CRICKET.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1259, 20 March 1878, Page 3

CRICKET.

ENGLAND v. COLONIES. The above was the title of the match that took place on Saturday ; but, owing to the absence of several players, the side for the Colonies resolved itself into, with one exception, an old College boys' team. Most of the players who were absent, although knowing early last week that they would be otherwise engaged, never had the courtesy to inform the match committee of their intended absence, so that proper arrangements could be made to carry out the game ; but as it was, at 2.30 p.m. only seven of the Colonies' eleven had put iu an appearance, and the side was filled up by players on the ground. It is to be hoped that the committee will take steps to put a stop to this practice next season, as it has become very frequent of late, and unfortunately the season is just oyer, so that it cannot be punished now by leaving opt the rjames of the offenders in any of the association matches.

The Colonies were first at the wickets, and Ashby, who was again in fine form, soon despatched the first three wickets, but Mathias and Harfclandmade a good stand, showing very fair cricket during their partnership, but the former got too much under a half volley from Lee, and was caught at mid-on, after making 13 in good style. Smith stayed a long time, but only scored a single, when he failed to stop a good ball from Ashby. Eecvos joined Mathias, but after 8 more runs had been added to the score, the latter was bowled by Ajjjby. He played a good dfcfeoßive injiinge

for 22 without a chance, his chief hits being two 3’s and fire 2’s. Ho lacks hitting power, which probably will be remedied with another season. Millton was also dismissed by Ashby, but Boss and Beeves added nearly 20 runs before the former in playing back to a slow from Neilson hit his wicket. Peter put his runs together quickly, but was bowled by Ashby, a fate which also fell to Wilkinson, the last man, the score being only 80. Before the Colonies took the field Mr Stevens presented Mr Neilson with a souvenir of his having been captain of the Canterbury team this season, lb was a gold medallion, bearing the following inscription : —“W. E. Neilson, captain Canterbury team, season 1877 8 ” on one side, and on the reverse “Victorious v. Auckland, Wellington, Otago, and combined Australian Eleven.” Mr Neilson having acknowledged the compliment in a few suitable words, the game was resumed. Neilson and Godby were first to appear. Peter and Hartland bowling, but the former could not get near the wicket, and bowled several wides. The light was very bad for batting, which accounts for the batsmen letting off several long hops, which ought to have been hit. At 21 Godby gave a chance to third man, which was taken by Boss. The retiring batsman made a fine drive ford and two 3’s. Lee followed and began scoring quickly, but Neilson should have been caught easily at short lag. A good ball from Wilkinson, however, soon afterwards dismissed him for 13, made by a 4, two 3's, &c. Ashby joined Lee, and should have been run out but Hartland failed to bold the ball when returned to him. He afterwards gave a bard chance to Ollivier at shortstop, but escaped. A shooter from Hartland, however, sent Lee back to the pavilion* after putting together 13, by a 4, a fine cut, a3,a 2, and singles. Wilson joined Ashby, and played until time was called, the latter being not out for 17, which includes a grand cut for 5, the score standing at 70 for the loss of three wickets. The following is the score : Colonies. First Innings. J. Wood, h Ashby 0 L, Mathias, b Ashby 22 E. J. Cotterill, b Ashby 0 A. M. Ollivier, b Ashby 2 J. Hartland, c Morice, b Lee ... 13 H. S. Smith,, h Ashby 1 W. P. Peeves, not out 12 W- Millton, b Ashby 3 E. Ross, hw, b Neilson 5 E. Peter, b Ashby 7 J. Wilkinson, b Ashby... ... ... ... 0 Byes 7, leg-byes 3, wides 4, no ball 1 ... 15 Total ... 80 England. First Innings. W. F. Neilson, b Wilkinson ... 13 M, J, Godby, c Boss, b Peter ... 12 G. H. Lee, b Hartland 13 D. Ashby, not out ... ... 17 A. G. Wilson, not out 1 E. C. J. Stevens 1 E. G. Austen j B. T. Mac Donnell I . • W. E. W. Morrison f to g 0 m W. Morice I G. Dickinson J Byes 4, wides 10 14 Total ... 70 ANALYSIS OP BOWLING. Colonies —Ist innings.

Lee bowled 1 no ball. EXCELSIOR v. WAIRARAPA C.C. A match between the above clubs was played on Saturday in Hagley Park, which resulted in a victory for the former. The following are the scores—Excelsior, 57 and 87 ; Wairarapa, 44 and 58.

Ovtrs. Mdns. Runs. Wkts.Wides. Ashby ... 25.4 14 19 8 3 Lee ... 16 4 29 1 1 Godby ... 4 3 4 0 0 Neilson , ... 3 0 13 1 0