OTAGO CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 4 March 1908, Page 61

OTAGO CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

CHALLENGE FOR THE PLUNKET SHIELD. The Olago Cricket Association's weekly meeting, hold on Friday evening, was piesided o\er by Mr C. R. Smith, there b&mg a fair attendance of members. The Secretary reported that approximately the amount realised on the art union which was organised in connection with the association was by sale of tickets £292, and the expenses £113, leaving a credit balance of £179. JFhe association had a debit balance at the bank of £90, which could be reduced to £80 by paying in the ready cash. Other expenses hajd to be met which would leave a debit balance of about £115. This was very creditable, as the association had started the j-ear with a debit balance of £199, and had sent a team through the Dominion. ' Mr C. G. Wilson intimated that he had 1 been asked to bring before the association, ' with a view to obtaining- its sanction to the movement, a certain matter which reflected great credit upon the cricketers of Otago. A number of cricketers had raised a team, and wished the association to challenge Auckland for the Plunket Shield, the match to be played on the 31st December next and the Ist and 2nd of January, 1909. Each man would pay all his expenses, and leave the association entirely clear of all liability. The team also proposed to play matches in Taranaki and Hawke's Bay. The Chairman said he was proud of the enthusiastic spirit shown in the matter, I and he, although it was a long time ahead, wished the prospective team all -success, and honed that its members would bring back with them the coveted trophy. It wa* resolved that the Auckland Association be challenged to play for the Plunket Shield on the dates mentioned. The following are the 13 players who have elected to undertake the trip: — Austin, Siedebere, Wilson. Adams. Williams. Cramond. Kilgrnur, Watson. Corbett, Burt, Rutherford, Bannerman. Watkins, TTisher (doiibrful). Howden (doubtful). Tiie team will, of course, be chosen by the association, and will travel under the association's auspices.