THE CANTERBURY ELEVEN.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2035, 12 November 1869, Page 2

THE CANTERBURY ELEVEN.

Bt Long Slip, A telegram lias been received by the Secretary of the Dunedin Cricket Club from the Christchurch men, intimating that they wo old like to play the annual inter-provin-cial match during December. Whether it is likely or not that this offer will be accepted I cannot say ; but this 1 know, that if we are to have a show at all our men must go in for real practice. Our bowling is sadly at a discount; nur colts do not seem t® improve in this part of the game ; and I fancy Downes will have to be telegraphed for to come to oar rescue. His presence would improve our position greatly, for ho is looked upon by the opposing team as a “host” in himself. As the match is now the principal topic of conversation among cricketers here, a synopsis of the best Eleven in Christchurch might be acceptable to some of your readers. Fowler (the captain) is an old Victorian player of some repute ; he is a very tine and easy batsman, and is a first-class wicket keeper, good in the field, and a change bowler —his slows often proving dangerous. Cotterill was the highest scorer in the last mat ch, making the large score of 72 in the first inninus. Ho is a steady fielder, but, I believe, seldom attempts bowling. Odell is spoken of as being a magnificent 1 at, and fielder, but I never bad the pleasure of seeing bis play. Allb'g'op is a remarkably good if ay or. His style of battin.r is always admired, and be is good in the. field. Stevens is good at point, and plays cautiously while batting, often succeeding in remaining a long time at the wickets, and securing a good score. Pearce is a bowler and a smart fielder. Maiuwaiing is pretty fair in every part of the came. Dickenson is one of the bowlers of the Eleven, is of a cool temperament, never put out at anything ; generally “ dead on,” but rather slow in pace. Toni Moore is without doubt the best player in the club •. he bats well, hitting hard, and ia looked upon as the “crack” bowler, bowling with great pace, stud also with good pit .hj. { .Maples is a passable bat and field. Taylor’s forte lies in bowling, and be is considered one of their best, but Jus baiting capabilities are not much. p.S.—Since writing the above, I hear on good authority that both Moore and Fowler will not be able to come. If they do not, it will bo greatly in our favor.