CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 22147, 30 September 1935, Page 16

CRICKET

OfEHING Of SEASON GRANGE CLUB The North Ground was looking at its best ou Saturday afternoon when the Grange Club held its official opening function in the presence of a large attendance of members and supporters of the club, as well as representatives of other clubs and of the Otago Cricket Association, The season was opened by the President (Mr T. H. Ehnes), who said that such a fine afternoon for the opening was a* happy augury for the season. The club had had a most successful season last year, and he hoped they would be similarly successful this year. It was very gratifying to the club to have such fine support from the public as was accorded the games played on the North Ground, which was undoubtedly one of the most popular grounds of the season, (Applause.) The club welcomed Air J. M. Fraser (president of the Otago and New Zealand Cricket Associations) and Air A. H. Allen (senior vice-president of the Otago Cricket Association), and the speaker concluded by wishing all clubs a good season. Mr Fraser said that ho had already congratulated the Grange Club on its success in winning the senior championship last year, and after referring to the question or overseas’ tours (reported under another heading) he expressed the h6pe that the Grange Club would have another very successful season. - r

Mr Allen also wished the club a very pleasant and happy season. It was good to see the old North Ground looking so , well ■at this time of the year. _ He did not think he had ever seen it so well grassed as it was this year. Mr Allen said he wished to pay a tribute to the hard-working secretary of the club (Air W. A. Rowland). He did not think any club had a harder worker than Mr Rowland, nor did cricket generally have a harder worker. M. Allen referred to the association’s appeal for ground members, the number of whom had advanced from 50 to 470, and they hoped this year to reach the 500 mark, at which they had aimed, and to keep it there for many years to come. The association was grateful to those who bad come to their assistance last year. The association’s financial position was very promising, and it was in a healthier condition now than for many years. If the association got the financial backing it was able to do more for tbe game, to provide better grounds, adequate coaching, and assist the players in other ways. (Applause.) After the season had been declared open, members and supporters, including a largo number of lady visitors, were entertained at afternoon tea, following which net practice was indulged in for the rest of the afternoon. HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS i High School Old Boys’ Club opened its season with a successful gathering at the High School green on Saturday, there being a large attendance of players and supporters, which augurs well for the coming season. Those present included the rector of the Boys’ High School (Mr H. P. Kidson) and representatives of several other clubs. The President (Air W. R. Brinsley) thanked members for re-electing him to the office, and referred to the discussion that. had taken place in regard to improving the standard of senior cricket. It was most essential, therefore, during tho coming season that players should practicp consistently, and endeavour to maintain the fine records of their senior elevens of the past. Players were reminded of their financial obligations to the club,. the necessity of supporting the various social functions being stressed. They were also asked to assist the Otago Cricket Association, particularly by their attendance at repi'esentative matches and at the important games which were to be played this season against the AI.C.C. team.

He concluded by wishing the players an enjoyable and successful season, after which afternoon tea was served.