Taupiri v. Paterangi.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2761, 25 March 1890, Page 2

Taupiri v. Paterangi.

Saturday, the 22nd, being the date arranged for the match between the Paterangi and Taupiri Cricket Clubs, the Taupiri team proceeded to Whatawhata where the game was to be played. They arrived on the ground about a quarter-past eleven, and after waiting over an hour it dawned upon them that they had been sold, for not one of the Paterangi men turned up. They then adjourned to the Whatawhata Hotel where luncheon for both teams had been previously ordered, and partook of a snmptuous repast. The Waipa is famous as a provision district, and the worthy host must have laid the whole county under requisition for the tables absolutely groaned with the weight of the feast, while the Taupiri men groaned at the non-appearance of the Paterangi knights of the willow. After luncheon the faupiri captain read to his men the letter from the Paterangi secretary arranging the match, it bore the club's coat of arms and seal and a printed account of their registration under the Waikato Cup Association, and would appear to be one of the happiest efforts of the Ulster King-at-Arms in armorial embellishments. The letter made a special point of the Taupiri team being ou the ground in good time, and this from their secretary, Mr Richdale, seemed rather too rich when none of his men where there at all, and we all thought there was something very crooked about it. However, the luncheon putting us into a somewhat better frame of mind, we returned to the pitch where the Taupiri captain placed his men in the field and formally claimed the match for his club owing to the non-appearance of our opponents. A good practice was then indulged in the wicket working splendidly, and the Taupiri team returned home expressing their willingness to meet Paterangi at cricket whenever they chose, but strongly objecting to any more prospecting expeditions. Cover Point.