CRICKET INTERESTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21209, 4 September 1940, Page 10

CRICKET INTERESTS

WAIKATO ASSOCIATION SHORTAGE OF PLAYERS LIKELY The season under review, states the annual report of the Waikato Cricket Association to be presented at the annual meeting on September 26, was affected only to a slight extent, but it seems clear that in the coming season, - and perhaps for longer, there will be a shortage of players, a corresponding lack of finance, with a resultant lowering of the standard of play and the amenities provided for the players. These difficulties, continues the report, will be met by the association optimistically, for the end of the conflict must come and the happy recreation of the people will return, perhaps with a stronger appreciation of the good that can be brought by co-operative effort. During the 1939-40 season Waikato withstood two challenges for the Hawke Cup but lost it to Manawatu in January. One of the most successful features of the season was the provincial tournament, which was staged in Hamilton for the first time. Four teams competed, and there was a week of very fine cricket, the Auckland B team being the ultimate winners in the play off with Waikato. A team which the association entered for Country Week in Auckland acquitted itself well. Other games throughout the season were played with teams from sub-associations, and the Colts’ team and junior grade players likewise took part in representative fixtures. Sub-Associations The report shows that the Piako Association, holder of the Waikato Shield, was called on to play only three challenges. Elimination games were arranged and in the last challenge match the Maniapoto Association won the Shield. Sub-Associa-tion players were kept in view in the selection of representative teams, and when called upon performed impressively. The Umpires’ Association found difficulty in meeting demands for all senior matches, but representative matches were well controlled and those who assisted deserve the thanks of the cricket community. The Waikato Association suffered a small loss on the year’s operations. The report considers that this is partly due to a reduction in the income from ground fees, as there were fewer week-end matches, and it seems that the association will have to pursue a policy of greater encouragement to those wishing to play cricket outside of competition games. However, the Association still has a small credit balance apart from a substantial deposit with the Post Office Savings Bank.