OPENING OF THE AUCKLAND CRICKET CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1189, 14 November 1873, Page 3

OPENING OF THE AUCKLAND CRICKET CLUB.

Cricket in Auckland is decidedly " lookinw up " tin's season, and should the weather be propitious we may anticipate that the opening day of the Auckland Cricket Club which is to take place at Ellerslie to-morrow —will prove an enjoyable cricket re-union to all lovers of the game, and be a source of interest and pleasure to the large number of friends who have been invited for the occasion. Most of the leading business and profes- . sional men of the city have given substantial support by becoming members of the club, and by courtesy the Jockey Club, in permitting the use of the ground and rand stand, and the liberality of cerain gentlemen who have contributed handsomely towards the necessary expenses. The affair promises to be very successful. A large number of invitations have been issued, and for those who do not play cricket other amusements, such as quoits, croquet, archery, etc., will be provided. A great deal of trouble has been taken to get the ground in order for a good wicket, also for croquet. Members' subscriptions entitle them to all privileges of the club and to two ladies' tickets or cards of invitation for to-morrow, which can be obtained from the treasurer. The match will be between a picked eleven and twentywto captained by Mr J. Bennett, who has taken a very active interest in promoting the club and carrying out the arrangements. Mr Rees will probably be captain of the eleven, but as in a first match of this sort it is difficult to select the best eleven, the result may be booked as a moral for the twenty-two. There is doubtless in the club a good deal of cricketing talent, which by matches of this sort will be brought out, and a plentiful crop of fair cricketers be annually produced. With this view the management should endeavor to obtain the services of a good coach, and thus make the club a nursery of cricket, and by offering a prize bat to the highest scorer during the season induce members to keep up their practice and obtain a good average. We shall reserve further remarks until the match is over, and we have been able to see how they "shape." The two teams will leave the corner of Shortland-street at one o'clock sharp, and a train for the conveyance of invited guests will leave Bxitomart at two o'clock punctually.