CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8057, 27 February 1906, Page 2

CRICKET.

WELLINGTON v. MELBOURNE. AN EXCITING FINISH. Mill I'HISSS ASSOCIATION. \V]:m,i.vi;ton\ February 2s. The thin! day's play iu tbe Welling-ton—-Melbourne club contest was marked by one of the most exciting iiiul brilliant finishes recorded in the ■ Annuls of local cricket, the visitors gaming a handsome victory oil the stroke of time by seven wickets. A , strong southerly breeze was somewhat discomforting to the players, purlieularly for the \ ictorians. Contrary to expectations the wicket played capitally throughout tho afternoon's proceedings, but the outfield suffered to some extent by yesterday's heavy rain, and was en tho dead side. Wellington's second innings realised tho respectable score of 330, J. P. Blacklock leading tho way with 97, the outcome of forceful batting, in which hard, elaan, and crisp driving predominated. Ho gave only one real chance. Tucker, whose eoutribuliou was 33, executed some artistic lato cutting, Hickson, who was at tho wickets for just ou two hours, played steadily and took no risks, Barron played stylishly for 21, aud Monoghan shaped confidently and soundly for 10, and was unbeaten when the innings closed. Laver was tho most successful bowler for tho visitors, his three wickets boing obtained at tho expense of 23 ruus, Armstrong captured 6 for 95, and MeLeod 1 for 105. The Holding was again poor, mistakes being made with monotonous regularity.

Wanting 108 runs to win, in the 47 minutes left for play, Armstrong and Mailer began operations for the visitors, and runs came freely from the jump. The Australian champion gavo a flue exhibition of magnificent hitting all round the wicket, and his efforts were almost wholly responsible for the splendid seven wickets victory achieved by his side, Aitken making the winning hit 011 the stroke of the clock. Armstrong's contribution was lit!, and Aitkeu's 21, both being not out. Mailer made 20, Yaughan 2, and Henty 1, the two latter batsmen being run out in their eagerness to force the pace. Monaghan's one wicket (Mailer) cost him 51 runs. Tho ii|>cctators accorded Armstrong a great reception for his magnificent innings.