CRICKET.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 272, 21 November 1877, Page 2

CRICKET.

TIKORANGI v HAWERA-WAIHI. [by oub special reporter.]

The Cricket Match between the above named Teams was played on the Waihi Grounds on Saturday last. The day being very fine, induced a good number of spectators from Hawcra and surrounding districts to visit the scene of contest,which was expected to be a keen one. The victory gained by Tikorangi over Patea the previous day had in no way lessened anticipations. From conversation with some of the Tikorangi men, before leaving for Hawera, I ascertained that they did not expect a victory, although they intended to play for it, and the result will show that they did not come far short. There is no doubt Hawera expected a very tough game, as one of the men playing on their side—who, in fairness to the visiting team, should not have played—showed. This matter was forcibly brought under notice on the ground by a Hawera resident, and, I think, by a member of the club. The player referred to, although he had not actually withdrawn his name from the club, was to all intents and purposes not a

member, aa lio had left the district some considerable lime before. Hawera-Waihi Club might have been satisfied without this breach of confidence, as there is no disputing the fact that their club is equal to any in the Provincial District of Taranaki, and they have, by this act, laid themselves open to censure* Wickets were pitched at 10 o’clock, and the game commenced shortly afterwards. Hawera-Waihi were the first to go to the wickets, and were all pdt out for 48 runs, 17 of which were made by Breresford, of Nonnanby, who alone succeeded in making double figures in each innings. The play of this gentleman is worthy of notice, as he showed a steadiness and determination that could only be acquired by a thorough understanding of the game, as also a quick eye. In fact, he is a team in himself, and is well deserving of the title he gained on the ground—“ the champion.” Tikorangi seemed to be particularly unfortunate in their first innings, beingall put out for the small total of 22 runs, the bowling and fielding of the opposing team being noticeable features, but it was said by some of the players that the bowling was not equal to that of FraSer and Fetch, of Patca team. In the second innings, Hawera-Waihi again made 48, of which 26 were made by Breresford, who carried his bat out—-at least it was carried out with him, as he was hoisted on the shoulders of a number of both teams, and carried in triumph off the ground. This made a grand total of 9G runs for Hawera, and consequently 74 for Tikorangi to pull up. Very few thought there was any chance, but they went to wickets with a seeming determination to retrieve their lost laurels. Fitzpatrick, who is one of Tikorangi’s best bats, and who made a duck’s egg in first innings, soon totted up 10 in this innings, and then succumbed to a straight ball. Gr. Cunningham—or, the little man, as he was known on the ground—made it rather uncomfortable for the opponents, and got the ball away three times for sixes, which told up wonderfully, and made the game rather exciting. The little man at last retired with the largest individual score of the day, viz, 27, and was carried off the ground. Alfred Black also made a good 10, and then retired. At this stage, the game became intensely exciting, as the score was coming close up to Hawera-Waihi ; and betting men began to feel anxious. When the last man went in, Tikorangi had 1 run to tie, and 2 to win, but a straight ball from F. Bayly settled the match in favor of Hawera-Waihi.

Many asserted that they had rarely witnessed a closer and more evenly contested match, and both teams worked hard for the victory. However, the visiting team can go home with light hearts, as they can hardly consider themselves beaten. Captain Marshall acted as umpire for Hawcra-Waihi, and Mr Pitcairn for Tikorangi, and both gentlemen gave general satisfaction. A dinner was given in the evening, bat (although a special reporter from this paper was on the ground) the usual courtesy was not extended to the Press, and nothing can be said in‘regard to it; no doubt, however, it passed oft’ well. A good luncheon was provided at the camp. Subjoined will be found the scores : HAWERA-WAIHI. Ist Innings. 2nd Innings. Hargood, b Sarten .. 2 c& b Sarten 0 Breresford, c Foreman b Cleary 17 notout ... 25 Webb,cGeorgeb Sarten 1 b Cleary ... 0 Jones, b Sarten... ... 0 b Fitzpatk. 0 Riddiford, c Harrison b c Black b Cleary ... ... 3 Cleary ... 5 G. Bayly,*b Sarten ... 2 b Fitzpatk. 3 Dalton, b Cleary ... CT c Harrison b Helps, c Fitzpatrick b Cleary ... 1 Cleary 4 b Cleary ... 2 F. Bayly,’’ c George b c Andrews b Cleary 5 Cleary ... 2 Johnson, not out ... 4 b Cleary ... 4 Davis, ran out ... ... 2 c Harrison b Fitzpatrick 2 Byes, &c 8 Byes, &c.... 4 Total 48 Total ... 48 TIKOKANGI. Ist Innings. 2nd Innings. Fitzpatrick, c Helps b F. Bayly ... ... 0 b Helps ... 10 Foreman, bF. Bayly... 0 not out ... 4 Harrison, b Riddiford 8 c&bF. Bayly 6 G, Cunningham, lit wkt 4 c Hargood b John Cunningham, b F. Bayly 27 Riddiford... ... 1 b G. Bayly 0 Cleary, b Riddiford ... 3 bG. Bayly... 0 Black, c Breresford b F. Bayly 1 bF, Bayly... 10 Andrews, not out ... 1 b Helps ... 0 Sarten, c& b Riddiford 0 bF. Bayly... 6 George, c Johnson b Riddiford 2 b Gr. Bayly... 0 Richards 0 bF. Bayly... 0 Byes 2 Byes ... 10

Total 22 Total ... 73