CRICKET.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1941, 17 February 1910, Page 10

CRICKET.

AUCKLAND v. OTAGO. LOCAL BATSMEN GIVE FINE DISPLAY. The Auckland-Otago cricket match not only interested the cricket enthusiast, but received considerable notice from the person who seldom, if ever, pays any heed to the great summer game. Perhaps the confidence expressed by the Otago eleven that they would prove more than a match for the Aucklanders caused the many nonenthusiasts to feel interested when on all sides one could hear nothing but praise for the great batting performances of the Auckland eleven. When the news was announced that Auckland had passed the century for the loss of only one wicket it was realised that the Otago eleven had struck a hard row to hoe, while when 200, 300, 400, and finally 500 were passed, and three individual centuries were included in the scoring, the public were beginning to wonder where the local batsmen were going to stop.

However, the last wicket fell after 579 runs had been compiled, and that nearly every man had made a good contribution to the total score was seen by the following batting performances: — Auckland, first innings.—E. Horspool 37, L. G. Hemus 109, A. E. Relf 118, A. Hadden 3, E. V. Sale 121, C. Olliff 4, W. B. Smith 44, N. C. Snedden 24, F. R. Mason 46, A. Anthony 37, F. Taylor 17 (not out). Three centuries were made respectively by Hemus (Ponsonby), Relf (Eden) and Sale (Parnell), which had the effect of sending the total up rapidly, the last-named player topping the list of individual scores with 121 runs, his dismissal being brought about by a run out. Altogether Sale was at the wickets for 3 hours 50 minutes, and that he gave a splendid exhibition may be judged from the fact that the first 50 runs he made included 11 threes, a four, and two boundaries. The sportsmanlike manner in which he surrendered his bat after being stumps ed by Macartney was the subject of many favourable comments, and the Parnell man was given quite an ovation when he walked across to the pavilion. Horspool’s score of 37 runs fully jus-

tified that player’s inclusion in the Auckland representative team, and this young player is certain to make a great name for himself in interprovincial cricket. Anthony, the ex-South-ern representative, displayed good form, and the way in which he put together his contribution of 37 runs showed that he is a big acquisition to the ranks of Auckland cricketers. A. E. Relf, who was nearly debarred from playing owing to not having the residential qualifications, would undoubtedly have been greatly missed, as his batting display proved a great help and encouragement to the Aucklanders. The bowling of the Otago men was disappointing, but their fielding, however, was of a high standard. T. MacFarlane proved the most effective bowler, taking three wickets for 85 runs. C. J. Macartney was next with three wickets for 115 runs, while A. Downes took one wicket for 142 runs, A. Fisher one for 98, and H. G. Siedeberg one for 29. OTAGO BATSMEN AT WORK. The Otago bastmen opened their first innings on Saturday afternoon at 3.40 rather badly, their score at the conclusion of the day’s play being 104 runs for four wickets. On Monday, however, the Otagoites pulled themselves together, and, with Hiddlestone hitting out in good style, brought their total up to 209 runs for the loss of seven wickets. This was the score when the luncheon adjournment was made. The total was compiled at follows G. C. Wilson 5, A. Eckhold 31, R. M. Rutherford 4, H. G. Siedeberg 38, C. H. Macartney 22, T. McFarlane 60, S. Hiddlestone 39 not out, A. Fisher 4, Hopkins 0. After luncheon the Otago meh resumed their innings, but failed to make much of a showing, and were all dismissed for 23 7 runs, the remaining scores being as follows:—Hiddlestone 43, Fisher 10, Downes. 17 and Beale 1 not out. The totals for the first innings thus read: — Auckland 579 runs Otago 237 runs The Otago men then commenced their second innings, but again showed very moderate batting form, their total amounting to 181 runs, which were obtained' as follows:—C. Hopkins 18, H. G. Siedeberg 3, C. G. Macartney 35, T. McFarlane 10, A. Eckhold 14, S. Hiddlestone 1, G. C. Wilson 27, Rutherford 38, Fisher 8 not out, Downes 14, Beale 0. Bowling for Auckland Olliff took four wickets for 52 runs, Hadden two for 27, Brooke-Smith two for 26, Taylor one for 12 and Mason one for 46. The Auckland eleven thus won the match by an innings and 161 runs, and consequently retain the Plunket Shield. During the three days the takings at the gates amounted to £250.