CRICKET.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20491, 9 March 1932, Page 7

CRICKET.

GRADE COMPETITIONS. SEMI-FINALS TO BE CONTINUED ON SATURDAY. "An extraordinary situation has arisen and demands extraordinary measures to meet it.," remarked the chairman, Mr W. Simpson, at the meeting of the- Management Committee of the Canterbury Cricket Association last evening, when the position in legard to the playing of the semi-final and final matches in the Association's grade competitions was considered. As a result of the rain last Saturday the majority of the semi-final games were postponed, but in some cases the matches were concluded, while in ethers, although the weather permitted a certain amount of play, no decision was reached. On the recommendation of the Competitions Committee, it was decided to continue the semi-final matches that have not yet; been decided next Saturday, to deduct the playing time of hist week from the hours of play on the final day, but to continue all matches until a result on the first innings is achieved. Mr A. Dey, chairman of the Competitions Committee, said that too many games were left incomplete to consider the conclusion of the semifinals during the week. The object in deducting the time played last Saturday from the playing hours next week was to obviate the possibility of a team which had gained a first innings win losing on the whole match as a result of the extra time played. The Association had already decided that the semifinals must be decisive. The committee further resolved to play the finals of the first five grades on March 19th and April 2nd at Haglev Park, a third Saturday being allotted to the games if necessary for the reaching of a decision. Permission is to be sought from the Domains Board to take up a collection at the park in aid of the Mayor's Relief Fund. In the sixth grade, where oneday matches are played, the semi-final c tk? next Saturday and the final the following week. All matches of the previous (rain-affected) round in each grade other than semi finals will be cancelled and a new draw made for another round to be played on th< l next two Saturdays. These mit-dies, although they do not affect the grade 1 te-sults, may have a bearing or? the competition for the Petersen Shield. CANTERBURY ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS. The Management Committee of the Canterbury Cricket Association met last evening, Mr W. Simpson presiding. Also present were Messrs W. L. King, C. S. Thompson, S. G. Lester, '•A. Dey, G. H. Robertson, C. E. Evans, K. A. Jarrett, W. J. V. Hamilton, R. C. Burns, and 13. E. Lutt'rell. • ■ It was stated that arrangements were in hand for the sending of a third grade team to Ashburton, and it was now fairly definite that the trip j would be possible. | Tour of Hawke's Bay Team. , The Hawke's .Bay Cricket Association wrote advising that a tour of a representative team in December next had been proposed. It would consist of young players who would benefit from playing against strong teams in other centres. The Association wished to know whether the Canterbury Association would accept a visit from this team, and whether the local Association would be prepared to offer a financial' guarantee of approximately £3O. The chairman said that it was a very laudable move on the part of the Hawke's Bay Association. Canterbury should do its best to meet the northern team, difficulties were likely to arise owing to the fact that two representative matches were to be played in Christchureh next season, and there was little enough time in which to complete the competitions. The proposal was to hold the match on Friday and Saturday, December 9th and 10th. Mr Jarrett suggested that the match be played at Hagley Park concurrently with grade competition games. The proceeds of a collection taken there by permission of the Domains Board would probably be more than the "gate" from Lancaster Park. On the motion of Mr King, it was decided to accept the Hawke's Bay Association's suggestion for a match on December 9th and 10th, the game to be played" at Hagley Park. It was decided to offer the Hawke's Bay Association the net proceeds of the match with a minimum of £2O and a maximum of £3O. SOUTH AFRICANS DEPART. MANAGER'S IMPRESSIONS. fPRESi ASSOCIATION IELEGBAM.) WELLINGTON, March «• The South African cricketers left for Sydney this afternoon. In an interview, the manager, MiTandy, said the New Zealand visit had been really delightful and the cricket ! very sporting There was no doubt i that New Zealanders played the right kind of cricket, but they were lacking a little in big match cricket, as was South Africa a few years ago. There was no need for New Zealanders to be disheartened. In the Christchureh match, particularly, the South Africans had set a very high standard. Their performance there he considered was the best of the whole tour. He was impressed with Vivian as an allrounder. Blunt was another who took his eye. Badcock impressed as a" useful all-rounder. Mr Tandy said the New Zealanders had been up against very good bowling, that of Qtiinn, for instance, whose figures in Australia had never been a true reflection of the merit of his performances. BOWLING AND FIELDING CRITICISED. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRi.iI.) AUCKLAND, March 8. H'. W. Taylor, the South African cricket veteran, sailed by the Aorangi to-day Piscussing the game in New Zealand he said, in that until the bowling and fielding improved considerably New Zealand was not entitled to claim a place among the foremost cricket countries. The best of the Dominion bowlers was only of medium class. Far too many mistakes were made in fielding. The batting was good, except that some improvement was / possible in footwork. He thought that the New Zealand team should not undertake a tour in South Africa for a few years yet..