THE PLUNKET SHIELD.

Star (Christchurch), 20 December 1907, Page 1

THE PLUNKET SHIELD.

THE AUCKLAND TEAM'S RETURN HOME. [From Otjr Correspondent.] AUCKLAND, December 19. In replying at the mayoral reception on behalf of the Auckland cricket t3am,i. which returned triumphant from Christchurch to-day, Mr H. Frbude said there was some doubt in the minds of Auckland when Canterbury was awarded the shield, Auckland had backed her opinion -c>\ the question 'by lending a team, and tne result had proved that« the confidence was justified. The' match was played in the keenest and best spirit, and Auckland had been- represented by absolutely the best batch of men that had toured the south, as far as his experience went. They went down to win the shield, and morning, noon and night that was their one idea. They went to the ground determined to win and they had won. They Bad appointed Mr Percy White, who did not take part in the match, honorary shield-bearer. The Mayor: For life? Mr Froude: Well, for a long time, I hope. A CHAT WITH THE CAPTAIN. "It was no fluke, that win," said A. Haddon, captain of the eleven, to a "Star" representative. "Without any egotism, I can fairly claim that we are the better team, and would beat them again. Our batting is of better quality, our bowling ij stronger, and wo are at least as good as they are in the field. The team worked together as well as a team could work, and all did their little best. After Hemus and Relf went out I gave the men instructions to go for the bowling, and the score of the men who followed does not show what they were capable of. Mason, who got out for a couple of runs, fell to a wonderful catch. Th© ball travelled a few inches off the ground, and the fieldsman, throwing himself at it, just managed to grab off an almost impossible catch. In the field he more than atoned for his small score, taking the ball splendidly and bringing off a couple of splendid catches, one right in the eyes of the sun. The wickets down there are perfect, and the wicket we played on is better than the match wicket here, while the match wicket would have worn for ever, and the ball travelled at just the right height. The umpires were first-class, and the Canterbury ( team met us in a good sporting spirit. ] Lusk's 66 was the best thing on their * side, and Orchard also batted well in ] the second innings. In Crawshaw, who - 1 is only a boy, they have a fine- 6 cricketer, a good bowler, a fine bat s and a very keen field." 1