CRICKET.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume II, Issue 125, 12 November 1873, Page 3

CRICKET.

Mo>i/AT, the fxince of Wales’ birthday, was a gals day in i auranga. It waa celebrated, amongst other festivities, by a well-contested game of cricket between the officers and men of H.M. ship Basilisk and the townspeople. A number of ladies were on the ground, and the Government paddock, with the markers’ tout, the fluttering dresses, and the excited cricketers, presented an unusually festive appearance. The Brhish shilling was spun in the usual manner, ana gave the choice »f first innings or otherwise to our naval frieuds, who elected * that the townspeople should go in first. The first innings resulted in a seore'of 57 to the Tauranga team —Captain Morris and Mr Sisley being tno most successful with tbe hat. Tho bowling was vigourouslj kept up by Messrs Graves (captain). Shortland, and Arlington. Tbe fielding was excellent, several clever catches occurring, among which may bo named one by Mr Sayce and another by Mr Grant. The ship’s team then went in, losing their last wicket with a total of 18, the Bev Mr Sewell being very prominent among the batsmen. Xho bowling ot Mr Griffiths (cantain) and Mr Goldsmith, on the civilians’side, was very good, arid some capital catches were effected, among which may be particularly mentioned one by Mr Goldsmith and another by Mr Naden, who, by-the-by, distinguished himself as long-stop. The stumps were drawn at 2 o’chock precisely. After the two elevens had partaken of a capital luncheon, supplied by Mr Xadhunter, the game was re-commonced with even more spirit than before. We have not space to record the marvellous *‘ hits to leg,” the cuts, the catches that were achieved by both sides. Suffice it to say that second innings concluded with a majority for Tauranga of 108 on the two innings. At halfpast 7 the opposing teams enjoyed together a dinner at Mr Mel)-maid's. Tho bill of faro consisted of ; but we will not make our readers mouths water. Capital exercise gives capital appetites, and every one appeared to be enjoying hiu.belf. After the usual toasts had drunk and responded to, tbe toast of tho evening, “ Our Opponents ” was proposed by Mr Griffiths and drunk with three times three. A great deal of speechifying and toast drinking brought to a close one of the pleasantest days if has been our lot to pass in Tauranga.