CRICKET.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 32, 5 January 1884, Page 2

CRICKET.

There are gentlemen in this community who may justly be classed as good all-rouu d cricketers, and some of them really excel in particular parts of the game ; yet, strange to say, it is only occasionally that the pleasure is afforded of witnessing a well-contested match in Gisborne. How is this apparent want of interest in the manly game on the part of our cricketers to be accounted for ? The ground at their disposal has been well formed, the situation of it is delightful, and the field is within easy distance of town ; therefore, we cannot conceive why practice has not been more frequently indulged in than noticeable of late. This afternoon a match is to be played, and it is to be hoped that there will be a large muster of “ wielders of the willow ” on the occasion, so that it may be recorded of “ our boys ” that they have still the spirit to enter into contests of a manly character. The exercise afforded on a cricket-field has a tendency, of course, to develope the muscles, and it is an acknowledged fact that young men who regularly engage in games of a gymnastic character are more careful about indulging in “ stimulants ” than are others whose tastes do not lead them to take such exercise. There is no reason why the cricketers of this district should not enter into a friendly contest with their Napier friends; and we are assured that it needs but a little practice on the part of some of the Gisborne men to make them formidable opponents. Will no publicspirited and energetic members of this community take the initiative in arranging for regular practice on the cricket-field, and thus set an example to their more youthful brethren ? We offer these few remarks for the consideration of lovers of cricket in these parts, and hope they will have the effect of inducing “ our boys ” to pitch the wickets on every possible occasion during the season.