CRICKET ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 19662, 15 September 1927, Page 9

CRICKET ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REPORT The annua] report of the Otago Cricket Association expresses satisfaction that, despite the failure of the representative team to win a match, the season was a highly successful one. The report goes on to say that the senior contest was particularly interesting throughout, and it was not until the very last match had been concluded that the winning team was found. Even then there was considerable discussion and difference of opinion as to whether Albion or Carisbrook (who finished equal in points) should be declared winners of tho shield; but the committee, by a majority vote, awarded tho honors to Albion as having the least number of losses. The fact that a New Zealand team was to visit England at the conclusion of tho season lent zest to tho cricket, and was also responsible for added interest on the part of tho public. Another attractive feature was the visit of the Melbourne Cricket Club’s team.

After detailing the results and scores of the various representative matches, tho report deals with the club contests. Tho most stimulating feature of tho season’s activities, it says, was the sustained interest and keenness displayed by tho players taking part in the various grade matches and by tho supporters of the leading teams therein. The committee expresses pleasure at the manly and crickct-liko manner in which players generally conducted themselves during the keen fights for places, and to congratulate the winners—viz., Albion (first grade), Christian Brothers (second grade, A section), Dunedin C, otherwise “The Veterans” (second grade, R section), Albion (third grade), and Grange (fourth grade); also the Dunedin seniors, who, though occupying a lowly place in tho matter of matches won, were successful m winning the fielding trophy. An interesting departure was made in the direction of arranging a midweek match between teams representing tho clergy and tho medical profession. This was a grcaj success, and the hope is expressed that the fixture will be repeated during the coming season, ami that perhaps other matches of a similar nature may bo arranged. BOYS’ CRICKET. . The following paragraph supplied by the Boys’ Cricket Association is inserted : ‘•The Boys’ Cricket Association had another very successful year, having twelve junior and six senior teams in the competitions. Both these competitions were won by Christian Brothers’ teams. Onr main difficulty lias been, and still is, grounds. Bathgate Bark, which is our main ground, was unplayable on for the greater part of last season, this being duo to drainage, hut we trust that this will ho remedied before the coming season. Our association sent two teams, one junior and one senior, to Christchurch for our annual fixture there, and the hoys gave a very good account of themselves, winning tho junior match and being in a winning position in tho senior match. The thanks of our Association for giving the boys such a trip arc duo to the very splendid support received from loyal cricketers who put their hands in their pockets. _ Wc think future support could be given by old cricketers and members of the parent association in assisting to carry out tho original idea of the Boys’ Association—that is, the formation of teams in localities such as Kaikorai, Mornington, Opohn, Maori Hill, North-cast Valley, St. Kilda, and Anderson’s Bay; in fact, where twelve boys and a pitch arc available.”

The Primary Schools’ Association’s report is also incorporated. It is as follows:—

“ Tlio season was a very successful ono, despite the adverse weather at the opening. The same number of teams as _ the _ previous year—namely, 32 (sixteen in eacli grade) were entered. The A grade cup, presented to the association during the season by Mr J. J. Clark, was won by Kensington School with ton wins and one loss, with St. Clair two points behind. The 13 grade was won by St. Clair and Macandrew Road, time "not permitting for further piny. Towards the close of tho season" representatives from your committee bad a round-thc-tahle conference with members of_ tho Otago Cricket Association to discuss the question of primary schools’ representative cricket, hi the past the Otago Cricket Association was under the impression that our association was directly responsible lor representative matches with Southland; but on the position being made dear to them they realised that it was their duty In control these maldics. At their recpiesfc your committee made, the necessary arrangements for playing the mate lies in Invercargill. Tho thanks of Ibo committee arc accorded to Mr J. .1. Clark, Mr Taminck, and the Press.” NEW ZEALAND lIOXOitS. Itcl'erring to the New Zealand (cam the report, sayis; “Otago was able to secure, only ono representative in tho New Zealand touring team in It. C. Blunt, and cricketers and supporters must led very delighted at the fine displays which he has been giving with both bat and ball. Prior to his departure the association presented Mr Blunt with a travelling rug. We will look forward to seeing him showing some of his Horne form against_ the province’s opponents in the cricket Hold during the coming season. A. W. Alloo also represented the dominion in tho first test match against the Melbourne Club team at Christchurch.” IMPROVING CRICKET.

“Towards the clo.so ol the season,” continues tho report, “ His Worship the Mayor, at the request of the association, convened a meeting ol citizens to discuss the question of securing a coach and improving the game of cricket in Otago. The meeting was a most enthusiastic one, and a strong citizens’ committee was appointed, with Air 0. W. Rattray as Chairman. This committee got quickly lo work, and secured sufficient funds to obtain a coach for three years. Messrs 1). Hay, A. Sims, and R. C. Blunt wore asked to endeavor to secure a suitable coach while at Home, and have_bcen successful in securing the services of L. E. Eastman, of Essex, who will arrive in Dunedin about the end of October. t . “ Reference was also made at the meeting of citizens to the state of some of the city playing areas, and, while recognising that the City Council has considerably improved tho various reserves, there is further room for a great deal of improvement, and wc trust that every effort will bo made in the coming season to provide first-class wickets for our young cricketers, for the first essential in tho making of good players is to have good wickets to play on. “The association expresses its indebtedness to the Citizens’ Committee for its groat asistanco in connection with the coach Lind, and also to those firms and individuals who so generously contributed towards this fund.” GENERAL. Mention is made of the new scoring board at Carisbrook which was erected by the association mainly through the kindly assistance of supporters of the game, and which has proved such a distinct improvement on the old method of displaying the scores. Deep regret is expressed at the death of Air Charles Corbett, who represented the province on seven'll occasions, and of Air H. Baker, a promising young cricketer, who lost his life through drowning. The association’s appreciation of services rendered is expressed to the Umpires’ Association, tho delegates to tho Cricket Council, the selectors, and tho Press. Mr T. W. Reese is also congratulated upon his interesting book on New Zealand cricket.