King Cricket is Here!

Evening Star, Issue 22149, 2 October 1935, Page 8

King Cricket is Here!

THE SENIOR COMPETITION

ASSOCIATION'S SURPRISING DECISION CONTRARY TO WELFARE OF GAME To say that followers of the game were astonished at the Otago Cricket Association’s decision to _ retain 10 teams in this season’s senior competition is to put it mildly. The views expressed at the annual meeting of delegates a week previously were entirely in favour of a reduction, and it was generally understood that the committee would carry out the wishes of that meeting as expressed by resolution and cut down the number of teams to at least eight. This resolution, however, appears tu have been entirely ignored. Another undesirable feature of the committee’s decision is the fact that it was come to after a lengthy discussion “ in committee,” so that the followers of the game and the genera! public, who were more or less keenly interested in the matter, knew nothing ,of the considerations., which induced the majority of the committee to vote against the interests of cricket—for there r is no doubt whatever that the decision was contrary to the welfare of the game in Dunedin, ’ The reason given for taking this particular business “in committee ” was . stated by Mr A. H. Allen to be “ because a debate on open lines would have to bo strictly conducted, whereas members could speak_ as frequently as they wished in committee.’ This reason can scarcely be taken seriously, as a strict adherence to the rules of debate cannot be regarded as a notable feature of the 0.0. A. committee meetings during the past few years. In adopting “in committee methods in this case, therefore, and leaving the public in the dark as to the arguments for and against the decision arrived at, the committee has onlv itself to blame if outsiders come to the conclusion that club interest or personal considerations figured largely in the said decision. This is not to say that such actually was the case, but the nature of the proceedings left room for the inference. And what emerged from this informal talk “in committee”? —a motion to carrv on with 10 t-eams* but il asking the Hiah School Old Boys, University, and Christian Brothers Clubs to amalgamate with other clubs,” a meeting of delegates to be called in February to discuss the matter. In other words, the committee, even by a closed-door method, were not courageous enough to itself take the responsibility of saying what should be done, in case, presumably, “ things said in a friendly way might he taken up in a wrong spirit. It is all really so pathetically weak. Then there is the matter of increased representation of ground members on the Management Committee, which point was strongly, and successfully, urged by members of the committee at the annual meeting. . The result is that four or five extra members will be added to the committee from those who have contributed a guinea for the privilege of free admission to all first-class and grade matches played at Carisbrook. Why this generous concession should be deemed necessary is difficult to discover. Ground members surely have sufficient privileges for their guinea per annum, with the further privilege ot having one, if not two, of their nu ™“ er already representing them, on the Management Committee. In this move the inconsistency of the O.C.A. Executive is further emphasised, for it was only last year that it decided to deprive • life members of their voting power. These life members had all been active workers on the committee, and were men with a thorough knowledge of the game. Yet they were deemed unworthy to vote on matters coming before the committee. On the other hand, five representatives of the ground members, who may or may not have anything like a thorough knowledge of cricket are to be brought in and given full executive powers. The motive behind the deprivation in one case and the lavishly generous treatment in the other in, to the general public at any rate, difficult to fathom. . . It is understood that the addition, of five more ground-member representatives is being made chiefly for the pur-

toose of influencing finance. Indeed, Ihe president (Mr J. M- 1< iuser) mud senior vice-president (Mr A. H. Alien) ibotii stressed the point that these new lnombei'9 would nut ms tin' two repreBantjiitiveg ali'eadj l ' V4V j,iie Management

in Review

Iving Cricket is here again, and given a repetition of the fine summer of last season, the coming season promises to be a memorable one in many respects. The retention of 10 senior teams is looked upon with disfavour in many quarters, but in spite of this there will be no lack of interest in the club games which commence on October 12, and the public is assured of more in the way of big attractions than for many years past. Besides two Plunket Shield games, the strong M.C.C. team will he seen in two games here- —against Otago at New Tear and New Zealand a week later.

