TRIBUTE TO SILK

Press, Volume C, Issue 29466, 18 March 1961, Page 5

TRIBUTE TO SILK

The success of a cricket tour depends on many factors. but none more than the personality of the touring captain. The M.C.C. team which has just left New Zealand had many difficulties to overcome—injuries, the problems of billeting, the many minor matches, long hours of travelling, endless introductions and farewells, and in at least one instance a crosscountry journey which demanded much in physical and mental endurance. Notwithstanding the many rain-affected games, the tour budget was left very nearly square. That was because the M.C.C. team nearly always managed to implement its policy of playing attractive cricket. More than that. , the players were always pleasant and approachable; , there was none more pleas- . ant and approachable than , the captain. Dennis Silk.

It was a pity that injuries i deprived Silk of the chance • of making his full quota of " runs. He showed in the Governor-General’s match - at Auckland that he is a f strong and handsome driver, i and he also batted particu- > larly well at Wanganui Off the field. Silk had no s handicaps to overcome. An i extremely entertaining and ' witty speaker, he made some • quite memorable speeches during the tour. A man of gentle nature, he immediately won the respect and affection of all those with whom he came in contact ■ He was devoted to his team. ■ and to the betterment of cricket. He could not have ‘ had more able allies than the manager. Mr J. H. Phil- • lipps. or the vice-captain, W > Watson: but in an age of many touring captains being austere, remote, and downright rude. Silk was always beyond reproach, kind and J friendly in everything he did. One can only suggest • that the boys of Marlborough College, where he is a [, housemaster, are lucky to have him.