Thank you for correcting the text in this article. Your corrections improve Papers Past searches for everyone. See the latest corrections.

This article contains searchable text which was automatically generated and may contain errors. Join the community and correct any errors you spot to help us improve Papers Past.

Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image

CRICKET

[By 11. P .S.]

CHETTLEBURGH TO PLAY HEARTENING NEWS FOR GRANGE The most heartening news of the season is how Grange supporters greeted the announcement that that line all-round cricketer, Tom Chettleburgh, would be donning the flannels again this season. Chettleburgh was prevented by his occupation from playing at all last season, and the loss was felt not only by Grange, but Otago as well. He should make a big difference to the north end eleven. Grange had the best opening for many years, no fewer than 60 active players taking part in net practice. It is expected that six teams will be entered in the competitions this season, and the seniors should again be a solid side. Chettleburgh will not only add much backbone to the batting, but will also strengthen the attack. A former Grange player who subsequently represented North Otago is Eric Brown, and he is back in Dunedin and will be available for the senior team. Another candidate for a place in the team will be Tom Rodgerson, who was a verysolid batsman with Christian Brothers, but played in League cricket last season. A Grange team would be scarcely complete without the presence of that general and stain-art, Arthur Galland. Gal ” is still a very good all-rounder, and, as a leader, hard to beat. He will have, plenty of support from last year’s side, for most of the team is available, including the New Zealand representative, Syd. Elmes, Alex. Knight (who was just a little unlucky to miss achieving that honour), S. Tomkinson, O. Dey, A. Boyd, Mercer, Frank Toomey, George Lemin, Max Anderson, and B Timms. Grange lacked variety in bowling last season, and while a similar difficulty may be experienced this season, Chettleburgh should assist in solving the problem to some extept. The North Ground looked a picture last Saturday. There is no doubt that it attracts the best following in Dun-' edin, and the Grange Club has put in a good deal of work to bring it up to its present satisfactory state. ■ OLD BOYS’ PROSPECTS SHOULD FIELD STRONG SIDE High School Old Boys’ held its official opening at Littlebourne Park, and due to the thoughtfulness of the school caretaker (Mr D. Hanlin), a turf wicket was prepared for the occasion. Practice was indulged in by the 30 odd players present. The prospects of the club this season appear to be very bright, and the keenness of its promising colts is noteworthy. The senior team promises to be a sound, all-round side with y T outh in prominence. All the members of last year’s team will be donning the flannels again. They were all present at the opening, except Giles, Groves, and Graham. The former, who has represented Otago both at Rugby and cricket, is still a keen player for Old Boys, and last season showed a return to form with the bat, his best innings being 68 against Grange. Giles puts plenty- of-power into his shots, and is a 'favourite with’ the spectator’s, when: in his stride.. , .. L. J. Groves, the New Zealand and Otago Soccer representative, is one of Otago’s finest all-round cricketers. He is the tca’m’s leading slow bowler, and the success he has gained in this :de--partment - during the last few seasons has entitled him to consideration for a place in the Otago team. Groves was not successful with the bat last season. However, he is a delightful forcing batsman, and it will be hoped that ho will strike form with the bat this season. The two outstanding batsmen last season were G. Mills and V. J. Leader, both Otago representatives. These two players headed the batting leverages and also the 'aggregates. ' Mills is one of the province’s outstanding colts, and was Otago’s wicketkeeper against Wellington and Canterbury last season. He is a product of the. association’s.coach,. F. T. Badcock, and, although short in stature,: is.capable, as lie: showed in some of his,innings last season, of play-, ing a forceful game. _. Mills possesses splendid cricketing ability, and, besides being a fine batsman and wicketkeeper,; is unite a good break bowler as well. Giles was unable to accept the position of club captain again this season, and the club showed wisdom in selecting Mills for the important position. Although young, he has already made his mark in Otago cricket, and the tuition received from the coach will greatly assist. ' ?*’ *.

