CRICKET EXCURSION TO BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5196, 16 November 1877, Page 5

CRICKET EXCURSION TO BLENHEIM.

(By Mahdrof.) Wind and tide are not under the control of those whose desire it is to go wherever they wish, even at such times as the Prince of Wales’ Birthday. Such an instance occurred to the Wellington Cricket Association’s team last week, who had all cut and dried for a friendly match with both the Wanganui and Marton cricket clubs, to be played on the ground of the former ; but owing to the s.a. Stormbird being unable to cross the bar, she could not get back in time to give the clubs a chance of° friendly combat, but their inestimable secretary, who is never at a loss to get over a difficulty in such emergencies, kept his men well together. “Meet me at the Pier Hotel at 8 o’clock sharp,” said he. Meanwhile the wires had been flashing in various directions, and at 8 o’clock sharp all were assembled. “ Meet me on board the s.s. Napier for Blenheim. The province of Marlborough will find an eleven to meet us ;” and punctually at the appointed hour the roll-call was found correct, and with a parting kiss from wives and sweethearts, and three cheers for success, the gallant little steamer steered for the Heads. Shortly after leaving, a most interesting ceremony took place, namely, the presentation of a handsome gold pencil case to Mr. Armitage by Mr. J. A. Salmon, on behalf of the team, for the energy he had displayed ou the spur of the moment in so quickly arrangin'* a forlorn hope. This was presented, and acknowledged in most suitable terms, and Mr. Armitage was elected captain for the coming match. , , The little steamer steered away for the Heads, ’twos true ; hut how queer the heads were on boa'd no one but those who had one can form an idea, it being more of a swimming than a sinking feeling. Some tried to sleep, others, like Mrs. Brown at the play, “gave way a bit”—give me a drop out of the «hegg cup, the least has his,” but all to no purpose, everyone trying to find the snug corner, and towards morning there was not the slightest doubt that a deal of good living had been wasted ; and as daylight came a defect of natural calm was visible. Blacklook looked white- Salmon not acclimatised—the hon. sec. trying quietly to get without being seen to the side rails ; and one poor wretch, who had evidently under cover of the darkness of night taken shelter on the saloon floor, felt very low. The bar is in sight, we cannot yet cross ; but after waiting about half an hour orders are riven to steam on, and we cross that nonaccommodating piece of land into the Opawa River, which seemed to add fresh life to all. The marsh laud on either side, with verdure enough to shelter the shag, duck, and other beautiful plumaged birds, was a mere nothing to the splendid beach now before us, overhung by weeping willows, and in places almost meetin'*. It was about half-way up this river, which is not one of the straightest, that the gallant Napier (s.s.) was up a tree (willow), which cleared the deck-house of those who had no business to be talking to the man at the wheel; but troubles are only trifles, and our gallant skipper took us through one of about the most crooked rivers in the colony. The question being asked to one of the team what he thought of the country, he replied that he could only compare ourselves to Livingstone s party trying to discover the source of the Nile, The vessel was now getting towards the town, and Captain Fisk ordered the bunting to be run up and the gun charged, which was most ably done by our mate, who rammed home his gun, primed it well, and fired _ a salute which astonished “Fell” Captain Blenheim, and brought out the Blenheimites and Mr. Fell as their captain, who gave three cheers and a hearty welcome to the billions ones, who faintly replied. After a good wash and a free ticket, the Wellington Club and their adversaries drove to the sports, which passed a most pleasant day, and in the morning met in friendly rivalry at the appointed hour to play the noble and manly game of cricket, which ended in favor of the visitors, who had both the advantage of bowling and batting. But great credit is due to the captain of the Marlborough team in getting together in so short a time the eleven he brought on the field, who, had they played more often together, would not have been beaten so easily. Wellington, fortunate in cricket, were not less fortunate in the splendid spread which was provided for them by their most hospitable opponents on the evening after the match, which I almost fancy on the spur of the moment was as well done and required as many thanks to host Penny as the combined teams could give him. The usual loyal and other toasts were proposed and responded to, and song and good feeling reigned throughout, Captain MoNoisy keeping the company in roars of laughter by his witticisms nearly the whole evening, when all returned to their hotels after passing a most enjoyable day. At a quarter to eight on Sunday morning the whistle of the steamer was sounding the retreat, when all but one fell in, but one cannot wonder. Dear Blenheim — the prettiest place I ever saw—such fine horses, so symmetrical ; but one cannot dwell, and the good little steamer left the pier with most hearty cheers for both teams, not forgetting the ladies. Nothing occurred to mar tfie pleasant trip, and the s.s. Napier brought her living freight with the contested ball to their destination, arriving at 2 o'clock, and we hope more of these trips will be held during the present season, aiding as they do to unite provincial friendship.