ATHLETICS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 449, 26 February 1890, Page 3

ATHLETICS.

(By Actason

CRICKET. Lyons, of South Australia, s putting beyond all doubt the question as to his fitness to go to Britain with the next team of cricketers by the way he has been batting this season. On Saturday week he played a grand innings for 84 in a match between the Norwoods and South Adelaide. The match between N.S. W. and South Australia last Saturday would probably have some effect on the choice of the team to go Homo. There is some talk of Sir Callaway, “the Genial,” as he was called in Auckland, settling in Christchurch, where his bowling would no doubt be much appreciated. In connection with the match New South Wales v. Christchurch some interesting presentations were made on the Tuesday following the game. A bat was presented to Mr Wilding, as the highest scorer in the recent Intercolonial match. The. bat bore the following inscription on a silver plate:—"lß9o. New South Wales v. Canterbury. Presented by E. Davis. Highest individual score, 88. Won by F. Wilding.” A ball was presented on behalf of Mr Davis to McClinchy for the best bowling average ; while Mr H. De Mans was presented with a bat inscribed as follows :—“Presented to H. De Maus, by a few admirers of his excellent display of batting in match Canterbury v. New South Wales ; 74 first innings, 23 second innings. February 7th and Bth, 1890.” Mr Wynn-Williams, who presided, presented Mr Davis with a silver bracelet, which he begged him to accept on behalf of Mrs Davis.

The Canterbury men acknowledge themselves fairly beaten by New South Wales in every department of the game but fielding. Sydney “ Bulletin ” : —ln the absence of the ex-demon, Spoffortb, it is quite interesting to hear George Bonnor on the cricket question. “ Dick ” Hewitt was on the topic with the giant recently when the latter expressed the opinion that there were but two cricketers worthy the name in Australia. To which Hewitt merely returned, “ Who’s the other, Bonnor?” Dr. Barrett, of Melbourne, is likely to take Bannerman’s place in the Australian team, as the latter cannot go Home. Turner, it is said, will refuse to go if Barrett is included.

AOUATICS. The following from a private letter may be interesting, as bearing on the Stephen-son-Hearn race :—“ Stephenson on the day of the race was turned out as fit aB he possibly could be, and to his trainer’s complete satisfaction, expressed prior to the race. He had evidently undergone a thorough preparation before ever he landed in New Zealand, and the fortnight he was training here, he did simply next to nothing at top speed, although he went out regularly twice a day, accompanied by Matterson. After each row or paddle, Matterson rubbed him with his hands, not flesh gloves, for about a quarter of an hour, and then when dressed, Stephenson consumed the best part of a large bottle of English ale. Their pace was brought about by the manner in which they utilise their strength in each stroke. The principal feature of this stroke, to my mind, is the astonishingly hard finish derived from tremendous leg work and body swing. It was a great treat to witness a burst between the pair during their practice, but Matterson did not care to expose the true form of his man. Matterson is a much more powerful man, and a cleanly built pretty figure, good to follow every where. Matterson has a great grip, very long stride steadily taken, no rushing either forward or back, and strong well drawn out finish, neat wrist work, and clean feathering.” In regard to the rowing championship, about which there is so much talk just now, Beach says it is not likely he will pull O'Connor. He thinks there are men in Sydney now able to beat himself. If he did pull O'Connor, the public would back him, and he did not wish to see the public lose. He was glad that Kemp and Matterson were matched, because if O’Connor beat Kemp he might return to America, and Australians would have to follow him if they wished for the championship.

The result of some swimming races over in Sydney may be of interest to our Auckland natatore.” In an amateur diving competition Mr Eichler went 50 yards, Mr McLaughlin followed with 66 yards 2 feet, and Mr Lawton beat him with about 5 yards more. McLaughlin and Lawton could both have done better, it appears. A 200 yards handicap was won in 3min ssec. The Amateur Championship of New South Wales for 500 yards was won by Mr G. Meadham, but the time is not stated. The somewhat ignominous defeat of the Waitemata Gig Crew at Dunedin was rather unexpected here. It was thought likely they would be beaten by the Dunedin crew as soonasitwasknown that Stephenson and Matterson were to row in the latter ; but that they would only get third was never hinted at. It seems too that they were unable to last the whole distance in a two mile race. Here was another surprise, for if there was anything one might be confident about it was the staying powers of the Waitemata men. Of course they have never yet been thoroughly extended in Auckland, and it may be more the general weakness of our rowing that is shown by this race than the particular weakness of the Waitemata men. If that is so it only gives point to the arguments I have used often enough in favour of our Auckland clubs joining the New Zealand Association, and competing with other clubs over the colony. Otherwise we shall be inclined to hug ourselves continually in the belief that we are ever so much better than everybody else, and when put to the test 'we shall find ourselves well behind.

The following, which comes from a prominent Wellington yachtsman closely connected with the sport in the Empire City, should have the effect of stirring up our yachtsmen to visit “ furrin parts,” unless it has the bad effect of increasing their conceit “I hope to see some of the Auckland cracks down to our next regatta. We expected some of them at last regatta, bub were disappointed. I believe that if one did come down she would be bought by some of our enthusiasts here, even if she did not win the prize. The yacht fever is very strong just now in Wellington. The Jessie Logan has made them all sit up. I don’t believe yachting in Wellington will improve till a yacht is sent down from Auckland to whip us all and take the money away.” This Wellington man talks sense : there is nothing like a real good beating to make people see their defects. We ourselves want it badly enough in some departments.

MISCELLANEOUS. The following programme is suggested in the “ Sydney Referee ” for the championship meeting there -Running events : 100yds, ) 20yds hurdles, 220yds, 440vds, 880 yds, 1 mild, 2 miles steeplechase. Walking events; 1 mile and 3 miles. Other events r High jump, long jump, putting the shot.