COURTESY IN SPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1929, Page 2

COURTESY IN SPORT

(Auckland Paper)

The captain of the South African ’crickJi team Inis pu'blicjly thankfed the Englsh public for the impartially of their applause and the encouragement given to his-men. This, he says, was particularly noticeable in the second Test match. In this match England made c. 02, and the plucky manner in which tlie South Africans passed this score by twenty won great applause from the croud at Lord’s. Mr Deane says that the encouragement given by the spectators materially contributed to the success of the South African Eleven in the first innings, while their impartiality added to the enjoyment of the match. At first it was 'thought that the failure of the South Africans in some of their county matches, and the unlucky disablement of some of their best players, would rob the,Tests of mu. li of their interest. But large crowds assembled to show the South Africans their appreciation of their sporting spirit in meeting the best English players, who had won such handsome victories in Australia. This encouragement helped the South Africans to establish a firstinnings lead in both the first two Tests. The English public is" always a fair friend of the weaker side. An American, who was watching the SomerscL-Lancashire match at Manchester could not understand the applause given to the visiting team. Outbreaks of the barracking spirit arc not common or serious on English playing fields. In cricket,” football, rowing, golf and 'tennis,the .English public has always shown itse.f keenly appreciative of good play irrespective of which side displays' it. Especially it is appreciative of good play in any game bv foreigners. French football and tennis teams which have visited England have borne testimony to this. The other day, too, the captain and officers of the Mauretania congratulated the new German liner Bremen on having broken the Mauretania’s record. As long as this sporting spirit survives the courtesy and impartiality so much appreciated by the South Africans will remain in defeat and victory alike.