Committee had not—influence any decisions which might be necessary in connection with the actual game of cricket. It might reasonably be asked, then, why are these gentlemen on the committee at all?

Surely the Management Committee ot a great game should be comprised ol men who are competent to express opinions regarding all phases of that game ? These notes are written in no carping spirit; they are a straight-out, honest criticism of what appears to the writer to be a weak, uncricket-like action on the part of the controlling body, and one which affects the welfare of the game. It is no secret that the great majority of the players and of the clubs expressed themselves dissatisfied with the state of affairs prevailing last season, and it is rather surprising that the delegate of those clubs did not utter their protests or put their liens more forcibly at the annual meeting. They allowed that opportunity to pass, and in all the circumstances they can only blame themselves for being again in the same position this year. Had they been alive to their clubs’ interests they would have brought forward a motion on the lines of that earned by the Wellington Association,. and by which each club has a representative on the Management Committee. As it is here in Dunedin, one club has at least six members, with two or three of the balance sympathetic towards it. That position would be quite all right ■if there were no suspicion of it being used to the detriment of other clubs and individuals. There is no denying the fact that this suspicion exists, whether it is justified or not. THE M.C.C. TEAM A STRONG COMBINATION By far the most important feature of the coming season will be the tour of

which university he represented at cricket in his first year. He was also a Soccer Blue. When not hitting a cricket ball about the place he a well-known figure mi the London Stock Exchange, and is regarded by his friends as something of a laughing philosopher BOWLER OF MUCH PACE. New Zealanders are very plucky to have an opportunity of seeing H. D. Read in action, for he is undoubtedly one of England’s most promising test players. English enthusiasts have great hopes of this 25-year-old fast bowler, who has to his credit so many good performances in the two seasons he has been playing county cricket that ho was given a place in the England team

the Dominion by a strong M.C.C. team, which will include several players who have taken part in the tests against South Africa this year. The Englishmen will first play a series of, five matches in Australia, and will arrive in Wellington on December 9, their first match being played against Wellington a few days later. The M.C.C.-Otago match will bo played at New Year time, and the M.C.C. will meet a New Zealand team the following week. The following particulars of the team have been supplied by the London correspondent of (ho ‘ Evening Post The touring cricket team’s captain, E. R. 'l'. Holmes, who succeeded D. R. Jardine ns leader of Surrey in 19(115, was born in Calcutta 30 years ago, arm went from India to study at Oxford,

which played South Africa in the final test. After seeing the game at the Oval the writer feels that the English critics were more than justified in their enthusiasm over Read. He sends down a beautiful length ball, and can bowl tirelessly for long periods. He is proving a great asset to Essex, and in their game against Yorkshire last July, when the champion county were dismissed for 35, it was Read who was tho cause of it all. In that innings he took six for 11 and was absolutely unplayable. In the touring team is another Essex player in A. G. Powell, who, however, does not turn out regularly for the

county. Ho keeps wickets for Cambridge University, and will be the side’s No. 1 wicketkeeper. The other wicketkeeper will he S. C. Griffiths, also of Cambridge. FINE BATSMEN. Cambridge University has also supplied another member of the team in H. Human, a fine bat who should be one of the “ stars ” of the side. Twenty-three years of age, he had a great season in 1934, when he topped the Cambridge batting averages and scored five centuries. He had no doubt profited by his tour of India with the 1933-34 M.C.C. team. Oxford University is represented by Norman S. Mitehell-Innes, an allrounder who turns out for Somerset, ft is a strange coincidence that, like the M.C.C. team’s captain. Holmes, he was born in Calcutta and went from there to Oxford. However, at 21 years nf age, he is nine years younger than Holmes. New Zealanders will see another promising test player in .Joseph Knrdstnff, the attractive Nottinghamshire batsman who made his debut in county cricket in 1930. He is the son of a former famous Notts player who toured Australia in 1907-08 and is now an umpire. _ He is 24 years of age and is regarded in England as a professional with a great future. If the worst comes to the worst, Hnrdstaff can also send down quite a good ball. Sussex has supplied two members of the team, both of them professionals, in James Langrldgo and J. H. Parks. Lnngriclge will be making his second trip to New Zealand, having done a

