CRICKET.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 854, 20 March 1877, Page 3

CRICKET.

PUBLICANS v WINS AND SPIRIT

MBBHAKTS.

This muff cricket match, which has lately excited considerable speculation, came off yesterday on the Hagley Park ground, The day was very fine, and shortly alter halfpast ten the publicans were conveyed to the scene of the contest in Millet and Saunders’ four-in-hand drag, while the combined team started about the same hour in Page’s omnibus from Mqrton’s hotel. Mr J. Haddrell had been chosen captain by the unanimous voice of twenty.two pubs, while Mr E. 8. Harley had been similarly honored by the combined twenty-two. Captain Harley won the toss, and elected to send his men in first, so the “ sinning ” ones, with the red poition of their caps turned towards the soectators, immediately took the field. Captain Haddrell here at once artistically placed his men all about, and the two batsmen—rather light weights, with white or “innocent” portion of cap facing lentwards—having with some degree of nervousness possibly at facing so much heavy humanity, taken their place at the wickets, the block was given by Mr Sweet, whose fellow umpire was Mr Warner, and the trundling commenced It had been previously arranged that only the bowlers were to be troubled with spikes in their shoes, as it was felt that this arrangement would prove of considerable advantage to those in the field, and so it turned out, as many in their anxiety to prevent a ball doubling them, kissed mother earth repeatedly, and at times in somewhat ungraceful positions. It would be a matter of difficulty to describe all the play, but it was a sight to be remembered to see a well known boniface pick up his stumps as he followed a leg swiper, and having cleverly managed to reach the ball after it had Waited for him for some time, stopped a bit to recover breath before he essayed to return it, and then with unerring aim it fell about 20yda E.ISLE. from the cue for whom it was intended. The players seemed equally to enjoy the fun with the spectators, but the publicans were kept on the move, many of the united ones having either been at that kind of work before, or had resided for the last few days on the cricket ground, as they seemed to be quite at borne in wielding the willow, no less than eleven of them having reached double figures. The total score of the Twenty-two totted 210. It was expected that the publicans would show some exceptional cricket, and so they did—“stumped,” “bit wicket," “run out,” &c—but notwithstanding all this they only reached llfi in the innings—the combined team thus winning by 94. Mr J Oram Sheppard had a refreshment tout on the ground, and didn't seem to complain of want of attention, but_ however all arrived safely in town in the order of their going, and in the evening sat down to a capital dinner at the Britannia Hotel, served in Green and McGuinness’s best style. MrJ.W, Morton occupied the chair, Mr E. 8. Harley filling the vice-chair. Full justice was done to the catering, and, after the cloth had been removed, the usual loyal toasts were given, followed by those of a very complimentary nature, interspersed with songs well sung, and the party broke up at an early hour, having spent a jolly day and most jovial night, with the final toast cheerily given, “ To our next merry meeting.” It is stated that the medals to those on the losing side who particularly distinguished themselves will bo “ publicly ” presented as toon as they can be conveniently out,

RIFLE MATCH. A sharp contest took place on Saturday between eight members of the Kowai Rifle Club and a similar number of the Engineers for a t urse of five guineas, the latter winning by 32 points. Great praise is due to the engineers for their really good firing. As will be seen below, they had some of the beat shots in the province to contend against: — ENGINEERS.

300 400 500 yds. vds, yds. Tl. Quarter-Master Sergt Beatty 19 18 16 53 bergt Major Manning .. 17 18 15 50 Sergeant Buckley ... .. 18 15 15 48 tapper Bell .. 16 18 12 46 Sapper Jenkins .. 18 10 14 42 Corporal Parsons ... ... 14 13 14 41 Sapper Thompson ... .. 15 15 10 40 Sapper Corsley .. 10 13 13 36 Grand total KOWAI RIFLE CLUB, ... 356 Mr Cameron (Oapt) .. 19 13 17 49 Mr Judge .. 14 16 15 45 Mr Hunter .. 16 14 14 44 Mr Fox .. 14 14 15 43 Mr Hill .. 17 13 ll 41 Mr Morton .. 15 14 12 41 Mr Leith .. 17 14 3 34 Mr Stewart .. 14 5 8 27 Grand total ... .. # , 324