CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 December 1919, Page 7

CRICKET.

DELEGATES' MEETING, Mr. E. Whittle, president of the North Taranakl "Cricket Association, presided at a meeting of delegates held last evening. The chief business for consideration was two protests received from the Wairekn and Inglewood Clubs regarding matches -won by the New Plymouth Club In Thursday games. The chairman said he regretted the protests hfid been made. The Association had great difficulty in getting a start, and had not kept strictly to the Tuies, 08-they did not know, whether there would be one or two teams only ; available, and did not expect two divisions. Players should display a mora sporting spirit. He read the rules under which the protests had been laid. Mr. Qullliam (Old Boys), moved that the protest by Waireka and Inglewood be not sustained. They had two distinct championships, and It was a small thing to quibble over the word "competition" being used instead of "championship." New Plymouth had entered three teams, two for Saturday, and one for Thursday. It had been the custom for many years to allow memberß to play tn both games, »£d he did not tee how thty could obaict to

any players taking part in separate games. A relaxation of the rule inflicted no hardship, but to some It was evidently a hardship to lose.

Mr, Darlow (Inglerpood) stated he understood they were playing under certain rules, and their protest was made under these rules. Ue held that there was only one championship, although two competitions, and the protests should be sustained. l' Mr. G. H. Saunders (New Plymouth), said ! JUr, Darlow was confusing the question. The Robertson trophy waa going to th© ViiunoT of the two competitions. Mr. QuUltam said that Mr. Darlow's reading of the rules that there was no competl.'on, if not sticking strictly to the rules was absurd. Mr. Darlow admitted he was not present at the annual meeting. His club woto quite prepared to take a beating. When they met In the first round and heat New Plymouth they thought that club was the town team. In subsequent games the New Plymouth eleven was continually changed, and they were playing better men from the Saturday team. He knew that several members of tho New Plymouth Club strongly Mr. Stainton: leave that club alone. Mr. Darlow: Well, it was impressed upon us by others that the town club were ansljiti to win, and dropped players to win Hie cur. As far as he could see the New Plymouth team was the only eleven anxious to get the cup—"pot-hunting." Mr. Willis (New Plymouth) objected. His club were not out for pot-hunting. The chairman also did not like the statement. It reflected upon the Selection Committee. He had been picked but could not go to Inglewood, and was not dropped to make room for other players. Mr. Willis stated as a matter of fact the team that defeated Inglewood was not as strong as usual, but the luck of cricket waa With them. They had done their best :o help matters, Inglewood Club had done nothing to help cricket in North Taranaki. Because they were "licked" they sent. aiong & protest and practically accused them of "pot hunting." The chairman objected to the vein which the discussion followed. Mr. Berg' (New Plymouth) stated the Selection Committee had neglected its duty. It was the work of one member. Half of the I club were against the treatment. He knew ' of certain players who had assisted in Thursday's games who would not play again in that competition. He would not vote against his club, but he thought they had acted very unfairly and unjustly. Mr. Stainton said tho protest did not mention Rny names. Heskett played in the first gaime against Inglewood, and others had since played, and the question had not been raised and protests were not made until games were lost. Mr. Darlow:-We protested befoTe the game had started. Mr. Stainton said they were doing their best, but this hostile display was going td kill cricket. Tho chairman said that at the annual meet(ng a committee wa? set up to amend the rules, but unfortunately they had not. met. He suggested that the WaJreka and Inglewood Clubs should withdraw their protests, and the Association would meet them and amend the rules.

Mr. Stainton said It was only pin-pricking. Had they liked, the New Plymouth Club could havo protested against Inglewood playing a certain man. Mr. Darlow: Not at all, The player was a member of the club and had been for some rears. Mr. Saunders said it looked as If tho Robert* eon trophy was going to bo tin- curse of cricket. Re • mentioned how the club had sent nut a etrong eleven, believing Inglewood would appreciate good gaunes nt'ter tho weak displays against them by Waireka and Albion. ! Roper (Albion) obejeted to Mr. Saunders' ; statement. His club waa weak, but they could take their beatings with a smile. They were out for cricket. Mr. Vaile (Albion): New Plymouth can import Noble and Bardsley from Australia if they like. The better they are up against the the better for the elub. (Laughter). Mr. Qullllam said the protest had developed mainly through discontent amongst members of the New Plymouth Club. There would be no objectors to Thursday and Saturday playing, and he hoped to participate In both games. After further discussion, the vote that the protest be not sustained was carried, eleven voting for, and six against. Tho A. and B Thursday game will be plaved and decided to-day, but in deference to 'the wishes of the Old Boys and Freezing Works teams the Saturday A and B game is postponed a week, and the Old Bo.vs-Freezing works game is to be played on Saturday. Junior fixtures are to he also plaved 011 Saturday as announced. Messrs. Whittle, Stainton, Osborne, and Saunders wero appointed a committee to complete arrangements for the game against tlie 'Nomads" at the end of the month, Mr. Stainton resigned tho st :retaryshlp, but after a good deal of persuasion agreed to continue.