CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 23700, 7 October 1940, Page 8

CRICKET

CLUBS OFFICIALLY OPEN SEASON Several of the cricket clubs officially opened the season on Saturday and were favoured with a fine-afternoon. War conditions naturally altcctcd the attendance so far as concerned players of military age, many of whom are already on active service, while numbers of others are waiting to bo called. There was an optimistic note in the speeches, however, and a determination to carry on. The Grange and Carisbrook Clubs will bold their opening functions on Saturday next. AT TONGA PARK. At Tonga Park the conditions were pleasant, and although the attendance at the Dunedin Club’s opening was not so large as usual, there was no falling away from the customary note of enthusiasm. The president of the club (Mr R. G. Torrance) extended a hearty welcome to the members and visitors present, and Mr G. A. Wycherley (vice-president and life member) declared the season open. Mr Wycherley also, on behalf of Mr W. W Strang, presented R. Wedlake with a bat as a trophy for compiling the first century of last season. Mr E. T. Downes and Mr L. J. Groves conveyed the good wishes of the Otago Cricket Association to the club, and Mr J. A. Robson thanked tho lady supporters, of whom a iargo number were present, for their attendance. Afternoon tea having been partaken of, net practice was indulged in on wickets which were surprisingly good for thus early in the season. All things considered, the turn-out of players of the High School Old Boys’ Club was quite a satisfactory one at Tonga Park, and good “ pipe-opening ” practice was indulged in. Mr L. J. Groves addressed a few words to the assembled players, after which Mr F. H. Campbell also spoke and declared the season open, bowling down the first, ball—an “ off-theory ” delivery. Mr J. A. Robson, on behalf of the Cricket Association, conveyed the greetings and good wishes of that body. AT BISHOPSCOURT. The playing members and supporters of the Kaikorai Club assembled at Bishopscourt for the opening day, and the ground was in quite good order for so early in the season. There has been a marked improvement in tho appearance of this ground during the last few years, and it should be the scene of some good cricket this season Mr R. G. Fergussen (president) extended a welcome to the visitors and members and thanked the lady members for their assistance. Mr D. A. Solomon and Mr H. Harvey, representing the Otago Cricket Association, convoyed the good wishes of that body to the club. The President then presented the Waiter Strang Trophy for the most improved junior player to L. Watt and the Arthur Barnett Trophy for the best all-round junior was handed to J. Fergussen by Mr A. 0. Holden. The president, after referring to the loss to Otago cricket occasioned by the death of Mr Hughes, a highly respected umpire, declared the season open, after which afternoon tea was dispensed. ALBION-Y.M.C.A. Mr F. Binney, at the opening of the season of the Albian-Y.M.C.A. Club, referred to the amalgamation of the clubs and expressed the belief that it would he in the interests of the clubs and. of cricket generally. Mr E. Hayes, representing the Otago Cricket Association, complimented tho club oil the splendid attendance at tho opening day and wished the amalgamation every success. Mr 0. J. Darracott, president of the old Y.M.C.A. Club, said ho felt sure there were happy days ahead for the newly-formed club. He had enjoyed his association with the Y.M.C.A, Club, and felt sure there would be equally pleasant days ahead for the new club. Mr G. Bertinshaw referred to the election of Mr Binney as president of the Cricket Association, and offered him the club’s congratulations. Opportunity was taken of the occasion to present Mr J. Paul with a life membership badge and to thank him for his good service to the game.