CRICKET.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5184, 28 September 1927, Page 3

CRICKET.

THE PAEROA CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. The- annual meeting of the Paerooa Cricket Club was held in Mr W. Bain’s rooms last night, Mr J- M. Fox presiding over a good attendance. ANNUAL REPORT. The secretary (Mr H. Tams) presented the annual report, which read as follows: — “The- membership for the past season was 28, which was an increase of 14 players on the previous season. During the season the club was unfortunate in losing the services of T. Robinson, who was one of our best all-round cricketers.

“Thanks, are due to the Paeroa Domain Board for the use of the ground free of charge. The outfield was rather rough, and this was a handicap to good fielding. The wicket was fairly good, but had to be carefully prepared before being played on. However, taking the circumstances into consideration, we were fortunate in having the ground. “Last season two new clubs, joined the Piako association, namely, Karangahake and Te Aroha B. This increased the number of games and made the competition more interesting. Of the 15 games played in the competition Paeroa won 11, lost 3, and one was drawn. For the second time in succession this club was runner-up in the championship. In friendly matches we won 3, lost 1. and one was drawn. It can be said that the club established a very creditable record.

“Bowling.-—The bowling by the members of this club was not so good generally as in previous seasons. The club’s leading bowlers were W. Flower, 23 wickets-, averaging five runs a wickdt; E. Edwards, 72 wickets, averaging 5.3 runs 1 ; and H. M. Shand, 30 wickets, averaging 6.5 runs. “Batting.—Among the batsmen B. Oakes was top, with an average of 17.3 runs; then followed G>. Stack, 16.7 ; W. Flower, 15.-2 ; F. Pivott, 15.1; and W. Taylor, 12.5 runs per innipgs-. The most improved players in the team were W. Taylor and A- A. Jenkinson.

“Fielding.—The fielding was in most instances of a high order, and to this department, assisted by the; bowling, we can attribute such success as we had. Altogether, 72 catches were taken during the season, F. Pivott heading the list with 17. C. Rolton, who played a great game as wicketkeeper, was second with 12. “Finance—The total receipts for the year amounted to £4B 'ss 6d, and the expenditure totalled £46 Ils 9d, leaving a credit balance of £1 13s 9d. A concert was held at the beginning of the season which enabled the club to purchase new bats, balls, wicketkeeping gloves, and other necessary gear.

“Thanks. —Sincere thanks are due to the president and vice-presidents, who materially assisted the club ; to the local Press, and, last, but not least, to our worthy and highly respected umpire, Mr T. C. Arnold.”

After several minor matters had been explained the report and balancesheet was adopted. NEW MEMBERS. The following new members were eelcted : Messrs J. King, H. V. Cocks, S. Sampson, F. J. Martin, and W. D. Sanderson. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers for the 1927-28 season resulted as follows : — Patron Mr W. Marshall ; president, Mr H. E. Butler; vice-presidents, Messrs C. H. Moorhouse, J? P. Gamble, W. Fleming. T. D. Rice, L. Nevin, G. Fallon, L. E. Haines, M. Crosby, G. H. Taylor, C. N. O’Neill.; secretary and treasurer, Mr H. M. Shand : auditor. Mr W. L. Lawrence ; sole selector, Mr C. Farrow; management committee; Messrs C. Rolton, W. Flower, G. Sale, G. Stack. J. M. Fox ; official umpire, Mr T. C. Arnold. The election of club captain was held over until the playing of the first match. ASSOCIATION AFFILIATION. A long discussion ensued for and against affiliating with the Piakt? Cricket Association again this season. It was contended by some; members that the disadvantage of joining Piako was the amount of Lavelling that was required to be; done by the local team. It was suggested by Mr Stack that arrangements might be made to play the Morrinsville club at Ta Aroha in each round, and thus save the extra travelling. Finally it was moved by Mr Flower, and seconded by Mr Sanderson, that the club affiliate with th© Waihi association. As an amendment Mr E. Edwards moved, and Mr Stack seconded, that the club again affiliate with Piako. In support of the amendment Mr Edwards pointed out that during the past two seasons Paeroa had been run-nqrs-up for the championship, and that it should give it another go. The club had met good sportsman and had been provided with plenty of competition. A ballot was taken, and the decision to join with Waihi was carried by a majority of 12 votes to 5. It was decided to advise the Waihi association that the club was desirous of entering two teams. PLAYING AREA. A member pointed out that in his opinion Paeroa had the worst pitch in the district last season, and that some drastic change would have to be made. It was, generally agreed that the field was unsatisfactory, and it was resolved to approach the Domain Board for permission to lay down a concrete pitch this season. An offer was made by Mr Stack to undertake the work provided the members would assist. The estimated cost was about £l2, and h© thought the money could be raised among the members, failing which some other arrangements could be made. The proposal was enthusiastically received, and the committee yVas authorised to wait on tho Domain Board forthwith. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION. In fixing the annual subscription, the secretary pointed out that the club

was woefully handicapped for funds, and he thought the amount should he increased.

It was resolved that for the ensuing season the subscription be- fixed at 10s, and youths up to the age of 17 years ss, while bona fide boys who were members of school teams would be allo,wed to practice with the club free. It was also resolved that any meim-be-r failing to pay his subscription on or before November 1 would be disqualified from participating in competition games. MOST IMPROVED PLAYER. The trophy presented by Mr J. PGamble for the most improved player during thq season was won by W. H. Taylor. CONDUCT ON THE FIELD. Reference was made by Mr W. Flower to the conduct of players on the field. He pointed out the necessity for players to readily obey the, instructions of the field captain and bowler. Frequently last season players had been allotted definite places by bowlers, but they -had disregarded the instructions and had wandered all over the- field. Such behaviour was most disconcerting to the bowler, and was anything but cricket. These remarks were endorsed by Mr Stack, who said that an improvement would be looked for this season. GENERAL. The question of purchasing a box in which to store the gear was referred to Messrs Flower and Edwards, with power to act. It was resolved that committee meetings be held fortnightly, and that the- committee and Mr Arnold be authorised to overhaul the playing requisites and replace such gear as was, necessary. WAITAKARURU CLUB. In order to get matters in train for the laying down of a concrete pitch before the opening of the season, the Waitakaruru. Cricket Club held its; annual meeting much earlier this season than usual.

Messrs. C. Stretton, N. Death, and N. Hedges were appointed to wait upon the Domain Board, and discuss ways and means, it being suggested that if suitable terms could be arranged, the club could organise working bees to lay the concrete and prepare the field . Mr H. L. Berney was re-appointed president, Messrs. J. Donaghy, F. Pinchess, W. Dobbs, T. W. Elliot, and E. Adams, vice-presidents, Mr N. Hedges, secretary, treasurer, arid sole selector, and Messre. C. Stretton and H. L. Berney, delegates to the Hauraki Plains Cricket Association.

It was reported that the prospects for the coming season were very bright, and that the debit balance had been further reduced during the season to £6 16s.