CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 263, 29 March 1913, Page 7

CRICKET.

1 With the North and South Taranaki representative match at Easter the cricket season is practically concluded. That match provided a mediocre display of batting, but the bowling on both sides was lair, whilst the fielding, particularly the catching, was distinctly good, some fine catches being brought oil' in the outfield. The first innings' totals were very even, North having the advantage of one run. When South in the second innings collapsed for 50, it looked the best of good things for the local team, but once again the uncertainty of cricket was exemplified. Lash was the only one to make a stand, and five good wickets went before the requirod runs were totted up. Some idea of the paiufulncs.s of North's second effort may be gauged from the fact that during over an hour's batting only one boundary was hit, and that by Greatbatch. The balance of fifty-one consisted of twenty-seven sin-, gles and ten hits for two. The Thursday competition will not reach finality this season. The New Plymouth Club, which has the best record so far as the season has gone, will probably be adjudged winners of the competition. The Thursday cricketers suffered more from the weather than did their Saturday confreres. Moreover, Thursday, being the generally accepted half-holiday, is the day adopted for sports gatherings, shows and a thousand and one other functions of a like nature where a crowd is desired. Cricket, of course, had to give way sometimes through the ground being otherwise occupied and sometimes through the players being engaged elsewhere. The Saturday cricketers, on the other hand, were able to pursue the even tenor of their way, undisturbed by counter attractions.

The primary schools competition is well under way. This week West End notched a narrow victory over the High School preparatory class by one run. To-day a match will be played between High School Past and Present. This will practically close the season locally. Canterbury had no difficulty in holding the Plunket Shield against Otago's attack, the challengers being defeated by an linings and 41 runs. South Auckland, which recently defeated Auckland so decisively, gained a victory over Marlborough at Easter by 87 runs. As that was the final for the Hawke Cup, the Waikato team will hold the trophy for this year. At the last meeting of the Australian Board of Control for international cricket matches (says the Svdnev Morning Herald), Mr. E. R. Mayne, the South Australian cricketer, asked that body's permission to take a team of cricketers to America this year. His request was refused. However. Mr. Mayne then stated that he would organise a private team for the proposed tour, and at present he is engaged doing so. Mr. Mayne, when seen in Adelaide about the American tour, said that considerable surprise would perhaps be caused by. the announcement of the personnel of the team when it was finally decided upon.'for many, people, seemed to think that it .would ..not ,inc]ude first-class perfonrlers. He would not .suggest going, rfgainst ther wishes, of the Board of Control. .:• The tour would mean simply that a nunjiber of young fellows who wanted to tak 1 0-a trip .to tlu' United States had decided to play ..cricket as well. The work would not be.so strenuous, or serious, as it is in England, and therefore visitors, wijmld have far,more enjoyment. 'Mayne 'stated that for some time he had beerj in communication with America in regard to the matter, and there w.ere.manv-ar-: rnngemonK to be made before the whole; ■plan could, be defiintelv announced. Victor Truniper stntes that some months ago lift was asked if he would- beeoivfo a member of the team. He has not;b!een approached since. At present he has: no. intention of going.