PROVIDING FOR THE TROOPS

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 84, 5 October 1940, Page 15

PROVIDING FOR THE TROOPS

WILL TRENTHAM ENTER A TEAM?

It was just after the outbreak of the present war that cricket in New Zealand entered upon one of the most difficult seasons in its history. The game came through that season very satisfactorily considering the conditions. It now faces another after a year of war, and, with all that has happened since last season, there is no sign of the sun setting on cricket. Many of the players will be on other fields, many on war service, but they will have their favoured summer pastime, as will those going forward to join them. Cricket in fact, will go on, as far as possible, for all. It is a game which serves the nation well. -~.

Wellington's plans are for the official opening of the season to take place on October 19, and indications are that the Wellington Cricket Association will h.aye teams in plenty to make for interesting and enjoyable competition. The war, of course, will affect the number of entries, but there will be keen players in plenty to deputise for those who are away. The senior teams, it seems, will be the same in number as in recent seasons, but there will be many changes in personnel, with the range of talent reaching quite a high mark.

In the matter of accommodating clubs for practices and match play some doubts had been entertained about the main area. A report by the deputy chairman, Mr. A. Ronaldson, at this week's meeting of the Wellington Cricket Association's management committee indicated, however, that there was little cause for concern on that score. The Basin Reserve had been in use for purposes brought about by the war, but the area, it was understood, would be available as usual for cricket.

In the military camps and at the Air Force stations this season there will be many cricketers, and endeavours are to be made to serve their interests. At a recent football function Captain P. G. Thompson, of Trentham Camp, mentioned that the sports side of camp life- was about to have its change-over to summer pastimes, and he made an appeal for material to meet the cricket requirements at the camp. There will be some fine talent at Trentham just as there was during the last war, and, if suitable arrangements can be made, it could well be given a place in the local competitions. Trentham fielded some splendid teams in the Wellington championships during the last war.

One move already being made is for Trentham's soldier-cricketers to take part in a special match with a Wellington team at the Basin Reserve on Labour Day (October 28). This, of course, would be a match well worth while, but cricket week by week in Wellington throughout the season would be so much the better for the presence of Trentham representatives. Other camps (including those for the

Territorials) are rather too far away for their players to take part in regular competition here, though there are one or two near at hand which can field sides (as one has done previously) in lower grade competitions. A first eleven from Trentham would be well fitted to take its place with the senior teams in Wellington.