CRICKET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2469, 6 April 1909, Page 2

CRICKET.

(Notes by “Short-Slip.”)

' THE AUCKLAND TEAM. An Auckland team, which arrives by the Wimmera to-morrow to play a series of matches here, ds one of the strongest cricket which has ever visited Gisborne, and locai patrons can be Sure of witnessing a food display of the summer pastime, he team includes six players who have earned their representative caps in Auckland cricket, .and the manner in which .they repelled the .attacks this, season of such strong teams as Otago .and Canterbury speaks well for their prowess in the field. . Their visit here should do much to improve local cripket and increase its. popularity with the public. The subjoined notes on the individual members may prove of interest to local enthusiasts. ; • - E. V. Sale—The popular skipper of the Parnell team and a New Zealand rep. Made a- name for himself by his innings of 64 for New Zealand against Oapt. Wynyard’s team, at Christchurch, and by his splendid fielding in the- final, test match, in Wellington. Was recognised as the most brilliant fieldsman in the N. Z. team, and is <a capital batsman; who can make runs on .any- wicket. - ■ -_r r W. Robinson —Captain of the Ponsonby Cl'ub and the veteran of the team. Has been Auckland’s rep. wicket-keeper for many years, and has nothing to learn an this department. Consequently our local batsmen will need to keep a weather eye on him: “Robbie” is also a solid batsman who is hard to shift. - . . , A. M. Howden—Xs well-known to local cricketers and others through his all-too brief stay here last season. For the past two yea-rs he has been easily first among the Auckland howlers. At Christmas he secured 12 wickets against Otago at a cost of ten apiece. He is pafticularly good on a sticky wicket. He is a hard-hitting bat of the dasher” type, and a fine field at the slip. Is unfortunately handicapped with a weak knee.-which, troubles him at times. . j. M Hussey-—Another -Auckland rep. who.is: .well-known in Gisborne. A versatile cricketer who can bowl fast off-theory or slow ' leg-breaks j withequal ease and accuracy, and a dangerous hatsnian. whetherin' Sitting humour or playing for safety, A first-class field, and one of the keenest cricketer whomever. donned fiannels. T. L.-Prime—One of ; the Auckland team who fought the coveted Plunket Shield away, ,from Canterbury. :i :(A quick^scoring' batsman with ’ ! >a • .fine late cut; was selected for Auckland mainly on account of his brilliancy in the deep, field, where he has a disconcerting habit of bringing off sensational catches. Is also a left-handed bowler of some merit. T. A. McNeill —A member of the last Auckland rep. team which toured .the ■ - A i.i ; uawlcr wun an ab- " . . ■■ ..- ' ■ > - mm smm i

normal swerve, particularly when as--sisted by the wind. A refreshing bat? small to watch, as lie always has; a go at the bowling from the jump. A very safe field and quick off the marie. L. McMahon—A ,player who has made his debut in New Zealand this season. Formerly played for North Sydney seniors, and was considered one of the most promising colts in N. S. W. Played for Auckland New Year against Canterbury, and distinguished himself both in batting and bowling. Is a- free, stylish bat, and a “googly” bowler of the Bosanquet type, who will bq heard of in future New Zealand cricket. , rf if C. L. Eastgate—A young Grafton oolt who has won his way. into senior cricket that season by consistently good batting .and bowling. A pupil of the veteran -S. P. Jones and a, coming all-round . cricketer. , „ . . W. Coleman—A North Shore junior who has been the mainstay of this season’s winners of the junior championship with .a batting average of 2o and 45 wickets for 6.5. A free bat and ■a fast bowler who keeps a good length arid direction. P. G. Andrew —Another North Snore junior who has made a Jot of runs •his season. . An aggressive batsman of the big-hitting order, :who. goes for the bowling bald-headed. A heavy - • bowler who mixes them judiciously and a keen:field. ; C. 0. Bayliss—One of the ; Eden Club’s most promising juniors. Has been showing good form this year with both bat and ball, and has improved greatly under the tuition of the club s imported profesional, A. E. Relf H. L. Clist—Another North • Shore the bat and is a- useful' emergency wicket-keeper for the team.