SCHOOL CRICKET

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 209, 28 April 1932, Page 6

SCHOOL CRICKET

REVIEW OF PAST SEASON'S PLAY AND LESSQNS WHAKA WINS SHIELD The past season proved to be one of the most interesting and instructive periods in the annals of primary schools cricket in the Rotorua district. Teams were entered from the Rotorua, Whakarewarewa, Convent and Ngongotaha Schools, the championship being won by Whakarewarewa, who gained the coveted trophy by j fine team work and combination. | Their coach, Mr. McCowan, merits the thanks of the team for the enthusiastic manner in which he piloted them through the season. Rotorua Primary School entered two teams, A and B, but were unfortunate in losing several prominent players, who left to attend the High Schook at th.e commencement of the first term. The A team, all drawn from Standard IV. and lower classes, proved themselves doughty opponents for their rivals, the science of the game being their main aim. Owing to over-eagerness and indecision they lost an important match against Whakarewarewa during the two innings no fewer than eight players being run out. The B team was a weak combination, and although they struggled gamely, they failed to register any points. Both teams were ably coached by Messrs. B. M. Green, F. Robinson and C. H. Ludgate, much of their fine work being due to the fact that Mr. Green, the headmaster, made them practise with pick handles in lieu of bats. The Convent team showed much promise, it being very unfortunate for them that Mr. Windler, who is football and cricket coach of the school, was unable owing to pressure of business to devote much time to their instruction.

The Ngongotaha team, although gaining only third place, should have been higher up on the list for this position by no means indicates tne capabilities of the players. Indeed, many predictions placed them as the premier side, but owing to a default to Whakarewarewa and unlucky play, ^hey fell back to the position with which they concluded the season. The points gained by the various teams were: Whakarewarewa, 28; Rotorua Primary A, 19; Ngongotaha, 16; Convent, 15; and Rotorua B, 0. Recognising that the grand old game is commenced and built up in the schools, the Rotorua Cricket Association placed every facility possible at the disposal of the young players, who were given free use of matting, wickets, and grounds. During the season the association also donated a new ball, while clubs affiliated with it gave bats. Teachers and players alike express their waim appreeiation of the efforts of the association on their behalf. Many thanks are also due to Mr. Hesketh, curator of the Government Grounds, .who week by week unfailingly saw to the mowing and laying out of the oitch at Picnic Point. -The shield donated by the Rotorua Cricket Association is a fine piece of work, its motto being "Play the Game," while the central figure depicts a batsman walking to the crease. Whakarewarewa is the first school to hold the shield, but as it is p. challenge trophy their rivals are determined to make every effort to wrest it from them during next season.