CRICKET.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1034, 30 December 1909, Page 13

CRICKET.

AUCKLAND v- WELLINGTON. On Monday the interprovincial match between Auckland and Wellington for the Plunket Shield was commenced at the Auckland Cricket Ground in fine weather before a large attendance. Both sides were responsible for a fine exhibition of bowling and fielding, and the first day’s play yas well up to the standard of interprovincial cricket. Wellington took their stand at the wickets first and knocked up 140 runs (Hickson 21, Cobcroft 1, Mahoney 6, Monaghan 6, Laws 5, Blacklock 18,

Gibbs 1, Rogers 8, Williams 39, Brice 0). For Auckland Relf took five wickets for 41 runs, Howden three for 51 and Cliff one for 28. Auckland then commenced their first innings and altogether compiled 172 runs for six wickets (Hemus 15, Anthony 6, Mason 0, Sale 66, Oliff 12, Brooke-Smith 46, Relf 8 not out, Taylor 0 not out). For Wellington Uphan took two wickets for 39 runs, Rogers two for 37 and Brice two for 19.

The match was continued on Tuesday under favourable weather conditions, and in the presence of a large gathering of spectators. The Aucklanders continued their first innings and hitting out in good style brought their total up to 233 runs (Relf 19, Taylor 21, Snedden 9, Howden 2, Robinson 1 not out). For Wellington Upham took two wickets for 48 runs, Rogers two for 37, and Brice five for 38. Wellington then opened their second innings and succeeded in making 108 runs (Monaghan 14, Hickson 21, Mahoney 14, Cobcroft 0, Blacklock 5, Rogers 2, Williams 2, Brice 20, Laws 0, Upham 0, Gibbs 0-) For Auckland Relf took one wicket for 19 runs, Howden five for 43 runs, Taylor two for 8 and Olliff one for 35. In their second innings Auckland made 16 runs (Hemus 5, Anthony 11) for no wickets. Auckland thus won by ten wickets.

Saturday, being Christmas Day, most sport lovers took things leisurely, and with the exception of a few outside cricket matches the only game played was the representative match between Waikato and Auckland, which took place at Victoria Park. Some good scoring was made during the afternoon, and play was of an interesting character throughout. Waikato batted first and managed to knock up 202 runs (Hodley 40, Pomeroy 85, Smith 9, Blamires 20, Neild 25). Auckland then set to work and compiled 300 runs for the loss of seven wickets (E. V. Sale 61, R. T. Woods 36, N. Goode 29, R. Gordon 16, J. Gavin 73 not out, P. White 40, W. McGrath 14, A. Gray 7 not out). Wakefield v. Grafton B. —Wakefield, 113 runs (Kerr 44, Dryland 17, Quintall 11). Grafton 65 runs (E. Horspool 36). For Wakefield Kerr took eight wickets for 33 runs. Wakefield thus won by 48 runs.