MATCHES COMMENCE NEXT WEEK

M.C.C. TEAM PLAYS TWO MATCHES IN DUNEDIN

season of coaching in Auckland with Ted Bowley. In county cricket Langridge has made over a thousand runs in every season since 1927, and in four of those seasons also took over 100 wickets —a very consistent all-rounder. He bats and bowls left-handed, and is equally proficient in either department. His highest innings is 159 not out twice, and as to bowling—in Sussex’s game against Yorkshire in 1934 he took nine for 34 in the Yorkshiremen’s second innings. He is 29 years of age. OTHER MEMBERS. Parks is opening bat for Sussex with John Langricige, brother of James, and is very consistent and reliable. He is one of tho veterans of the touring side, being 32 years of age. James Sims, of Middlesex; is a good leg-break bowler and a useful bat. The writer saw him play in a Sunday game at Regent’s Park in London. It was a charity match between a team chosen from local clubs and a side led by “ Patsy ” Hendren, who still cracks them about in fine style. The team has a titled player—the Hon. Charles J. Lyttelton, who is the son of Lord Cobhani. He is vice-cap-tain of Worcester, and is a useful bat and change bowler. A. D. Baxter is one of the side’s fast howlers. He hails from Scotland and plays for the M.C.C. and Middlesex. The oldest member of the touring team is Wilfred Barber, who has been playing for Yorkshire since 1926. He is alwa3*s high up in the county’s batting averages, and has now earned test honours. His age is 33 years. One member of the side is a teammate of L. F. Townsend—Auckland’s professional coach from Derbyshire. He

is Denis M. Smith, also a professional. A forceful left-hand batsman, Smith worked in a coal mine before he took up cricket professionally.

CLUBS' STRENGTH SURVEYED The senior competition will open on Saturday week, and while it is impossible at the moment to deal with the personnel of the Colts’ team, to be chosen from nominations received by the association, a survey of the prospects of the other clubs indicates that largely they will be similar in playing strength to what was the case last year, though, of course, there are changes here and there, with promising juniors lighting for placfes in the ranks of most of the senior elevens. GRANGE SHOULD BE STRONG An optimistic atmosphere prevails at the Grange Club’s headquarters on the North Ground, and last year’s champion side has good cause for optimism. Grange has stuck to the North Ground through the years, wisely so, for the ground has many historic associations, and it is doubtful, as Mr A. H. Allen remarked at the opening day on Saturday, if the ground has presented a bettor appearance in years than is the case at the present time. The officials of the club have worked hard to improve the ground in cooperation with the reserves department, and wickets on the North Ground should give little cause for complaint, while the outfield is in better order than it has been for a long time. The club’s chief worry at the present time is as to whether Tom Chettlcburgh will be available for the club matches, as his work keeps him cnpraged on Saturday afternoons. Chottleburgli is one of the most forceful batsmen* in the province, a fine field, and useful change bowler, and inability on his part to play would bo a loss not only to Grange but to Otago cricket as a whole. , With the exception of Chettleburgh nearly all of last year’s winning team is again available, but M. Lcdgonvood (who trundled very well at times last season) has gone to the league. As an offset, however, Tom Knowles may return to his club from the Colts, though it is possible his services may again

