CRICKET.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue XVIII, 4 May 1901, Page 827

CRICKET.

Saturday saw the conclusion of the Auckland senior championship contests, the result "being that United again carry off the honours, having gone through the season with an unbeaten record. In the early morning on Saturday the weather looked particularly unpromising, but later on it cleared up, and when play started it was fine overhead and the wickets were in first-class order. During the afternoon several showers fell, but they did not interfere with the play to any extent, although, of course, the ball was rendered rather greasy, which handicapped the bowlers to a considerable extent. The play in the two senior matches was rather sensational. In the United-Auckland match a close finish was anticipated, and the latter team looked to have the better chance. However, United’s last 3 wickets entirely altered the complexion of the game, and when the last wicket fell it was quite evident that Auckland's chance of winning was particularly hopeless. Owing to illness, R. Neill was unable to take part in the play, and his absence was a very heavy handicap to the Auckland team. The result, in fact, goes to show that he is the mainstay of his club, and that without his services they have little chance. In the Gordon-Parnell match Ohlson, to avoid all chance of a draw, immediately closed, thus leaving Gordon to score 160 runs to win. Much to the surprise of Parnell’s supporters, this task waa comfortably accomplished for the loss of but four wickets.