Notes and Comments Prospects of Teams

Tim All Black Rugby and cricket representative, G. R. Dickinson, again showed his splendid all-round ability last season, finishing third in the batting and first in the averages for the regular bowlers of the team. He is now the oldest player in the team, but nowhere near the veteran age. He enjoys his cricket thoroughly, and his breezy style is appreciated by the onlookers. "Dickinson will appear again very lit, for he has been playing strenuous badminton during the winter. In that game, also, he is one of New Zealand’s top-flight players and delightful to watch.

J. A. Smith, who followed Dickinson in the batting averages, made most of his runs as opening batsman, with V. J. Loader. Smith, one of the team’s Sidcy bat winners, as a rule elects to play a steady game, and in that respect has often proved his value to tho team. He is secretary of tho club again, and, using his own words, was “ bowled into the position” with great celerity. Ho has been secretary since 1931, and has made a thorough success of the position. a

Another promising colt is A. C. Graham, a delightful left hand batsman who made an auspicious debut into senior grade by scoring 88. Graham is an all-rounder, being a regular bowler for the team. His best score last season was 43, his effort on that occasion turning a likely defeat into decisive victory for Old Boys. Graham posssesses the right temperament.

Still another colt with all-round ability—left hand bowler, right hand batsman, and a splendid fieldsman in the outfield—is 11. G. Mahony, the Otago Rugby representative. At the annual meeting of the club Mahony received a cup presented by Mr H. G. Eckhoff to the player with tho best match-winning performance. Another Sidey bat winner is George Edwards, the crack slip fieldsman in the team. He has taken some hot catches at first slip off Dickinson’s fast bowling. It is sincerely hoped that better luck comes his way. for ho was unable to step into his stride at batting last season. Actually lie was dismissed only four times last season, the remainder of his innings being not-onts. Old Boys are in the fortunate position in possessing two Otago rep. wicketkeepers—J. B. Clark and George Mills. Clark, like Mills, is a good batsman. Like Edwards, Clark was also out of luck last -season. Tho previous season he had a great run of success, having one of the highest aggregates in Otago, and second hoys’ batting average for his club, scoring 335 runs for the season. The consistency of V. .7. Leader for the last two seasons is worth noting. He has scored 670 runs for 24 completed innings, which gives an average of 27.9. Leader played an important part in bringing the Plunket Shield to Otago. O. R. Payne, who proved to be the all-rounder of last year’s Colts, will be back in the Old Boys’ team again, and will strengthen up tho attack, as well as the batting. He is also a good fieldsman with a sure pair of bands. Other players who will bo in the running for selection_ will bo N. .Russell, who showed promise as a batsman in the matches he played last season. H. Otway, who came from the High School with a good batting record, but was disappointing in his appearances for the senior team, and W. M'Leod. N. Cherry, who scored a pile of runs for the second eleven last season, on performances should be well in the running. Owing to business reasons this ■fine batsman is unable to obtain regular practice., and prefers; to stand down. He. has.been a very serviceable batsman to Old Boys. When at High School Cherry won the Cricket Cun, the team at the time being captained by W. A. Priest, now on the medical staff of the New Plymouth Hospital, where W. Hawksworth is also stationed. MR FRASER RETIRES KOTABLE SERVICE TO GAME Mr J. AX. Eraser did not seek reelection as president at the annual meeting of tho Otago Cricket Association last week, but was content to take a place on tho committee. His retirement_ from the principal office of the association brought to a close a notable term of service to the game, for it is generally recognised that Mr Fraser has been a really good and conscientious president who has done his job without fear or favour, and lias at all times, placed the welfare of the game beyond all other considerations. During- his five' years as president, ho saw Otago win the Plunket Shield, and it was also a great tribute to his worth as an administrator and to the popularity and esteem in which lie is held as a man that he was president of the New Zealand Cricket Council Tor two terms.

