CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1919, Page 7

CRICKET.

By "Spectator." Those who are anxious to see cricket revived in North Tnranaki have every reason to feci satisfied with the keen interest, that is. already manifested through the district. Indications, point to all the clubs entering the senior and junior competitions possessing strong membership. From the enthusiasm shown at Thursday's meeting of delegates It is very apparent that cricket should bo on the up-grade from now onwards. In the past, for some reason or other, cricket in Taranakl has never reached the standard of other provinces, and whether this may be attributed to the lack of playing grounds and good wickets, to our wet summers, or the half-holiday difficulty is a moot point. Certa(nly, in the past, fielding on some grounds has Been anything but a pleasure—-indeed to some it has proved a danger—but, with a decent pitch and closely cropped outfield, a big improvement may be anticipated In this direction. Regarding the half-holiday difficulty there is more than a possibility that Saturday will become recognised as the day throughout Taranak'i, and this should prove satisfactory to all engaged in outdoor pastimes. Last Saturday was far from Ideal for cricket but I noticed several players having a "strike" at Western Park and Tukapa. The majority of those engaged were lads and young men, several of whom handled the bat In a manner that betokened good scores, with a little coaching. To obtain the services of a coach is beyond the Association's purse at present, but In the meantime the veterans might well attend and assist the young players. Faults In fielding and batting are more easily remedied with the youthful than the matured enthusiast, and faults were very noticeable on Saturday.