CRICKET

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26511, 28 August 1951, Page 4

CRICKET

PLUNKET SHIELD FIXTURES CHANGE IN DATES PROPOSED

A decision to hold further discussions with the Wellington Cricket Association about the dates for Plunket Shield matches in the coming season was made at a meeting of the management committee of the Canterbury Cricket Association last evening. A programme for these matches, drawn up at the half-yearly meeting of the New Zealand Cricket Council, was criticised recently by the Canterbury committee because no Christmas match had been allotted to Christchurch, and subsequently a revised programme, under which it was proposed that Canterbury should play Wellington at Lancaster Park over Christmas, was sent to the other major associations for approval. Letters were received in reply at the meeting last evening. The Wellington Association advised that the amended dates were unacceptable, as the committee had accepted the itinerary agreed on, subject to Wellington’s match with Central Districts being played at the Basin Reserve instead of Nelson. Auckland and Central Districts both said that the amended dates would have been acceptable to their associations. The Otago Association asked that because of the views of the other three associations, the itinerary given tentative approval at the halfyearly meeting be adopted. Members agreed that If Wellington could be persuaded, the other associations would accept the amended dates, and expressed the opinion that as Christmas games at Lancaster Park were the most profitable, it would be a pity if no match at the park could be arranged. Levy Proposed ~A proposal to raise a levy on clubs, on the basis of playing strength, for the purpose of taking out an endowment policy for the Canterbury Cricket Association's centennial fund will be placed before the annual meeting of the association. The centennial will be celebrated in 1966. It was decided to advise clubs by circular of the proposal. Brabln Shield Matches It is proposed to hold the Brabln Shield tournament at Auckland next season. The Auckland •Association advised that the suggested fixtures were:—December 29 to January 4. tournament; January 5 and 7, New Zealand Brabin Cup XI v. Auckland colts, New Zealand Brabin Cup second XI V., Auckland City and Suburban Association.

It was decided to accept the arrangements, subject to the billeting being arranged by Auckland.