TOUR BY’ COLTS PROPOSED

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28013, 6 July 1956, Page 12

TOUR BY’ COLTS PROPOSED

THREE MATCHES TO BE PLAYED

EXPERIENCED PLAYER TO BE CAPTAIN-COACH

The principle of a three-game colts tour for Canterbury cricketers over the Christmas-New Year period was approved by the management committee of the Canterbury Cricket Association at its meeting last evening. There should be a recognised tour each vear on a similar basis to that undertaken by Auckland colts several years ago. said Mr J. C. Saunders, when submitting the proposals. The tour, which should take place between December 27 and January 10, would be mainly for players between the ages of 17 and 23. and would exclude Plunket Shield and Brabin Shield players, who would be occupied with other games at this time. So that all players would get the full benefit from the tour, only 11 should be taken. Mr Saunders said. Others would be an embarrassment, and it should be possible to obtain replacements during the holiday period if this were necessary. Promising country players could be included in the team, which should also include one or two experienced players of the calibre of F. Dennis, I. B. Cromb. and W. A. Hadlee to act as captain-coach. These men would be able to educate and coach the players, and the benefit would be greater than one or two isolated games here anti there. Twenty-five players should be selected about six weeks before Christmas, Mr Saunders said. This would give an indication who would be required, and give them an opportunity to make arrangements for the tour. It was proposed to limit the tour to the South Island this season. Private cars would be used for travelling, with the association paying the expenses. As many players as possible would be billeted and the remaining cost of accommodation would be shared by all members of the team.

Proposed Itinerary Matches at Blenheim. Nelson, and Greymouth were suggested by Mr Saunders for this year’s tour. An alternative itinerary provided for matches at Geraldine or Timaru, Oamaru, and Dunedin or Central Otago. If this first tour were successful, then a North Island tour, with matches at Hutt Valley, Palmerston North, and Wellington, could be considered.

There would be greater benefit for the money spent on this scheme than the present one. said Mr Saunders.

It was decided to approach the associations concerned, asking them if they could fit the matches in. The Canterbury minor and sub-associations will be advised of the arrangements.

The final entry in the competitions was 90 teams, compared with 92 last year, said Mr W. E. Mappiebeck, presenting the competitions report. The season started with 89 teams. Christchurch Boys' High School and Christ’s College entered extra teams in the fourth grade B during the season, and Sydenham Withdrew from the third grade B. One-day Matches One-day cricket was recommended for the third grade B next season, said Mr Mappiebeck. An analysis of the competitions showed that 40 games were piayed in the third grade A and 26 were 10 point wins. In the third grade B 38 games were played and 27 were 10 point wins. Not only were they outright wins, but many of the games finished as early as 2.30 p.m. on the second day. In both grades competition was dominated bv two or three teams. Players were getting only two-thirds of their playing time in a season. It was better to have oneday matches, with less lost playing time. "That the question of a 10 a.m. start on the third day of Plunket Shield fixtures be considered,” a remit from the Wellington Association, to be considered at the meeting of the New Zealand council next Thursday, was left to the discretion of the delegates. The question of establishing cricket pitches at the new Burnside road park was referred to the grounds committee. The area was developing rapidly, and some club might wish to spread its activity or perhaps a new club could be sponsored in the area, speakers said. It was decided to hold the annual meeting of the association on September 18.