THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 January 1903, Page 3

THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS.

Lord Hawke's team of Cricketers arrived per train from Becfton this forenoon, and ware accorded a formal welcome by his worship, the Mayor and members of the Greymouth Cricket Club. At Mr Oxenhain's Hotel they wera entertained at an informal luncheon by the members of the "West Coaßt Cricket Association, about 60 sitting down to table. Host Oxenham had provided a substantial repast in his usual excellent style and this having been done full justice to by those present, Mr Perkins, sen. formally welcomed the English team. He said it was about 26 years Bince a former English team, that of Lillywbite's, visited Westland, and he .had the honor to be one to represent Greymouth on that occasion. Little did he think at that time that he would be present 26 years after to welcome a second team. He trusted the team had enjoyed the scenery overland from Neland assured them that they had better scenery before them to Chrisichurch. He asked those present to join with him in drinking the health of tbeir visitors, which was done with musical honors.

- Mr Warner, the English captain, who, on rising to reply, was gi eeted with cheers, explained that his team would have to leave for Christchurch on Saturday evening, provided the match was finished, as he had notified the Cricket Association that they were averse to play exhibition games. Of course, if the match was unfinished they would remain and see it through. He thanked them for their welcome and called on his team to drhok success to Cricket on the Coast. Mr E. Wickes having proposed the health of the chairman, a departure was made for the cricket field where the West Coast 22 look forward to detaining the English team for a three days' match. "So mote it be."

Play was commenced at 1 30 p.m., the weather being delightfully fine and the pitch in excellent order. The Englishman won the toss and sent the local men in first. The score at 230 stood as follows: West Coast.—First Innings. Ougley, b Thompson 9 Low, b Thompson 1 Adams, b Thompson 0 Robson, b Thompson 8 Jones, b Thompson 6 Gorton, b Thompson 3 Currie, b Hargreares 3 Woodhouse, b Thompson 0 Menehan, b Thompson ... ... 0 Benjamin, b Taompson 0 Pockin, b Thompson ... 8 Horton b Thompson 2 There are about 2,000 present.