CRICKET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9424, 24 December 1908, Page 1

CRICKET.

CANTERBURY V.. WELLINGTON. The ammal match between Cantorbury and "Wellington which will begin to-morrow at Hagley Park, is expected tv") be exceedingly interesting. The Wellington team ie reported to bo strong in batting, but somewhat woak in bowling, while the local eleven, contains batsmen from whom a good score is expected, ami with Bennett and Malono to bear thn brunt of the bowling, the game should be very open. Chairs and seats for the convenience of the public have been placed on the ground, and a charge of Gd will be made for tho chairs. Play will begin at 2 o'clock. The following are descriptive notes on the members of the Canterbury team : — A. Anthony (Riecarton). — A sterling bat, but has been under a cloud until recently. In his last two innings in grade matches* however, ho scored 70 and 52, and appeared to have .struck his best form. Not too brilliant in the field. J. H. Bennett (Sydenham). — Canterbury's best fast bowler. Is in tip-top form at present, and can be depended on to keep an end. going consistently, as he never appears to tire. An erratic bat, but makes runs brilliantly at times. An indifferent field. C. Boxshall (East Christchurch)— The wicket-keeper of the team and tho best in the dominion. A batsman of the fireworks order, and extremely popular with the onlookers. Seems to reserve his best efforts for big matches. E. Humphreys (Linwood). — The Kent professional. A brilliant performer in all departments. At present in magnificent form with the bat, but so far has been unlucky in his bowling, a great many chances having been missed off him. Has no superior in Christchurch as a fieldsman, his work being a treat to watch. T. J. Malone (West Christchurch).— The best slow bowler Canterbury has ever produced and in great form at present. A poor field, and his place in the hatting list is invariably eleventh. A Norman (Riccarton). A batsman who in the past performed well, but judging from hia form at tho nets recently he was lucky to catch the <se- j lector' 6 eye. A moderate field, but j does brilliant work at times. j S. A. Orchard (Linwood). — Another ' batsman who seems to reserve his best efforts for representative matches. Has done little in grade matches this season but has batted in first class form at the nets. A first-class field. Has blossomed out as a slow bowler i this season, his break being something to startle the batsmen. W. Patrick (Sydenham). — A good all round man. A stylish bat, but has not been at his best this season, no doubt owing to the responsibility of the captaincy of his team. A splendid field and a fair change bowler. D. Reese (West Christchurch).— The selector who will probably captain the team. At present in magnificent form, not only in batting but in bowling and fielding. Sets his men a good example by being a tireless "trier," and will be expected to make a good contribution to the score sheet. A. E. Ridley (Linwood).— Of the famous family of cricketers. Holder of the first grade record, which ho established a few weeks ago with a score of 217 (not out). His success is all the more remarkable since he never practises. He is always in good form nevertheless and is a fine field. B. B. Wood (St Albaiis).— The youngster " of the team and also the most enthusiastic member. A brilliant and consistent bat, and a magnificent field, his energy being something to marvel at. Can field equally well m any position.