CRICKET.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 26, 31 January 1934, Page 14

CRICKET.

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION

VISIT OF AUSTRALIANS

EDEN PARK DATES NOT SUITABLE. At last night's meeting of the Auckland Cricket Association, presided over by Mr. E. E. Nalder, a draft itinerary was received for the visit of the Australian team this season. The dates allotted to Auckland are March 23, 24 and 26.

In view of the Australian athletes appearing in Auckland on March 24, the feeling of the executive was that a match with the touring cricketers could not be played on that date, in view of the £325 guarantee involved. It was suggested that the Australians could come direct from Christchurch to Auckland, instead of via Wellington and Hawke's Bay, leaving the latter districts to get their games later, the tour to be wound up at the Basin Reserve with the second Test, enabling departure for Sydney to be made front Wellington instead of Auckland.

A sub-committee, comprising Messrs. E. E. Nalder, N. C. Sneddon and N. H. E. Hockin, was appointed to negotiate with the New Zealand Council for an alteration in the dates at present set down for the Eden Park match with the Australians.

Three clubs, Eden, Grafton and Parnell, wrote protesting against the association's policy in confining senior games to one day where wet weather prevents cricket from being played on the opening day. All these clubs desired that such fixtures be made three-day matches, thereby allowing two days to complete the series, as was done on December 9 and 10, when December 2 had been lost through rain. After considerable discussion it was decided to leave the matter over until the next annual general meeting of the association.

Mr. E. E. Luttrell, secretary of the Canterbury Cricket Association and manager of the Plunket Shield team for its North Island engagements, wrote expressing appreciation of the fine hospitality experienced by the Canterburians during their stay in Auckland for the jubilee match on January 6, 8, 9 and 10. Special mention was made of the cordial spirit which had existed during this particular match.

The Thames Association conveyed its congratulations to the committee on the Auckland representative side winning the Plunket Shield. It was resolved to place on record appreciation of the country committee's work in connection with arranging for club teams to visit country centres on Anniversary Day. The committee (Messrs. L. B. Schnauer, convener, H. Duncan, F. Byerley and E. J. Price) considered that tlie innovation had proved highly successful.

The Umpires' Association drew attention to the nuisance of boys riding on bicycles around the playing arena, thereby obstructing the view of batsmen, and causing stoppages to the game. It was recognised that such a practice must stop, and the umpires are to be notified that steps will be taken accordingly. Application for affiliation irom the West Coast Rodney Association was granted. Its neanquarters are at Kaukapakapa. Tho University Club notified the withdrawal of its third grade team from the competition.

LOWER GKADE MATCHES. Arrangements made by the Auckland Cricket Association for Saturday next.— 'i hi I'd tirade A. —Milne and Choyce v. Ba.uioral, Walker Park; King's Old Boys v. W.1'.iU.1., King's College; Puriiell v. Birkdale, Birkdaiu; Poiisouuy v. X.M.C.A., \\ alker Purk; Grey Lynn v. Brogeuu, Walker Park ; Tamakl, a bye. Third Grade B.—Bridguu s v. Graftou, Walker Park; Eden v. Windmill, Outer Domain No. 2; Nestle's v. Morthfiote, Noithcote; Point Chevalier and Power Hoard, byes. Fourth Grade.—Comrades v. Balmoral, Walker Park; Point Chevalier v. Stanley Bay, Stanley Buy; St. Stephen's V. y.iI.C.A., Victoria Park; Papiuuctoe, u Owing to the Domain being engaged for the amateur athletic spoils, the louowing second grade games have been transferred tor the second day's play:—Baiinoral V. Parnell, Irom Domain No. 4 to Victoria I'ui-K; Wellesley v. University, from Domain No. 10 to Walker Purk.