FRISQUET, OR LADIES CRICKET.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2999, 25 September 1878, Page 4

FRISQUET, OR LADIES CRICKET.

This new and original game by Mr P. Ironside, bearing the euphonious name of " Frisquet," has been inaugurated in Sydney by an opening match, the players being a chosen few. The piece of ground selected for the purpose was that formerly known as Farmer's, at Moore Park, now unsuited to the purpose of cricket, owing to some portion of the field haying been taken in for a plantation. Being found particularly well adapted to this game (36 x 24 yards being the amount of space required) application has been made by Mr Ironside to the municipal authorities for its 1 use, and in return for his endeavors as originator, we doubt not but that it will bo successful. Two matches.have already been played, and if the interest of those who have taken part may be taken

as any criterion, there is no reason to doubt of its becoming very popular.

As most of our lady readers may sooner or later be interested, we give an

outline of the game, so that they may, if anxious, prepare themselves to the skill necessary to become good players. We would first repeat that there is nothing with which the lady of most refined taste - could possibly find fault; married, as well as single, may find pleasure in. it, without the fatiguing activity required in rounders and lawn-tennis. No exertion is involved exceeding what was stated to be beneficial by Professor George in a lecture at the Riviere College, Woollahra, a few evenings since, on the importance attached by the. Greek philosophers to healthy exercises by both men and women, and of the importance of these exercises as preventives to liver complaints and spinal and nervous affections. Sides being selected (two twelves) the procedure is as in cricket, with the exception that only one at a time goes to the wicket. The field is disposed, each being supplied with a " spoonbill." The The skill of the striker is, the balls being first placed at equal distances in front of the wicket, to place them, being first struck in rapid succession, through the half-rings, poles, or field. Upon the success of this depends the number scored. The dexterity required to place the balls, with a good field, is not so easy to acquire as one would imagine. The effort of the fielders in return, each in his or her appointed place, as in ■ the cricket field, and with their "spoon-

b'll," is to check, not strike, the ball, the rights of the one last touching (provided the rules are adhered to) extending to

putting the striker out, if he or she can, by throwing through .the wicket. The striker can be put out in other ways, by a catch or "fouls." With the two balls so quickly following each other in the field, there is often some sharp work to prevent scoring, and active defence re-, quired. Th"e balls are similar to those used in lawn-tennis, but are knitted to bring up to the required size. The game, notwithstanding the unusual bustle involved, may be, as to scoring, understood in a few momentn by any onlooker.—Sydney Mail.