AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 245, 16 October 1929, Page 15

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION.

EIGHT SENIOR TEAMS. PLUNKET. SHIELD DATES. WEXSLEY TO PLAY-FOR PARXELL. GAMES OX LABOUR DAY. Club cricket in Auckland for the 192930 season will begin on Saturday nest, •when the first round of senior matches will be started. This decision -was arrived at at last evening's meeting of the Auckland Cricket Association's management committee. Application for the services of the association's coach, A. H. Wenslev, the English coach, was made by the University, Parnell and * United Suburbs Clubs. On a vote being taken, it was decided to allot the coach to Parnell. When the question of the opening of the season came up, Mr. E. E. Xalder reported that Xo. 2 and Xo. 3 "wickets at Eden Park -were in good A Wensley. order and ready for play on Saturday. Mr. X. C. Snedden said Xo. 1 wicket at "V ictoria Park was fit for play, although the outfield was verv bad. Mr. R. Dow said no matches could be played at the Domain until the first week in Xovember. Mr. G. Jackson reported that the Xorth Shore wicket was ready for play. It was then decided to commence the senior competition on Saturday next, and the draw was made out as follows: —University v. Eden, Eden Park Xo. 2; Parnell v. Ponsonby, Eden Park Xo. 3; Grafton v. Xorth Shore, Xorth Shore; United Suburbs v. Y.M.C.A., Victoria Park. The meeting decided to play a full round of matches on Labour Day. Mr. E. C. Beale suggested that, instead of the senior rounds, a match should be plaj ed between the Auckland representatives and the Auckland touring team in aid of the coach fund. It was pointed out, however, that there would be a shortage of playing Saturdays. When put to the vote it was decided, on the casting vote of the chairman, to play a round of senior games. The. committee decided to extend the vatries for the second grade downwards for another week. There was considerable discussion on the number of teams to be accepted tor the senior competition. Xine entries were received, but it was finally decided to limit the entry to eight teams, Eden Club's application for the entry ol a second senior eleven being rejected. The .statement that bis club contained plavers who had represented Auckland was made by Mr. P. Shaw (Eden). Seven of these players had at least a further ten years 1 cricket ahead of them. It was obvious, therefore, that could not get into tie senior team, ihe club considered the only solution was to enter two senior teams, which as iar as possible would be of equal strength. Mr. E. 0. Beale agreed with Mr. A". O. Snedden that the standard of cricket was the chief consideration, but claimed that it was inevitable that, as the re^ u _" of the association having a first-clash coach for three years on end, more players-should be. working their way. to

the top. He did not think anything should be done to limit any club." It" might be worth trying a divided senior competition for a season, with six teams in one division and four in another. The successful, team of could then challenge the lowest pf -ihe six for right of entry in the, following season. A letter from the North Shore Club stated that it had won the senior B division for three years in succession, and claimed that if there was any vacancy in the senior grade it should have a prior right to promotion. The delegate of this club, Mr. G. Jackson, said that his club was of the opinion that the standard of play had not improved by increasing the number of senior teams from six .to eight, and there would be less improvement if the number were still further [ increased. It was finally decided, on the motion of Mr. W. J. Smeeton, who claimed that the time to increase the number of senior teams had not yet arrived, that the number be the same as last year. The meeting decided that play during the summer should stop at 6.30 p.m., and ! that there be an interval of a quarter of 1 an hour for'afternoon tea. It was agreed to retain the eight-ball over for club matches. A letter from the Otago Association suggested December 24, 25, 26 and 27 as the dates for its Plunket Shield match against Auckland at Auckland, and these were accepted. It was resolved to suggest to Canterbury that the match between Canterbury and Auckland, at Auckland, should commence on January 2 instead of January 3, as this would enable any players selected for the first Test match against the Englishmen to arrive in Christchurch two days before the Test, instead of one. It was also de- I cided to suggest February 21, 22, 24 and 25 to the Wellington Association as the dates for the match between Wellington and Auckland, at Wellington.

Application for a match against Auckland at Gisborne at Christmas was made by the Poverty Bay Association. It was resolved to reply that a match at that period could not be arranged, on account of the Plunket Shield matches, but the matter -would be kept in view.

C. H. FRANKHAM CLUB.

At a well attended meeting the C. H. Frankham Cricket Ci-b was thoroughly reorganised and established on a soand basis, having a financial membership of 20 players. The following officers ■were eleeted : President, Mr. C. H. Frankham: club captain, Mr. E. Parkinson: vice-captain, Mr. F. Adcroft: committee. Messrs. J. Hall, R. and E. Xewth; hon. secretary and treasurer. Mr. F. G. Mac Sherry. The kit is being amply replenished, and having arranged a ground for the season, the clnb hopes to have a successful time in competition with other house teams in Auckland. The club is now ready to accept challenges, and matches can be arranged •with the secretary, at No. 6, Whitworth Road. Mount Eden, or at C. H. Frankham's, Newmarket.