be called upon by the coach, F. T. Had-, cock. Knowles put together a hundred in one match for the Colts last season, and his fielding improved very considerably. If not called upon to play for the Colts lie should find a place in the Grange side. Club captain is Charlie Chadwick, who will again be found behind the sticks. Charlie is easily the veteran of Dunedin senior cricket, but no one would think so from his appearance, as he is more active and sprightly than many of the younger players. He is one of Otago’s best wicketkeepers still, and is usually good for a useful total with the bat, especially when things happen to be going the wrong way. Arthur Galland’s services to the Grange Club and to Otago cricket would be hard to measure, but the passing of the years has done nothing to lessen the keenness of “ Old Gal,” who is one of _ the outstanding cricketing personalities of this province. Galland is still a punishing . batsman, a useful bowler, and good field, and ho proved his worth to the team more than once last season. A. J. Plhnes is now one of Otago’s best all-rounders, the graceful lefthander being even more valuable for his fine batting than for his bowling. Alex. Knight is another of the club’s reliables, and though he has had long experience of big cricket he is not too old yet to win back a place in the Otago teani if his form warrants’ it. Others who will be available include 0. 13. Dey (another good all-rounder who has given Grange good service); Mercer (who played for the senior eleven towards the end of last season and bowled well); A. Breen (who was handicapped last season by being out of town fairly often—he is a solid bat and fine field); G. Lemin (who is one of the club’s stock bowlers, and whose batting and fielding have improved in the last season or two); E. Timms (a very promising batsman); and M. Anderson (a promising junior, who will have to be considered). Last season Tomkinson was disappointing. and A. Boyd, unable to strike form, dropped back to_ the second grade, hut when brought into the first eleven again did reasonably well. Both

are good batsmen on their day, and the club will hope that they will return to their best form this season. During the off season the Grange Club’s finances have been improved considerably through the activities of the Social Committee, headed by 0. Dey, which has conducted a series of very successful euchre evenings. Tho former president, Mr 11. M'Lean, has been honoured by being made patron after two years in the other office. He has been a great-enthusiast and supporter, and is succeeded as pre-

sident by Mr T. H, Elmes, who is the father of C. J. Elmes, well-known rep. player. Mr Elmes played cricket in Bristol, and has been a staunch supporter of tho Grange Club for many years. CARISBROOK HAS AMPLE MATERIAL Despite the loss of several prominent players in the last year or two, Carisbrook has ample material to draw from for two senior teams this season, and, had the association elected to abide by tho annual meeting’s recommendation concerning the reduction of senior teams, its performances were such last season that Carisbrook B would have been unlucky to be singled out for the pruning knife. Carisbrook A will have practically the samo side as last season, and it is pleasing to know that A, W. M'Dougall, one of tho most promising cricketers in Otago, who was doubtful, will be ab'o to play regularly this reason. Jack M'Mul'an. who captained the side very ably last season, may not be as brilliant a bat as when ho was in his prime, but tho left-hander is still one of the best, and well worth watching when he gets going. Jack Dunning will, of course, bo a candidate for a. place in the New Zealand team against the M.C.C., whose visit will recall the sterling bowling performance he put up against the last team of English cricketers to visit Dunedin. Dunning can make runs, and there is no keener player in Dunedin—a man worth a lot to any club. Jf. Camoron and J. Cameron, K. Cox, K, C- .Kerr, A. B. Kerr, Bottiug, and VI. Williams will all bo available again, but K-. Napier h.as left Dunedin,

and Charman will also be absent from the B’s. A newcomer is Francis, a Wellington senior, reputed to be a useful medium-pace bowler, and as the team’s attack seems a little doubtful he may receive consideration. Young F. C. Kerr gave signs last season of developing into one of Otago’s most successful batsmen, and he will be watched with a lot of interest. After an absence from the game of about 15 years Keg. Bell, who was one of J. N." Crawford’s Colts, made a wonderfully successful re-entry last season, and his batting generally proved an example and inspiration to Carisbrook B on more than one occasion. Ho is as keen as ever, and another sound player with the B’s is J. Hovvorth (whose services to Carisbrook have been recognised by his appointment as club captain). The B’s should be a well-balanced team, and will be drawn from L. K. M'Kay (who took a lot of wickets last season), Lumsden (who showed that he could make runs when he went in No 1), A. C. Procter. E. W. Procter. Stevenson (a promising M'Glashan recruit), A. R. Geddes, and Lambert (who were associated in a fine partnership against the Colts last season—the latter is a good all-rounder), Sliaud (who formerly played for Christchurch Boys’ High School, but was out of the game for some time until he turned out for Carisbrook B last season-—he is a particularly good field). One or two juniors will have to be considered, and a good cricketer front the High School who has joined up is Kindley. Carisbrook will hold its opening day to-morrow. CAMERON WILL HELP UNIVERSITY The University Club is looking forward to a good season. All of last season’s players are again available, with the exception of “ Buster ” Uttley, who returned to Invercargill, while the fast merchant, J. L. Jolly, will be available for part of the season, only. Alan Cameron, the slow leg-break bowler who was very successful two seasons ago, will again be turning out, and should help the attack considerably. Illness kept him out of action last season.

