MUFF CRICKET MATCH.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 847, 12 March 1877, Page 3

MUFF CRICKET MATCH.

This event, which has created great interest in cricketing circles, took place to-day on Hagley Park, Sides were chosen by Mr K, B. Palmer and Mr Loughrey. The former went first to the wicket, Messrs Warner and Hale being detailed to defend the stumps. Considerable admiration was elicited by the way in which the field went to work, The men of steam and tents soon succumbed to the gentle persuaders of the guide, philosopher, and friend, of the Gloucester street youth, whose trundling is awkward to deal with, and who would not be denied. A soft-goods representative followed, but his stay was short, a well-known merchant covering himself with glory by the admirable manner in which he fielded a hit—-a palpable hit. But Nemesis, in the shape of the consort of Thalia, Melpomene, &c., was at hand, and the bearer of a name honoured in the annals of the stage made sad havoc of the bowling. In vain did Thomson, the indefagitable, and Loughrey, the untiring, send down the best of their trundling, the Hon of Neptune was too many for them, and 23 appeared to his credit before he passed away. Our local Figaro covered himself with glory by a hit for 6, and then the wickets fell like sheaves in autumn, until the hope of the team arrived in the shape of the Provincial Auditor, His advent was received with loud cheers, and his march to ihe wickets one long ovation. As he took guard the opposition team—amongst them the Chairman of the Drainage Board—trembled. They felt they had no common man to deal with. Nor had they. Despising the more conventional rules of cricket, which define tint when a man is out he shall leave hio’ wicket, this great artist survived no less than one catch, once bowled, and once body before wicket before he| condescended Jo return to the pavilion, and receive thewell-merited applause of his side for his determined stand. The last man was sent forth, but of what; regal port. Advancing with slow qnd stately step under the shadow of a gigantic umbrella, with supporters right qnd left, the last of the no,hie bqnd came gallantly forth tq do battle. He had stood on many a platform, hut never so proud a moment fell to h s lot as this. He went, ho struck, he po ! he advanced to the opposite wicket at a magestie paco which overawed the other aide. At last his wicket fell, and with it the hopes of his side. The telegraph showed 95, and, as we left, the opposition were putting themselves in battle array at tfic wickets.