PRESENTATION OF SHIELD

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29153, 14 March 1960, Page 12

PRESENTATION OF SHIELD

“Canterbury Home Of Cricket”

The formal presentation of thei Plunket Shield to the winning Canterbury side for the 1959-60 season was made on Saturday evening by Mr E. D. Blundell, president of the New Zealand Cricket Council, at a function at Lancaster Park. Mr Blundell said that he made this presentation “on behalf of all cricketers throughout New Zealand.” He referred to Canterbury as being the true home of cricket in New Zealand, tracing the history of the game in the province from Its earliest davs. when Canterbury’s parkland areas eave advantages which in those times were denied to other parts of New Zealand “No province in New Zealand can nearly approach the service which has been done for cricket by these men in Canterbury.” said Mr Blundell, speaking about Canterbury’s administrators. “I know that I am speaking on behalf of all cricketers in New Zealand when I acknowledge what cricket in New Zealand owes to the administrators in Christchurch.” Canterbury, the first holder of the Plunket Shield in the 1906-7 season, has contributed more than its share of New Zealand’s best cricketers, said Mr Blundell. "If Canterbury cricket Is alright, things are likely to be alright with national cricket,” he said "We can look back for many years and find it difficult to re°al' when a Plunket Shield series has been as interesting and as enjoyable as this one. I don’t think there is a cricketer in New • Zealand who does not think that the Plunket Shield this year has . gone to the right team.” said Mr ; Blundell. On behalf of the winning Canterbury team the captain, M. E. Chapple, said that the success of the side was due to the ability of the Canterbury batsmen to take risks and secure the initiative. He thanked the players for the support they had given him.