CRICKET COMMENT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 692, 18 November 1933, Page 6

CRICKET COMMENT

THE SECOND SERIES \

LAST SATURDAY'S PLAY PRODUCES LITTLE RESULT N.Z. COUNCIL CONFERENCE (Notes by "Cover Point") From nxany points of view the second series of matches in the Rotorua Criclcet Association's competitions which was completed last Saturday was very xxnsatisfactory and provided little result in the decision of the McLean Cup competition. On the previous Saturday play was not possible owing to rain, but although conditions were not promising early last Saturday the weather in the afternoon cleared sufficiently to permit the matches being played. This left one afternoon's play to decide the series, but from before the start of the games it was apparent that the series would prove a "faree." As has occurred each Satux-day since the opening of the season, the two games played at the Government Grounds were again started well after schedule time, it being fully 2.30 before the opening batsmen in both matches wexxt to the wickets. In view of the fact that in both matches a decision on the first innings was in view when stumps were pulled, this early loss of half-an-hour was costly to the club's concexmed, with the result that all the teams secured points for a draw. In the case of the third fixture, between Mamaku and High School, the game was not played owing, it is xxnderstood, to a misunderstanding coneerning the weather and the condition of the High School grounds. . By a decision at the last meeting of the association both teams are to be offered two points, which will place them on an equal footing with the teaxns which took the field. Not Encouraging As stated earliex1, the whole series was unsatisfactory, but the main point seems to he that for so early in the season the lack of interest which prompts players to straggle along to the ground at tixxxes which best suit themselves, is deplorable and does not axxger well for a successful season. Remits to Council Matters affecting minor associations were freely considered at the annnal conference of the New Zealand Crieket Council at Cambridge last week, ahd from the discussions it was evident that it was the desire of the controlling body to give every assistance possible to the smaller associatioxxs. One renxit was that an annual match be played between repx'esentatives of the four major associations and the representatives of the minor associations. After considerable discussion, in which it was pointed out that such a match would give a benefit to only 11 players of minor associations in the Dominxon at a cost of something approaching £500, the rexnit was washed out. It was suggested, however, that the giving of experience to promising players in the country districts was a xnatter for the provincial associations to considex*. The need of special coaching by capable players of those who showed promise in the game was also nxentioned and it was shown that in many instances this was being done. It was mentioned by the Bay of Plenty delegate, Mr. L. H. Gresham, that as most overseas touring teams visited Rotorua, it would do a great service to the game if some of these visitors were prevailed upon to coach players in Rotorua duxdng their stay. The suggestion was well received, and although cex-tain difficulties might have to be surmounted the New Zealand Council promised to further the suggestion if at all possible.

Playing to a Finish A renxit from the Nelson Associatioix that the rules of the Hawke Cup competition be altered to provide for all games being played to a finish was lost. The dx^aw for this competition has xxow been arranged and it is to be noted that the grouping system has again been adhered to, games to be decided not later than December 13. The winners then have the right to challenge the holder of the cup, the Nelson Association. The dx-aw is as follows: Poverty Bay v. Waipu; Taranaki v. South Auckland; Bay of Plenty v. South Hawke's Bay; Hawke's Bay v. Waix*arapa; Rangitikei v. Wanganui; Nelson v. Maxdborough; West Coast v. Buller; S'outhland v. North Otago; Soxxth Canterbury v. Ashburton. Although Bay of Plenty is drawn against South Hawke's Bay it seems possible that owing to expense and travelling time the match will not be played. Two years ago Hawke's Bay defaulted to Bay of Plenty to give that associatioxx an opportunity of 'challenging South Auckland (the then holders) and it would not be surpris-. ing to the writer if Bay of Plenty adopted a similar conrse this year.