CRICKET.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 435, 31 January 1912, Page 3

CRICKET.

The match between Te Kuiti and Taumarunui on Saturday last produced a very interesting game, the visitors eventually winning by 18 runs, a result which might easily have been reversed had not a couple of the local men thrown their wickets away by being run out. The Taumarunui side batted first and compiled a total of 144, the earlier batsmen making good use of the short boundaries in scoring off Wallace's slows. The local bowling was excellent, though Wallace failed to maintain a decent length with his breaks. The fielding was good in patches, but clean ground work was impossible; owing to the rough nature of the outfield. A great weakness is evidenced in the local fielding by the slips, and chances are frequently missed owing to this cause. A bright example of what can be done was shown by the way in which Lusk snapped Durand off Semmen's bowling. The wicket keeping on both sides was excellent. Sarah was in his best form for the visitors, and gave a fine exhibition, while Owen for Te Kuiti though handicapped by a bad hand did excellent work. The Taumarunui fieldsmen can give points to many in the way in which they return the ball to the wicketkeeper. Good returns were responsible for two wickets on Saturday. The batting of the local team was fair. The opening pair, Wallace and Steel, started steadily, and with a first wicket partnership of about 40, gave the side a winning chance. Lusk hit well for his runs, and Turner played a merry innings at a critical time. Owen and Semmens, from whom runs were, expected, were unfortunately run out. Christensen, who bowled throughout for the visitors, performed excellently, and was always difficult to play, while of the others Durand did well for his side. The Canterbury representatives having successfully defended the Plunket Shield against Wellington, will be called upon to again defend its possession against Auckland next month.