CRICKETERS RELAX

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 77, 30 May 1944, Page 4

CRICKETERS RELAX

I ENJOYABLE SMOKE CONCERT RANGITAtKI ASSOCIATION TROPHIES Something of the good spirit and fellowship, which has characterised cricket in the Western Bay over the past few years was reflected in the* very successful smoke concert pro-* moted by the Rangitaiki Cricket As-, sociation to> mark the close of a further eventful season. The gath-« ering took place in the . Winter Show Hall last Saturday evening and was attended by some eighty players representing the Rangitaiki, Whakatane, Taneatua and Waimana districts. It was presided over by the Association president, Mr L. RSpring and the guests of honour were Mr B. S. Barry, the Mayor and Mr W. Sullivan, M.P. Pn welcoming the visitors and ad-* dressing the assembled players and Jriends, Mr Spring outlined the past season, of which, he said they had every reason to be proud. Cricket, in spite of the drawbacks occasioned by the war, was now making excellent progress and its standard had improved immensely. Referring to the Attrill Shield, which'had been*, won during the season, he said that this trophy should also go a long way towards increasing the interest of players and public alike. Presenting the trophies won Mr Spring congratulated the. winners on their sportsmanship and interpretation of the game. The winners were: Collins Shield (First round) Whakatane United; Mr W. McKenzie. Clark Shi'eld (Second round) Central, Mr P. Laurie. Allen Cup, Mr V. Miller. Burnett Cup (most improved player) Mr W. McKenzie. In making the latter presentation. Mr V. Marx who had been appointed to make the selection said his had been a most difficult job and he would like to mention two other players who had been given careful consideration — Messrs y. Miller and O. Campbell. (Applause). Proposing the toast to the' Association, Mr Barry offered his congratulations to all concerned on the growing popularity of the game in the midst of most difficult and trying times. Mr H. G. Warren in reSDonse pointed out. that to-day there were no less than 68 pre-war cricketers now on active service with the. colours. , * ' The toast list was under: Loyal toast, the Chairman;. 'The Boys Overseas' Mr g. H. Tippett and Mr L. Roach: 'Kindred Sports' Mr N. Hockin and Messrs Shapley, Dainton and Dewar; 'The Rangitaiki Association' Mr B. S. Barry and H. Gs- - 'Rangitaiki Rep Team' Mr W. Sullivan and Mr V. Marx; Ladies' the Chairman and Mr Rex Morpeth; 'Officials and Stewards' Mr J. D. Rivett and Mr A. G. Fisher.

Enjoyable items given during the evening were: Pianoforte solo, Mr J. Henry; Pianoforte solo, Mr H. Waite; Magic Mr Jack Rust; Pianoforte, duet, Messrs Wal-» lace and Hayden; Violin solo, Mr A. D. Clark; piano-accordeon, Mr Adcock; solos, Mr Geo. Bennett.