.Mr Fraser is a man possessed of very sound judgment and common sense, and to those qualities, allied with in an unfailing sense of humour and tactfulness, his success as president may be attributed. Ho lias seen the association have its ups and downs, but ho ahvay had great faith in tho future of Otago cricket, and has always taken a keen interest in the doings of the younger players. A nice compliment was paid at tho annual meeting of tho association to Mrs Fraser, who gave her husband loyal support in entertaining visiting teams. Mrs Fraser was at the head of that band of lady enthusiasts who at all rep. games dispense hospitality to the players, and it was fitting that her services should have also been recognised when honour was being done to Mr Fraser. Mr Fraser will be missed from the presidential chair, but the association may count itself decidedly fortunate in having elected as his successor Mr A. H. Allen, one of Dunedin’s best-known business men. Mr Allen lias been interested in cricket from boyhood, and on tho administrative • side has done very fine work in the last few years, especially

iii his efforts to bring the ground membership of the association up to its present high mark. Mr Allen lias voiced his policy of being anxious at all times to further the interests of Otago cricket as a whole, as distinct from Dnnedin cricket. The minor associations will find Mr Allen a staunch supporter of their interests. niiiirninin rrpi ltin (ir nnnuiou

DUNEDIN'S FEELING OF OPTIMISM

The Dunedin Club's opening was a very happy gathering, upwards of 100 people being present at Tonga Park, some 80 of whom were indulging in practice. Tho Otago Cricket Association was represented by Dr A. A. Reid, who conveyed the association’s best wishes and spoke encouragingly of the prospects of the game in Otago. The club has had some loan seasons, but there is a distinct feeling of optimism regarding the future, the membership roll including a large percentage of young and likely-looking cricketers. With tho addition of one or two more experienced players who are likely to find places in tho senior eleven, the showing of this team should be much better than was tho case last season, when practically all its members were more or less new to the top grade. A player who impressed on Saturday was J. Robertson, a good all-rounder and a very keen man, who has represented Poverty Ray and was a member of tho New Zealand Minor Associations’ team on one occasion.

The ex-Waitaki boy, J. Foster, who shaped so well for North Otago against an Otago team last season, and later played in Dunedin, has joined up and should strengthen the batting, while other newcomers arc Collins (the former Albion wicketkeeper) and L. Stewart (of Kaikorai). Charlie Claridgo is uncertain whether he will be playing, but ho is such a good all-rounder that his inclusion would make a big difference to the team,. A batsman of whom good things are expected is M'Donalcl, winner of the M‘Lean Cup last season. Hailing from Green Island, this young player was in the intermediate team, but gained a place in the senior eleven towards the end of the season. Of last season’s team Dick Torrance, jun., Bob Douglas (who was the mainstay of the attack), Jim Macassey (a good all-rounder), Bill Hudson, and C. R. Russell (a good swing bowler) will again be available.

