CRICKET.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume III, Issue 114, 29 September 1892, Page 9

CRICKET.

The cricket season opened on Saturday last with an interesting match between Williamson’s Opera Company and an eleven of Auckland. A somewhat damp and bleak day was the only drawback, but, nevertheless, a large attendance enjoyed some wonderfully good cricket, a dead ground and want of practice being considered. The match ended in a draw, but seeing that the Auckland team was a hot one to pit against our theatrical x friends —indeed it was not far off being a representative eleven—the splendid stand made speaks volumes for the cricketing ability of Mr. Williamson’s company. The ladies of the company mustered in force, and the pavilion presented a most attractive coup d'ccil. Afternoon tea was provided and was much appreciated. Auckland won the toss, but sent their opponents to the wickets, Messrs Leslie and Rice facing the bowling of R. Neill and Stemson. Leslie, after showing good form, succumbed to a hot one from Stemson. Ford joined Rice, and the pair gave an excellent display of batting until Neill bowled Rice with a cunning one. The outgoing batsman played sterling and patient cricket, keeping up his wicket for upwards of half an hour for 8 runs. Deane, the crack batsman of the team, joined Ford, and the pair by good hitting raised the score to 45, when Deane was l.b.w. to Lawson, who had taken the ball from Neill. Neilson joined Ford, and another stand occurred until Lundon clean bowled Ford —58 —4 —21. Ramage followed, but after making 2 was clean bowled by Lawson with a full pitch. The next man, Watson, fell to Lundon after scoring a single—62—6— 1. Stevens and Beaumont did not stay long, and 67 —8—2 was on the board when genial Mr. Bracy joined Neilson, who after batting patiently and well at length fell to Lundon —71 — 9 —16. Mr. Lauri, after making 2, met a similar fate. Mr. Bracy triumphantly carried out his bat, the innings closing for 73. Lundon had 5 wickets for 11, and Stemson 1 for 7 ; Lawson 3 for 27, Neill 1 for 27. For Auckland, Mills (19), Miller (15), Gardner (12), and Hawkins (11 notout), batted well. The total was 66 for six

wickets, the match thus ending in a draw. Deane bowled splendidly, taking all the six wickets for 31. Watson disposed of Moresby with a splendid catch at long-on, and the Opera fielding was extremely good all round. In throwing the cricket ball W. Howard, the new Gordon man, won with a throw of 89yds. ift. Bin., with Weston close up. Ford left the wickets and had one throw —an excellent one —but his duties prevented further attempts. Roberts won the drop-kick with 52yds ift, Edmonds a yard behind second. A. G. Holland won the place-kick. Auckland Cricket Association. This body held their annual meeting at the British Hotel on Friday evening, under the chairmanship of Mr. B. J. Esam, one of the vice-presidents. The following report was submitted : — “ Your committee have much pleasure in presenting the tenth annual report, and would congratulate the members of the Association on the past season’s cricket. The most important match was the fixture with Canterbury, played on our ground in March last, resulting in a win for Auckland by four wickets. This fixture has always been one of great im portance, and it will now be the duty of Auckland to return the visit as soon as possible. Unfortunately, although a fixture was arranged with Wellington to take place here, the match did not come off. the Wellington players being unable to leave the Empire City. For the seniors there were five competitors, and some of the matches were very close, the lot ultimately falling to the Auckland C.C., with an unbeaten record, to hold the first championships The junior competitions proved even more exciting, and after a tie the Auckland and Gordon played off, leaving Gordon possession of the trophies. There was not so much interest shown in the second juniors, the winners being the Belmont. The treasurer’s statement, which will be read to you, shows that notwithstanding the heavy expenses your committee were put to during the past season, still we have a balance in hand, after discharging all liabilities, of £lO 15s Bd. In order to create a greater interest in cricket, your committee have decided to hold a special opening day on September 24, by a match with the J. C. Williamson’s Cricket Club, and with that combined with some sports, we trust to give the public a pleasant afternoon. The retiring committee regret that two of their very active members of committee, viz., Messrs. A. M. Beale and H. B. Lusk, have resigned, having left the district. In conclusion, we would specially ask your hearty co-operation during the coming season in order that Auckland may still uphold the honour of her cricketers.” The balance-sheet showed that the total receipts for the year amounted to £lOl 14s 3d, and the expenditure to £B2 18s 7d, leaving a credit balance of £lO 15s Bd. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The Pitt-street Mutual Cricket Club was elected an associate club. The following officers for the ensuing year were elected :—President, Mr. Jas. Russell ; vice-presidents, His Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. Crowther), Colonel Burton, Captain Lambert, Messrs. A. J. Denniston, B. J. Esam, A. E. Whitaker, H. Rees George, C. F. Bourne, W. E. Outhwaite, A. Lankham, and P. Davidson ; hon. secretary, Mr. G. S. H. McKenney ; hon. treasurer, C. E. MacCormick; delegates (managing committee), Messrs. R. L. Hoile, J. Fowke, R. Wynyard, R. Neill, and J. Young ; auditors, Messrs. W. J. Speight and J. Webster. It was resolved :—“ That this Association respectfully desires the City Council to comply with the request forwarded by the hon. secretary, Mr. McKinney, with regard to the laying on of water to the Domain ground, as it is impossible for the turf to be kept in good order without the constant application of water.” The trophies won last season were then presented as under: — Senior trophy, Auckland Senior Club, for an unbroken record; junior trophies, Gordon 11. and Belmont 111. An enlarged photograph of Mr. W. Lankham, one of Auckland’s oldest cricketers, was next unveiled amid great applause. The Chairman said that it had been decided to recognise in some appropriate way the work done for cricket by Auckland’s pioneer cricketers, and Messrs. Lankham, Yates, and Mumford had been asked to have their photographs taken so that they might be hung in the club-room. Mr. Lankham’s portrait was now before them, and the others would follow.

Mr. Lankham briefly thanked the Club. After some discussion on matters of interest to cricketers and the passing of a vote of thanks to the Press of Auckland for the encouragement given by them to the game, and a vote to the Chairman, the meeting terminated.