Sataynard and Matthews, who did very well with the B team (winners of the second grade competition); will also receive consideration. Satayrjard is a good all-rounder, and Matthews proved very successful as a slow bowler last season. The senior team will probably be selected from the following players:— K. Uttley, A. Cameron’, J. L. Jolly, N. Henderson, L. Lawson, A. W. Sinclair, J. Gilkison. Robinson, A. K. Ibbotson, N. Farrell, Titchener, M'Lachlan, Sataynard, Matthews, M'lnnes, and Christie. The junior teams will still have most of last year’s players to choose from, and several new members will strengthen the ranks, .From the large attendance and enthusiasm shown at the annual meeting, at which more than 50 were present, it seems as though the club is in for a good season. FEW CHANGES IN KAIKORAI The personnel of the Kaikorai seniors will" bo practically the same as last year. This should mean that, with the increasing experience which the team is getting in first grade cricket the combination will be a solid one. ‘The presence of players like R. 0. Talbot and R. Cherry, who are well seasoned in big cricket, will again be a big help to the side. Talbot’s ability as an all-rounder is too well known to be stressed here, and it is stated that this year he is coming into the game keener than ever. Cherry is the type of early batsman whom any club side would welcome. Another experienced willow-wielder who will again don flannels is Harold Balk, a batsman with a.good'.eye arid one who is a mighty hitter when the right ball to crack comes along. Men who are still youthful, yet nevertheless fairly ripe in experience, are

A. Holden, L. Constable. J. Vial, and L. Stewart. All these will be seen in action, and there is every reason for hoping that they will be in better form than ever There is also good material in players like Burgess and Mathias, both of whom had some very good days last season. That clover slow left-hand bowler, George Cook, will be back in the fold. Ho should again prove a source of genuine worry to any batting opposition. Last summer his figures were exceptionally impressive. Tho wicketkeeper’s job may be safely left to Hecnan. At the moment there appeal’s to be some doubt as to whether M'Grcgor will bo released from the Colts in order to return to his club side. It is understood that Badcock. the coach, is keen on having, some of his pupils for a,

couple of years. M'Gregor’s return to Caikorai would undoubtedly strengthen dio side in both batting and bowling. The club spirit has been highly developed among the Kaikorai members, and, under the presidency of that genial enthusiast, Mr C. Finlayson, a happy and successful season is anticipated. The club has the benefit of a picturesque ground, and, as it serves a large district, it is pleasing to know that it has not been asked to withdraw from the first grade competition. Tlio ground is being well cared for, the soil on the wickets being now the same as that used at Carisbrook. There is ample space in the centre for four diiftings of the, pitch. The official opening day will take place on Saturday, when a match will be played between the hill cricketers and the footballers. The Kaikorai Band will be .in attendance. DUNEDIN KEEN Not the least valuable acquisition of the Dunedin Club, and one that should result in a vast difference in competition performances this season, is the

greatly improved Tonga Park, whose turf has been carefully nursed by Curator Maurice into an area ideally suited to first grade requirements. The club has every reason for optimism, for with a wealth of promising junior material, which showed its right to be reckoned with in last season’s lower grade matches, and with proper practice wickets, there remains no reason why the first eleven—a particularly young one, it is predicted—should not upset the calculations of many of the more matured combinations if properly handled.

