CRICKET

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21577, 13 September 1935, Page 17

CRICKET

STANDARD OP PLAY

RECORDS OF CLUB AND SHIELD GAMES

LEVEL MAINTAINED FOR MANY YEARS

Research Into cricket statistics over a number of years has shown Jtiat In club cricket at least the standard of play has been maintained at a remarkably even level. This was indicated by Mr W. H. Winsor, the president, at tne meeting of the delegates to the Cricket Association last evening, when he made some interesting comparisons in scores over a long period. It had oiten been said that modern cricket was not up to the standard of cricket in the "old days," Mr Winsor said. Recently he had had the occasion to delve into past cricket records and .had found some figures which ahowed comparisons to be made on the point. He had discovered that during the period 1005-1919, 102 scores of 300 runs or mere had been made by firstgrade clubs, in Canterbury, 22 scores oi 400 or more had been made and six of 500 or more. During the years 1920-1935 the corresponding figures were: 163 scores of 300 or more, 29 of 400 or more, and only five of 500 or more. Piunket Shield figures also showed an interesting comparison. Between tha years 190/-1923 in Plunket Shield games, 32 centuries had been hit up, but between the next period, 1924-1935, an additional 90 centuries had been made in Ehield games.

Making allowances tor wnat the "oid timers" might say about the standard of bowling not being as good as before the war, those figures were outstanding, Mr Winsor said. Taking the series of matches year by year, it was amazing to find that five at least of the six major clubs—he wouid have to leave East Christchurch out because East Christchurch had been a bit weakyear by year had been very regular in their performances. That showed conclusively that cricket was maintaining its standard very evenly.

THE CANTERBURY ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF DELEGATES

The annual general meeting of delegates to the Canterbury Cricket Association was held last evening, Mr W. H. Winsor presiding. Both Mr Winsor and Mr W. L. King (a vice-president), speaking about tin annual report, emphasised the high standard of fielding during Plunket Shield games. Mr King asked the clubs to make an early start with the selection of teams, to assist the selectors in picking out promising players. A big season of play was ahead, he said, and an early start with teams would give the selectors a great deal of help. The' honorary treasurer, Mr C. S, Thompson, reviewed the financial statement in tha report. Officers Elcct-ed The following officers were elected: —President Mr W. H. Winsor; vicepresidents, Messrs W. L. K ; ng and C. S. Thompson; management committee. Messrs C. H. Ayling, S. G. Lester, S. L. Wright, R. C. Burns, J. L. Kerr, R. H. North, and I, B. Crcmb; honorary treasurer, Mr C. S. Thompson; honorary secretary, Mr E. E. LuttrelU delegates to Now Zealand Cricket Council, Messrs E. R. Caygill and W. L. Kin'?; honorary auditors, Messrs T. New burgh and A, E. Byrne; honorary assistant-secretary, Mr M. C. Ward. It was decided to recommend the ccmmitlee to consider increasing the points awarded for an outright win,

ST. ALBANS (SUBURBAN) CLUB

The thirty-second annual meeting of the St. Albans Surburban Cricket Club was held in the club rooms, Winton street, with the president, Mr J. W. H. Francis, presiding. The report stat;rt that the season had brought many enjoyable games, the club having a fair success. A good performance was recorded by L. Parteous, of the B team, who, in 22 Innings, scored an aggregate of 711 runs, 522 being from boundary hits, including 31 sixes. He also scored* three centures, and secured Mr Gordon's trophy for (he most outstanding performance. Other trophies won were:— L. Parnell, best bowling average'ln C team (Mr Wogan's prize); and G, Al< gie (Mrs Winter's prize), for the best wicket average by a wicket-keeper. The financial statement showed receipts as £43 4s 4d and expenditure as £23 19s 3d. leaving a credit of £l6 5s Id. Assets were £36 5s Id and liabilities £1 Os Bd. Officers, elected were:—Patron, Mr B, Brownrigg; president, Mr J. W. H. Francis; vice-presiden'.s, Mrs E. A. Winter, Messrs R. Cockayne, B. K. Caygill, W. Wogon, L. A. Gordon, A. Kiddey, R. Rundle, J. G. Greenwood, W. H. Day, C. Spicer, G. T. Hillsdon. and A. C. Wilson; secretary, Mr C. J. M. Winter; treasurer, Mr E. H. C. Ridder; delegates, Messrs W. Bestman and C. Clark; executive, Messrs G. Kett, G. Peeler, T, Witte and the delegates, with power to add; cluß captain, Mr W. Bestman; selectors, teams' caotains and secretary; grounds committee, Messrs Bestmn.n, Kett. and Fegler. A motion of sympathy in h's illnesx was passed with Mr G. H. Watson, an old officer of the club.