LADIES AT CRICKET.

Evening Star, Issue 3507, 20 May 1874, Page 3

LADIES AT CRICKET.

To Sandhurst (Victoria) belongs the honor of turning out the first twenty-two lady cricketers in the Colonies ; and from the exhibition of their capabilities, on April 7, iu this new field of love’s labor, they have added an additional charm to the game of cricket, and shown that as a healthy exercise it is alike fitted for the gentle as for the sterner sex. That match was originated in aid of the funds of the local hospital ; and we learn from the ‘Advertiser,’ from whose report we quote, that the public interest was far beyond what was expected. We are told that “everything being in readiness, the ladies—one side wearing red Garibaldi jackets and sailors hats, and the other blue jackets and similar hats—marched in pairs—red and blue linked together - from the tent to the field, headed by their respective captains Mrs Rae for the Reds, and Miss B. Rae for the Blues. Their appearance was very pretty and picturesque, and they were loudly applauded by the on-lookers It was suddenly discovered that, though the ladies had brought bats and wickets, they had forgotten the ball, but this difficulty was got over by one of the umpires producing one of Duke’s beat. The respective captains having tossed for innings, it was decided that the Reds should go to tho bat; and they secured a total of 65 runs before the last wicket fell. The highest scorer was Mias Kate Petrie, who obtained 27 runs. This young lady not only acquitted herself well with the bat but she trundled the ball with effect Miss Nellie Rae distinguished herself by smart fielding,’effecting a capital catch, by which a good bat, M;ss Clay, was got rid of. Miss J. Murdock also proved herself a first-rate bowler. After the lapse of half-an-hour tbe Reds took the field, and they put their opponents out for 83 runs. Miss B. Rae was top scorer with 36, nob out; while Miss Gebe scored 10, and besides did good execution with the hall, bowling underhand with precision and lowering six wickets. Miss Clay caught out Miss Luth whyte by a splendid left-hand catch, which evoked tremendous applause, and brought the innings to a close. One innings each only was played, and victory, therefore, rested with the Blues. When the ladies had assembled in the booth, Mr Abbott, chairman of the Hospital Committee, thanked the ladies for the successful effort which they had made on behalf of the charities, and the gentlement present sang They are jolly good fellows. Mrs Rae ou behalf of the ladies, replied, stating that i the ladies had thoroughly enjoyed the game, and had the utmost gratification in knowing that their effort had been productive of a substantial addition to the funds of the charities,”