CRICKET.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 37, 20 December 1879, Page 4

CRICKET.

To THE EUITOK. Sir, — You very correctly remarked in a Lite issue that some cricketers in Ashburton only don the flannel when there are important matches to take place. Yon might have further added, with equal justice, that it is quite common now for some of our cricketers to promise to play, both in home and foreign matches, and, without either rhyme or reason; they never think anything more about it, totally regardless of their own or their confreres’ good name as cricketers. These remarks are drawn forth by the utter disregard of promises and want of principle shown by some gentlemen who had promised to proceed by this, morning’s train to Geraldine, where a match bad been arranged to take place to day at the request of the Geraldine Club, and who* of course, expected the Ashburton cricketers to fulfil their engagement. Oat of thirteen selected only five—namely, Messrs. Hodder, Fooks, Fowler, Ashwood, and Poyntz met at the appointed time, the remainder not thinking it worth their while to keep their promise. What the opinion of the Geraldine cricketers will be at the conduct of their Ashburton friends it is easy to, imagine ; but this is not by any moans the first time matches homo, and more especially foreign—have fallen through in consequence of players disregarding tho promises given to their Captains. It is enough to make one blush when ho hears a stranger mention the words “Ashburton cricketers,” associated as these words are with repeatedly broken promises.

In fact, if matters go on in their present state ; and members do not show a little move regard for their cricketing reputation, and thus not disappoint those whose challenge they have accepted, cricket in Ashburton will be a thing of the past. Hoping this may tend to freshen up our lax players and make them more jealous of their cricketing honor—l am, &c., Always at the Wickets. Ashburton, Dec. 18.