A match between 24 members of the senior and intermediate teams is being played on Saturday to enable the selectors to cast their eyes over the material that will be at hand. Two more than useful colts will be J. O’Sullivan and .T. Egan, both formerly members of the St. Kevin’s College eleven. STALWART HONOURED LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR MR A, MARTIN Possessed of unbounded enthusiasm and love of the game, Mr Alex. Martin has been one of the most familiar figures in Otago cricket administration for more than 30 years past, and it was a well-deserved honour that was paid him when he was elected to life membership of the Otago Cricket Association last week. An old Carisbrook stalwart and former Otago player, there are not many branches of the game in which Mr Martin has not served. He has been president of the 0.C.A., vice-president on many occasions, Now Zealand selector, Otago selector, delegate to the New Zealand Cricket Council, and manager of Otago teams, and in all his dealings in cricket ho has introduced a spirit of cheerfulness and good humour. One might not always agree with Mr Martin’s views, but one would always respect his opinions. He has served on the Otago Cricket Association longer than any others now associated with the gape, and the distinction that is now his was but the reward Of long and 'faithful service to the game. NOTES A pleasing feature of the opening day of the Dunedin Cricket Club at Tonga Park was the large attendance of old members wlm had accepted the invitation of the executive to be present. These included such stalwarts as Clem Beck, who represented Otago both at Rugby and cricket away back in the ’Bo’s, and who at the nets on Saturday shaped remarkably well in spite of his having passed three score years and 10. Other old club members who were also Otago representatives were W. W. Mackersy, R. C. Torrance, Jim M'Farlane, and Walter Strang (well-known players in their day). Other club stalwarts who wielded the willow at the nets in a stylo reminiscent of their earlier days were G. A. Wycherley and E. S. Wilson (whose services to, the game on the administrative side are well-known throughout New’ Zealand). Mr Wycherley was president of the O.C.A. for two terms and Mr Wilson has been secretary for more than 30 years. Others present were J. A. Robson (the present president of the Dunedin Club), C. E. Eyre, W. Fleming, W. Fielder), Jack Drumm, Barney Retro, A. Symonds, D. Wilkie, V. Perry, J. Portoons, F. Graham, S. Stubbs, Jack MWarlano, L. Sanderson, and A. M‘Kay (most of whom represented the club both in senior and junior cricket). The Carisbrook Club is holding its official opening at Carisbrook on Saturday. and a large, muster of members is anticipated. L. Silver the ex-Albion player is reported to bo taking up residence in Gore and will bo available to one of the Eastern clubs this season (says tho ‘Southland Times’). Silver showed great promise for Otago a few seasons ago. Ho is'still a young man and should he an invaluable acquisition to both Eastern and Southland cricket The Wellington Cricket Association has suggested January 22, 23, 25, and 26 as suitable dates for the Plnnkot Shield match against Auckland at Auckland. Consideration of the dates has been deferred by the Auckland Cricket Association.

There is a possibility that Langford Smith, the well-known Albion and Otago all-rounder, may ho lost to representative cricket this season. Smith is at present unemployed, but ho has tho prospects of a position in the country which ' would mean almost cer-, tainly his .loss to Otago cricket.

H is a long time since there was such a collection of old Grange notables as assembled for tho opening at the North Ground last Saturday—old supporters present included many whose names were household words in New Zealand Rugby and cricket circles in years gone by. There wore Alex Downes, Mark Higgins, Stove Larkins, Sid, Dunkley, George Nelson, Billy Brown, Bill Esquilant, Dick Matthews. Jimmy Dey (whose son is now playing lor Grange), Jim Brown, George Crosbie, Gus Restioaux, Billy Johnston, Alex Dawes, Jack Walker, and Joe Breen.

High School Old Boys have decided to transfer their interests to Tonga Park this season, and will bo practising there also. The retirement from county cricket of P. 0. H. Fonder, captain of Surrey from 1921 to 1931, has been announced. Fender, however, has not finished with the game. He has been invited by the Marylebone Cricket Club to play on several occasions, and has consented to do so Beyond that ho cannot say for whom he will play, but he does not feel that lie has finished first-class cricket. It has been said that Fender will always bo remembered as the greatest English captain who never captained England. Silly prejudice, it is claimed, did much to retard his progress in the game, but no more astute mind over arranged a field.

Latest jnail by air brings the following from a London newspaper:—" A Hammond at bis best in Australia means two men in one. For he is a great batsman, brilliant field, and more than a change bowler. The influence of such a cricketer on his colleagues obviously must be considerable. Odds against us ' down under ' will be heavy. Well. ' guts ' goes a long way." " Guts," certainly, is a great thing in sport. .But, tell us, why should the odds against England be heavy (asks the Sydney ' Tleferee '). Fight of the Inst 10 tests in Australia were won by England. And Australian bowling today does not embrace too many champions on hard, fast wickets.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19361007.2.20.1

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Evening Star, Issue 22463, 7 October 1936, Page 4

Word count
Tapeke kupu
3,065

CRICKET Evening Star, Issue 22463, 7 October 1936, Page 4

CRICKET Evening Star, Issue 22463, 7 October 1936, Page 4

Help

Log in or create a Papers Past website account

Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.

By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.

Log in with RealMe®

If you’ve used a RealMe login somewhere else, you can use it here too. If you don’t already have a username and password, just click Log in and you can choose to create one.


Log in again to continue your work

Your session has expired.

Log in again with RealMe®


Alert