of the team saved the Athletics the Srst batsmen being quite unable to get going. The fielding of both teams was much below par and a great im provement in this department may be looked for. United got over Karaura by 59 runs. Tbe latter were left with 99 to win. Fairey and Scott stuck the United bowlers up for a time when the latter batsman had the misfortune to be thrown ont by Day. The ~Sonior games for next Saturday are Nelson v. United (Fnrk No. 1) Phoenix v. Kamura (Park No. 2), College v. Brigbtwater (at Brightwater). Two good games are set down for the King's Birthday: — College v. Athletic (Park No. 1) and Brightwater v. United (Park No. 2), and should bo well worth watch iDg. L C. Livick, who last year played for Athletics, passed through Nelson yesterday from Christchurch, on his "way to Suva in the service of tbe Union S.S. Company. The sheep referred to last week are still in the Park, and as a result the senior wicket is becoming in a disgraceful state. All the young grass has been eaten, and tbe pitch used as a "camping place by the sheep. Recently tbe Council expended £10 in soil for the outfield, but this has been scratched about, and is now all bumps and hollows. The Council are paid £2 per month for the right of grazing sheep on this public recreation ground aud some cricketers are of opinion that it would "pay them to substitute this amount for the privilege of having the Park to themselves. In view of the coming visit of the English team it is imperative that step should be taken to protect the wioket at the Park and the Association, being short of funds, the Council should be asked to assist, even to the extent i of sacrificing the revenue received '. from grazing. I : S. W. Thornton, who was some I ■ time ago captain of the Nelson ]

Club, is doing well in- second grade cricket in Christuhurcb. His latest success is 69 not out. He plays for the Riecarton Club : and is also on tho Management Committee.