PREPARING FOR CRICKET

Chronicle (Levin), 12 September 1946, Page 4

PREPARING FOR CRICKET

WERAROA CLUB ELECTS ITS OFFICERS Preparations for the coming season's cricket were begun last night, when the Weraroa Cricket Club held its annual meeting. Mr. G. C. France presided. Apologies. were received from Messrs. P. Hudson, G. Nicholls and J. McDonald. Annual Report The annual report was read and adopted. It was as follows: — "The season 19.45-46 saw most of our servicemen returned from overseas, and the club assume its old statu.s after being united with the Levin Club during the war years. A fair measure of success was attained, the club finishing third in the competition. Representative honours were achieved, by Messrs. Wallace-, Kingsbeer, McDohald, Mitchell and Juno. "The club suffered a severe loss through Mr. A. G. Mitchell being transferred to Palmerston North, and it is desired to place on record sincere appreciation of his faithful services as secretary. Mr. M. de L. Wright took over the secretarial duties until such time as business reasons prevented him from carrying on, and in turn Mr. W. J. Anderson assumed the role. "It is appropriate to record the club's war record. Members joined the forces and- proceeded overseas-, and the loss in action of Mr. Jack Wallace and Mr. John Sciascia is recorded with regrpt. Others carried out their obligations in a worthy manner by serving in the home defence forces. "The club is fortunate to possess sufficient material to commence the new season. To achieve success consistent practice is essential, and a sustained effort for the forthcoming season would be appreciated. Players who do not attend have themselves to blame if they are not selected to play each Saturday. "Thanks are extended to the committee and that willing band of workers, who, through their untiring efforts, made the playing of the grand old game a success. May the new- season see the club right back to pre-war standard, and worthy opponents of all teams they may meet." Other Business Several new members were elected. The president also welcomed Mr. P. S. Crisp back to the club on his return from overseas service. In calling for nominations for the office of patron, Mr. France said he did so with regret, as the last patron had been the late Mr. G. Ramsbotham, a great and keen supporter of the club for many years. The election of officers resulted as follows: — Patron: Mr. J. O'Connor; president: Mr. W. Bull; vicepresidents: Messrs. M. Wright, J. W. Rimmer and H. Boulton; club captain: Mr. A. Nicholls; secretarytreasurer: Mr. M. Bai; management and grounds ' committee: Messrs. H. Kingsbeer, J. E. Wallace, G. C. France, the club captain and the secretary; delegates to the Horowhenua Cricket Association : Messrs. France, Bai and Kingsbeer; honorary auditor: Mr. H. Walker; selection committee: captain, vicecaptain and Mr. Gurney. The subscription was fixed at 35s, reducible to 30s if paid by November 30. Discussing the question of practice nights, the chairman said that it was necessary, for players to prepare'the wickets on practices. He had been assured by the Levin Borough Council that the ground would be top-dressed and other work carried out before the season began, but it still remained for the players themselves to prepare the wickets for the Saturday play. It was decided that Thursday be the official practice night. The question as to whether players' attendance at practices should have a bearing on their selection for Saturday teams was also discussed. It was- suggested fchat the. selection committee be a&ked tq select players on their performance and their attehdance's at practices, the latter- to be a secondary consideration. Mr. F. Juno said that this would be tying the selectors' hands; selectors should not be dictated to. After further discussion it was moved that the selection be left to the selectors' discretion. Mr. W. J. Anderson opposed this, contending that players who turned up to practices were. tryers, and a roster system would give all players a chance for a game. Otherwise, he said, there would be some players standing down time and time again in dqference to players selected on reputation, who may not attend practices. Mr. France agreed with the proposal for a roster system. Eventually it was decided that the whole question of selection be left to the selection committee, and that the roster system be adopted. It was also decided that the club's delegates to the Horowhenua Cricket Association recommend to the association that all Saturday games commence at 1 p,m. '