INTERPROVINCIAL CRICKET.

Observer, Volume XI, Issue 731, 31 December 1892, Page 11

INTERPROVINCIAL CRICKET.

Otago V. Auckland.

(B*sr 'Vigilant.') On Friday and Saturday of this week the Otago reps, try conclusions with Auckland's chosen Eleven, on the Domain* Ground, and if rumour speaks truly our local men will need all their skill and science to hold their own against the Southern champions. Eor some time past the latter have been contemplating a trip North, but, for various reasons, have had to defer their departure. But at* last they have succeeded in getting together a team worthy of any foeman's ste6l, and have thrown down the gauntlet for all and sundry to pick up. Tarantara !

Otago cricket, under the guidance of the experienced Mr Lawton, the professional coach, has become a very different game to what it was in days of yore, and by Bteady practice and ' strict attention to business,' as the ads. have it, Otago reps, now claim the proud distinction of being the premier team in New Zealand. How far this olaim is justified of course remains to be seen, but one thing is een tarn: they will give our Auckland men every show to prove what they are made of. Let it not be forgotten, liowever, that Auckland's present selection cannot be said to represent Auckland's full strength when such cracks as Arneil, Mills, Lawson, Hawkins and Howlett are absentees.. And when we compare : our present team with the one that so gallantly upheld our honour against Canterbury last year, we are compelled to admit that we have, to a certain extent, gone back; yet our team is a good one and one that will take. a lot of beating. In bowlers we are very strong ; in fact, with one or two exceptions, all hands could take a turn with the leather if wanted, and in this department I feel certain Auckland will more than equal its opponents, and be able to prevent anything like tall scoring on their part.

Our weakness, if weakness we show, will lie in our batting, and that is just where the absentees aforementioned will be mostly missed. Of course those who have filled the vacancies have richly earned their places, but in cricket there is nothing like a level head and good judgment, and until the new chums have stood fire who is to say how they will come out of the ordeal? In the field Auokland will be equally as good as of yore, and I feel confident few opportunities will be lost. Taking the team all round, however, I must confess that they do not appear to me what the reps, of former years have been, and although I still think they will pull through, yet I cannot speak with that confidence I could have done had the absentees been ih their proper places.

According to my usual custom, I will give the names of the players selected to do battle for the province, together with a few remarks upon their play. Very well, then, here goes :— J. N. Fowke (Gordon) 'Johnny,' as. he is familiarly called, is one of the best cricketers I have seen and although not a pretty bat, he can always be relied upon to 'Btay.' Of course, his wicket- keeping is his strong point, and for this alone his place would be certain in any team. He has represented both Canterbury and Auokland on several occasions.

W. Gardiner (captain of the Parnell) : Is the most brilliant bat in Auckland, and one of the best in the colony; he is a hard hitter aß> well as a scientific player ; particularly hard on the offside; can always be relied on for a score ; a. very sure out-field. Has represented Auckland on various occasions. .

J. T. Harkness (Auckland) : One of last year'B juniors ; a very good fast bowler ; keeps good length as well as pace ; fine field, but only medium bat; has made one or . two fair scores, this seagon, but has done nothing exceptionally brilliant with the bat. . His first season as a rep.., .'..- .. " W.\ Stemsoii (United) :' Our crack, fast bowler;: sends down v . some .terribly ..hot' ones ;-*; always keeps a good, length and never seems to tire ; his batting is also good, and when once properly wound up, he scores very rapidly ; smart field. Has represented the province for some years paßt.

R. Neili (Auckland) -. A fine slow-bfreak bowler ; can work across from either Bide, and generally comes off with a good average ; a very careful bat, and what runß he does compile are got by good cricket. His sight is rather against him whioh causes him to be a little slow in tbe field. Has represented Auckland with marked success already.

T.. Neill (Auckland) : Brother to our crack bowler. By steady attention to practice has gradually worked his way into the front, rank of cricketers, and by hiß good batting and fielding this season has richly earned his place in tbe team.

D. Miller (United):. A powerful .hitter; generally knocks up a score in a -few minutes : .fine left-hand bowler, extremely difficult to negotiate ; a fair field. His first Beason as a rep.

T. A; Moresby (Gordon) : Can lay olaim to being about the best deep field we have had for some time ; his batting has improved wonderfully this season, and although hia style is somewhat peculiar he invariably makes a score ; a very good change bowler. Has represented the province' before.

J. R. Lundon (Onslow) : Has been showing improved form of late with both bat and ball, and has assisted his club wonderfully during the present season. Nevertheless I consider he is hardly worth a place in the team just yet. His first season as a rep.

D. Meldrum (Gordon) : Has been playing very consistently this season ; very pretty and sure bat; good change bowler and oertain field. His first season as a rep.

R. J. Yates (United) : The last but by no means least in the selection ; can rightly claim to be the father of the team ; is still a good bat though an indifferent field ; his , judgment is worth following, and what Bob does not know is hardly worth knowing. He is, of course, one of our oldest and most tried reps., and has fought many a memorable battle since he began to play as a ' representative man.'