CRICKET.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12911, 27 February 1906, Page 7

CRICKET.

SIELBOUBNE V. WELLINGTON. : AN EXCITING FINISH. i: Per SBress Association WELLINGTON, February 25. The third" day's play in the Wellington V. Melbourne (jlr.b contest was marked by 'one cf the -most exciting and brilliant finishes recorded in the -.annals of local cricket, the visitors gaining a handsome victory on the -stroke -of time by seven wickets. A -strong soutnerly breezs was somewhat discomfiting to the players, paiticuiarly for the Victorians. Cc-ntriry to expectations, the wicket played capitally throughout the afternoon's proceedings, but the outfield suffered to some extent by yesterday's heavy rain, and was on the dead side. Wellington's second innings realised the respectable total of 313, P. Blacklock leading the way with 97, the outcome of forceful batting in which hard, •dean and crisp driving predominated. He gave only one real chance. Tucker, whose • contribution was 33, executed some artistic 'late cutting. Hickson, who was at the' wickets for just on two hours, played steadily .and took no risks. Barron played sylishly for 21 and Monaghan shaped confidently, and soundly for 19, and was un-. beaten when the innings closed. Laver was the most successful bowler for the visitors, -Lis three > wickets being obtained at the expense of 23 runs. Armstrong captured S for 95 and McLeod 1 for 105. The ifielding -was again :poor, nir'stakes being JBsde with monotonous reguk:hy. Wanttor "play, Armstrong and Z-vlailer- began operations for the visitors and runs came freely from rhe .jump. The- Australian champion gava a fine .exhibition of magnificient iitting all round the wicket, and :his efforts were almost, wholly responsible for the splendid seven wickets' victory achieved-by hir? side, Aitken making the-winning hit just on the stroke of the clock. _ Armstrong's contribution was 66, ■ and "Aitken'sSa, both being not out: Mailer • made 20, Vaughen two and Henty one, the two litter batsmen being run .ont in their '-eagerness to force the. pace/ Moßaghau's one wicket —JMailer's) cost him 51 runs. The. spectators accorded Arir.strong-a great ovation for his magnificent innings. The team to represent South End against United on the Sqvare will be as follows: Roller, Eaikett, Warburt v on, Boyee, Gram., "Bradley, Tubb, Race, 'Jennings, Mansfcrd, and Jtlays ; emergencies—Hill, Miller, ■ and Clark.