Bay Of Plenty Selector Called On For An Explanation

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 14930, 18 March 1949, Page 5

Bay Of Plenty Selector Called On For An Explanation

Candid Comment

“SCOUTING FOR TALENT” IN TAURANGA TERRITORY (By “Square-Leg”) Judging from the nattering that is going on around the place, a tropical cyclone is brewing up and due to burst at any moment. Chief cause of the trouble being what was commonly known, in the bootlegging days of Chicago, as marching in on some body else’s territory. In America the culprit, usually developed acute lead poisoning. Being a bit more civilised in New Zealand we have a good argument instead. Over the week-end Pat Moloney was "pawing the turf and looking for a piece of someone. He did not appear to be too particular who it was. Apparently just before the Hawke Cup game Bill [McKenzie let it be known in Te Bake that he was on a talent hunt —a fast bowler being the object in view.

Instead of approaching the proper Quarters he preferred to go his own sweet way. If this is so, and Bert Baddely the Bay selector finds it necessary to delegate his powers, then some explanation seems to be called for. What qualifications the Whakatane man has are not apparent to those who know him in this part of the world. He may, of course, be getting his eye on the sole selector’s job. If the performance of the Bay team is any criterion his efforts at talent scouting ( don’t appear to have been too successful. There is a growing suspicion in this part cf the world that United—the one team Whakatane sub-asso-ciation has —has been wielding far too much influence in Bay cricket affairs. Their ability is far more apparent than real. Headquarters are in Rotorua; Baddely the sole selector. That should be sufficient for the time being. The number of Rotorua players in the Bay team has been the cause of some comment. The main reason, of course, for this being—first, lack of interest on the part of some players, and unwillingness on the part of others to make the monetary sacrifice. Many just can’t afford the trip. It should be possible to arrange for some of these fixtures to be held in Tauranga. I am sure the College authorities would co-operate and make Nicholson Field available. If the suggestion were given seriouis consideration many of the local players would be available for selection. Without wishing to appear parochial I think their inclusion would strengthen the Bay side.

Seek a Quiet Place In view of the dirty looks and sometimes downright abuse local umpires have to put up with at times the following remarks by Joe Hardstaff should be read and digested well by cricketers. To all young players, even older ones,'and to myself, I offer this advice. If, sometimes, you get a decision that annoys you. go to some quiet place alone and if you feel like K, cuss your head off, then forget it. In nine cases out of ten an umpire is doing that job because of his affection for the game. It is his way of keeping an active part—when he cannot play any longer—in this game that has a hold, a fascination over one, that never breaks. After 20-odd years of cri'cket I am perfectly sure that, of all the umpires I have mot and. known, not cne would ever have given a man out un ess, in his own mind, he really thought he was out. In other words, I refuse to entertain the thought that any umpire I have ever known would cheat. Try and make your umpire’s job easier; laugh with him, joke with him —try and understand why he is standi'ng out there in the heat all day long when he might be at the beach with his wife and family. Does he do all this fer personal gain, for the thrill of the acclamations of the crowd, does he do this for the privilege of giving you out, as you thmk wrongly? No, he does not do it for that; he does it because he has a greater affection, a far deeper understanding of the game than any of the players themselves. He is doing a far more difficult and exciting job than any p'ayer ever did. Honour him, respect him, but for goodness sake, don’t treat him as a dangerous necessity. An umpl’re is the backbone of this game of cricket, B could not be played without them. Give them that confidence and sense of trust—by being understanding—that you expect from them. And—“We hope you will not linger when you see the index finger raised against vou, in accordance with the law.” Outstanding- Bowling

The conditions for cricket were far from pleasant on Saturday, light rain falling for a fair portion of the afternoon. Two games were completed, in the third Midland collected by default from the Mount. The boys from over the water apparently did not ccnsi'der it worth their while to put in an appearance, but —which was worse —they did not think it necessary to tell anybody about it. Their club administration needs a little spring-cleaning. Country collected an easy sixpointer at the expense of Te Puke, but were ambitious in chasing the maximum. The idea was alright, but their declaration was left far to late. Under the circumstances it would have been more profitable to give the tail-enders some batting practice. Highlight of the game and of the day for that matter—was the outstanding bowling performance by Kerry Sharplin, who collected nine wickets for 18 runs, eight of them by the direct route. His performance was all the more meritorious owing to the fact that the ball was greasy and difficult to control. None of the batsmen could handle him at all. About the only Te Puke man to look as if he knew what the bat was for was the mercurial Keith Ball. His bat was

swung with abandon, the ball flying to all corners. Those Country infielders were taking a big, and I think unnecessary risk in fielding so dose for this man. If a ball came in their direction from his bat it would be right through them before they could do much about things. George Stapleton developed some temporary animation, but it was of short duration.

Country lost a couple of cheap wickets early and their stocks slumped for a while. However Kerry Sharplin and Bill Grayling stopped the rot and sent the score along. After Sharplin went Grayling sailed into everything. He did not show any favouritism just pasted them all. It was a breezy effort. Noel Hyndman played quite a good knock, some attractive strokes putting i'n an appearance now and then.

I must confess that Webb’s style has me thinking. How a man playing so late can get away with it is a mystery. The bat, however, seems to be there at the last moment —not too good for a bowler with a weak heart.

There was nothing >very hostile about the Te Puke attack. Crowley could have used his slower men much sooner. Sixes are hard to hit on Nicholson Field, and when a chap is sailing in and well set, it is usually wise to spread the field and await developments. It is surprising at times how effective that can be. Some High Scoring

There was some high scoring in the Albion-College game and some good cricket was in evidence. The weakness of the Albion attack without Ray Simister was very noticeable and although the students were set a formidable task they had no difficulty in collecting the runs with only the loss of four wickets. Albion lost a couple of cheap wickets. Indeed I don’t think.it was even necessary for the scorer to deface the book. However Rupe Simmonds and Vic Palmer took a hand and they were associated in a very good partnership. The former hit out freely and appeared to be timing well. My blood-pressure rose on several occasions as I watched him hanging the bat out. Palmer was not too happy in the initial stages, but afterwards he batted very well and stroked freely. I have seen Don Mackay bat much better. He appeared uncertain on several occasiens. The stroke that caused his downfall was out of date fifty years ago. Bob Sharplin had a good spell with the ball in the early stages. He was swinging both wrrs. The attack fell away badlv during the Simmonds-Palmer partnersh College got away to a sound start. Allan Mackie and Pat Keenan had it all on their own. The former gave a very hard chance to Bob Cairns which nearly nut a few fingers cut of action. Keenan v/as untroubled by the attack and when set for the century overdid the wandering in front. It seemed such a pity to spoil a good knock by this fault which can easily be corrected. Bob Sharplin joined in the fun and collected a well-played total. Ron Stacey survived a confident l.b.w. appeal, but after that he simp 1 y clouted the bawling all over the nlace. There is no more powerful hitter in local cricket than Stacey and when he is operating in top gear, it’s a case of scatter to the cactus country. The Tauranga club had no trouble in dealing with City-Albion Rotorua in their anual match on Sunday. Barry Budd was in great form with the ball and collected five wickets for seven runs. Two were cleanbowled in the first over before any runs were on the board. Craig and ’Jones were the only visiting batsmen to impress. For the local team Gordon Sutherland batted extremely well. Bill Ellis after settling down was m a vigorous mood and treated the spectators to some good clean hitting.