CRICKET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3788, 13 February 1908, Page 3

CRICKET.

Foxton v. Moutoa. The Foxton Club journeyed out yesterday • afternoon to Moutoa, and after a close and exciting game succeeded in defeating their opponents by nine runs, and at the same time securing the Shield for the present season. Foxton were the first to bat and commenced badly, losing half their wickets for 36, but Baillie, who had not been able to arrive earlier, put in a welcome appearance, and with his well-known style knocked up 16, and was well assisted by Bullard (11). The innings closed for 74, a larger amount than was expected. Mouloa’s bowling and fielding was very good, only one easy catch being missed. When it came to their turn to bat, they made an excellent start, scoring 39 before the first wicket fell, Puri’s. making a good 2i, though he had more than one life. The second fell at 49. About this time Foxton woke up, Baillie and Nye,. with some excellent bowling, caused the succeeding wickets to fall rapidly, and eventually Moutoa were all out for 65. O. Cleland must be complimented on his excellent 26. The, day was somewhat windy, and heavy smoke from an adjoining grass fire somewhat discomfited the players. Messrs Reade and Willis, the latter a new arrival, discharged the duties of umpires satisfactorily. Following are the scores:—

FOXTON. Watson, b O. Cleland 8 Cook, b Peni 2 Martin, b Peni o Nye, b Peni, bO. Cleland ... 5 Whibley, run out 3 Robinson, b Walden 9 Bullard, c Walden, b O Cleland 11

Baillie, b Peni ... 16 Rand,, b Peni 1 Dobson, b Walden :.. ... 2 Wanklyn, hot oiit 10 Extras 17 Total 74 moutoa. O. Cleland, st Cook, b Martin 26 Puti, b Baillie ... ... ... 21 J, Walden, c Wanklyn b Baillie 1 Peni, c Rarid, b Nye ... ... 2 W. Cleland, c and b Baillie ... 2 Campbell, b Baillie 2 R. Bowe, b Baillie ... ... o McCarthy, Ibw b Nye 1 W. Bowe, b Nye o T. Bowe, not out ... ... 4 D. Walden, b Nye 1 Extras ... ••• ••• 5 Total ... 65 It should be noted that Moutoa lacked the services of Redgrave and J. Bowe, whilst Foxton that of Nelson.

Australia has won the fourth test match against England, which was completed at Melbourne on Tuesday. Australia compiled 214 in the first innings, and 385 in the second, total 599 ; England’s first innings 105, secrind 186, total 291. London, February 11.

The Westminister Gazette says that bad luck and bad cricket caused England’s defeat, and the best cricketers won everything. It, suggests that Australians are superior by virtue of their greater experience in test cricket. The Pall Mall Gazette says it is disappointing that the Britishers failed to make a better fight, even though the conditions were unfavourable. The brilliance of some of the Australian youngsters was one outstanding feature of the test matches.