CRICKET.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 714, 12 November 1903, Page 12

CRICKET.

There is an exodus of cricketers to New Zealand —whether this is one of the outcomes of the success of Maoriland representatives in other branches of the sport and a desire to become upsides with Australia at the latter’s national game, it is hard to say (says the “ Sydney Mail ”). Anyhow, they are getting our batsmen and bowlers. They have been advertising in Sydney papers for men. A. Fenton has gone to Hawke’s Bay, Harry Graham, who has been playing for Victoria and for Australia for years, leaves on the 28th of this month per the Mokoia under engagement for the High S:h> 'l. Dunedin. Another Victorian cricketer, John Lynes, has secured a position in Invercargill. In connection with Graham's

appointment it may be mentioned that a coach has been obtained in order, probably, ti- bring the Dunedin High Schoo) to the level with the Christ ch ’'ch College, whose boys have been reec.ei.ing tuition from Charlie Bannerman for some time.

The weather was very pleasant for the commencement of the second round of the district championship on Saturday. The pitches were in great run-vetting order, and better scoring should have been achieved by the teams batting.

Here is an interesting item:—A marriage has been arranged between Mr Pelhem Francis Warner, voungest son of the late Mr C. W. Warner, C. I’., and Agnes, daughter of the late Nr Henry Arthur Bly th and Mrs Blyth, of 45,. Portland Place, and Stansted, Es.-ex. Mr Marner will be recognised as the old Oxford and Middlesex cricketer and captain of the M.C.C. team that is on tour in .Australia.

Grafton met Parnell, aril winning the toss it was an easy matter for D. Hay to make up his mind to.bat. A very bad start was made, five wickets falling for 35, but thanks in a large measure to Stems on (46 not out), and Sloman (so), the score was taken to 141 before the last wicket fell. Other two-figure scores were C. Hay 15, Totman 13, and Callendar 10. Parnell led off very well with 52 for one wicket, Murray hitting up 37 (not out; in a very fine style.

City played Ponsowby on Saturday, and although no one did anything verv sensational, some very consistent batting was shown by the former eleven, seven men getting two-figure scores. These were Stevenson 17, Magee si, Kavanagh 23, MacCormick 19, Neill 13, Hay 12, Coppard n. Ponsonby did not do too well in reply, losing three wickets for 34.

The English cricketers under the captaincy of Pelham Warner, commenced the first match of the Australian tour on Saturday, playing South Australia at Adelaide. Winning the toss the M.C.C. eleven led off and, considering that they were but just arrived from a long sea voyage, the members of the team accomolished some very fine scoring. Warner hit up 65 b'fore he put one into Jenning’s hands. Tyldesley and Foster both failed, but the Surrey professional, Hayward,

was in his happiest vein and amassed 157 before Hill caught him off Travers. He was six and a-half hours at the wicket, playing a magnificent defensive game, and he came in for an ovation on returning to the pavilion. Braund showed good cricket for 58, when Giffen bowled him. Lilley lashed out in great style and looked good for a century, having made 91 I not out) when “Warner declared the innings closed with eight wickets down for 483. Hirst 37, Pelf 30, and Bcsanquet 19 were the other two-figure scorers. Claxton did best with the ball, getting four for 76, but all the others were very expensive. Gehrs and Hack led off for South Australia, the former showing good form, but after making 31 he was thrown out by Warner. Ithodes' first ball found Hack’s wicket (.18). Hill made 18 befoie being stumped by Lilley, Giffen remaining - not out with 15 to his credit. The total when stumps were drawn on the second dat was 93 for three wickets.

The Eden District Cricket Club’s new ground was formally opened on Monday. There was a large attendance of spectators, but the enjoyment of the match was spoilt by the drizzling rain which fell at intervals. Grafton played Eden, and batling - first put together 93. to which Eden replied with 239, and thus very appropriately easily won the first match on the new playing field. Mr Hemery congratulated the club upon its enterprise in securing such a fine ground for cricket. He expressed himself as astonished at such a wicket having been prepared for the senior match in so short a time. If the club only made such progress as it had done during the past month, in the next two or three years he had every confidence of seeing Auckland’s future interprovincial matches being played there. With a little expenditure of money and labour the site should eventually prove a very valuable property. It comprises over fifteen acres of land, which could be conveniently made into one of the best cricket grounds in the colony. Another feature is its situation, being near the Kingsland tram terminus.

Eden wen the toss against North Shore, and of course elected to bat. I. Mills was in great form and knocked up 66 before McNeill found his wicket. T. Elliott got 26, Douglas 19 (not out), Brook-Smith 14 and Baxter 10, the innings closibg for 173. North Shore had 37 on the slate for three wickets when time was called, so that it looks as though Eden have the game in hand.