acquisition in that position. Edwards, who has had one season of experience in senior grade, held so pie splendid catches in the slips last season, those efforts being the reason for his winning the bat for the most improved fieldsman. Many catches went abegging in slips last year, so if Clark and Edwards cau effect an improvement, the path will be an easier one for the team. Th® side will possess a variety in bowling. First man no doubt will be Dickinson,' New Zealand’s fastest bowler. Next will be Les Groves, slow break bowler, who has captured very nearly 100 wickets in the last two seasons. Like all slow howlers, Groves at times has to contend with punishment from batsmen. It is then that slow bowlers are liable to lose control of length. Being hit around does not worry Groves in the least. He continues to toss them well up, and that is one of his secrets of success. Last season Old Boys did not have a left-hand bowler of merit. However, Ray Mahoney, of athletic fame,' will be the team’s left-hander. Here will be an improvement and added variety to the team’s attack. Roy Payne has shown promise as a medium-pace bowler, but last season did not receive many opportunities. It generally takes him two or three overs to strike his length. Ve'rn Leader has always been a steady medium-pace bowler for old Boys. Good length is his main asset, and he can swing away to slips. All the bowlers mentioned so far are also good batmen, all capable of playing sparkling cricket. For soundness and defence Leader is the best, his only fault being to feel for deliveries wide of his off stump. He was caught in slips a number of times last season as a result of this shot. L. A. Giles met with some success at bowling last season. He is very keen this season, and it is hoped h« will strike form with the bat this year. He has represented Otago, and if he could reproduce the form which gained him provincial honours it would be all the better for Old Boys. His form last season was disappointing. However, like the rest of the team. Jack of good practice, .owing to the unsatisfactory state of the practice wickets, was no doubt responsible for that. The members of the Old Boys’ team who practised at Carisbfook with the representative team and the Colts had an advantage- over the rest of the team. Unless senior players receive good practice they cannot be expected to show real form. Giles, Cherry, Smith, and Gale were the ones who had to practice with their club. The last-named two met with some success with the bat, Smith showing up towards the end of the season. Cherry’s place in the team is very uncertain after his performances last year. Smith may not be playing for Old Boys this season, as he has to go out of towh every day. The Old Boys’ team will in at probability be selected from the following : —Dickinson, Groves, Clark, Saxton. Giles, Mahoney, Graham, Leader, Mills, Payne, Cherry. Otway, G. Edwards, and J. Smith (if available). ALBION'S BRIGHT PROSPECTS Not for many years have members of the Albion Club displayed so much interest and enthusiasm in the coming season as is the case this year. The indications are that the club will again be able to field strong teams in the senior and intermediate competitions, as the majority of last season’s players will be available for selection, while several other players of repute are reported to be joining the club’s ranks. Of last season’s senior eleven those who will be missing are L. Silver, who is now in Christchurch, H. Miller, who is in Wellington, and F. Vorrath, who is away with the All Blacks. Other players who were on the verge of Senior grade status and who have left the club are L. Hendersoh and J. A. Murray. These defections, however, should not affect the senior eleven to any marked degree in view of the fact that last season’s intermediate side won the competition by the big margin of 11 points, completely outclassing the other teams. Probably the most pleasing announcement made by th® Albion Club is th® fact that Jim Shepherd, one of the most spectacular batsmen New Zealand has ever produced, is fit andwell again, and anxious to provide spectators with some sparkling cricket. Shepherd’* presence in the Albion team is a big factor in bringing success to th® side. He is generally a consistent scorer, while he can always be relied upon to take wickets. Last season's captain of the side, S. Duncan, who, incidentally, is one of the best allrounders in the province, has already

And with the capable leadership of Vic. Cavanagh, who is again expected to lead the side, there should be no misapprehension on that score. Cavanagh has been the prop of the team over a long period of seasons. His batting is consistent, full of dash and good strokes, and he is expected to stimulate the morale of the side by some large opening scores. Vic is a more than useful change bowler, and was last season responsible for breaking many a stubborn'partnership. In the field he is an inspiration, his work being crisply clean. With Tonga Park now an established cricket field, the club should concentrate on improved fielding. It is doubtful whether Ditchfield, the other Otago representative in the side, will be donning the flannels for Dunedin. but should he decide not to his defection will be a severe loss. Ditchfield was a tower of strength, in batting particularly last season, and he compiled several high scores. Bruce Noble, the slow left-hand bowler who was the cause of many a debacle through his steady trundling, will be called on as a stock bowler. Other of last season’s members will be Dick Torrance (who has followed in his father’s footsteps as a particularly able all-rounder), Ciaridge, Holley (a promising colt), and Douglas. Quaid, the Southern Rugby footballer, has joined the club, and is reported to be assured of a place in the eleven. A. Eckhoff and D. Hopkins, two youthful cricketers, imbued with any amount of enthusiasm, are in the running for a place in the side. Ciaridge has been a particularly useful club man to Dunedin, and once in form he is liable to upset the calculations of bowler and batsman at the most unexpected times. Dunedin is a well-established club, and such excellent headquarters as Tonga Park may be the revival of a healthier season. OLD BOYS WILL HAVE YOUNG SIDE The High School Old Boys’ Club will again field a strong team in the senior grade. Among the new comers to the club who will be strong candidates for places in the first eleven are Mahoney (left-hand bowler and solid batsman), Otway (opening bat for the School last season), and Whittington (left-hander, who was the School’s other opening batsman). D. P. Anderson is a very promising bowler. The team will be a young one. Gale has retired, so the “ daddy ” of the team will now be G. It. Dickinson. He, however, has reached the age when, .according to the run of a cricketer’s career, the peak of form is shown. Dickinson still has many years of cricket ahead of him, so with the rest of the team being young players, the future of the Old Boys seems assured. The wicketkeeper this season wall probably be Mills, who kept, for the Colts last year.

Clark, who represented Otago as wicketkeeper lust seaou, may be fielding in the slips. _ He has a sure pair o| hands and will no doubt bo an

been nominated as leader, and it would appear that the team could not make a better choice. This season the club ' will have the services of that proved allrounder, L. Smith, after a season in the Colts' team, which merited his selection . for the Plunket Shield match against Auckland. Other players available again are J. Barron, H. Martin, 0. Dalziel, E. J, Collins (wicketkeeper), and J. Allen. The official opening of the club is to be held on the main ground at Logan . Park on Saturday. The club is indeed . fortunate in having the services of - Messrs H. Yorrath and H. J. Greenfield to fill the important positions of ; club .captain and secretary respectively, while an enthusiastic band of .committeemen has already arranged a social . and dance for the Monday night follow- . ing the opening day. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS’ WITHDRAWAL Since the above was written it is understood that the Christian Brothers Old Boys Club has withdrawn from the competition, which should make the way clearer for the management committee to reconsider the .question of reducing the number of teams. .Indeed, the opportunity now presents itself to go the whole distance and reduce the ‘ number of teams to six, and so make it . a real senior competition. CRICKET HEAD MR J. M. FRASER RE-ELECTED PREBIDEHT Whatever views may be held about the actions or policy of the Otago Cricket Association in regard to the senior, competition or concerning control of the game generally, there will be general agreement that the re-elec-tion of Mr J. M. Fraser as president is well deserved and a happy choice. Mr Fraser is an outspoken man, candid and fearless in his views, but, as should be the case in sporting administration, he does not carry his arguments ■ beyond the meeting room. He has held office now for several years, during which he Saw Otago win the Plunket Shield and the association’s finances put on a sound basis; and, with the M.C.C. team playing two games in Dunedin, it is fitting that he should be at the head of affairs to receive the - visitors. Mr Fraser is held in high esteem by the whole of the cricketing community, and he has had the high honour of being president of the New Zealand . Cricket Association, a position he occupies at the present time. With such a list of important fixtures ahead, to Mr Fraser and his executive will be extended the wish for the best ' season on record.