D. L. Gallop Started Early With Sydenham

Press, Volume C, Issue 29674, 18 November 1961, Page 9

D. L. Gallop Started Early With Sydenham

'T’HE form shown by the 1 young Sydenham allrounder, D. L. Gallop, reflects much credit on the Sydenham club, which has encouraged him consistently since his early schooldays. Gallop capped his cricketing achievements, which have earned him Canterbury representative honours in the past, with a brilliant knock of 156 last Saturday to put his side in a strong position against Riccarton. Thirteen years ago Gallop, then aged 11, attended Saturday morning coaching classes held by the Sydenham club. These classes, which were conducted by two senior members of the dub, D. C. Wilson and S. M. Cameron, proved extremely popular, and attracted school children from a number of primary schools in the district, and from the Christchurch South Intermediate School. Perhaps an insight into the advancement which Gallop

would eventually make in the cricketing world was given in the season he attended the coaching classes. At the end of the summer he was presented by the Sydenham club with a cricket bat, the prize for the best attendance, most enthusiasm, most improvement throughout the season, and various other assets. Gallop was the only schoolboy with an unbroken attendance at the classes. Since then he has made his way up through the club’s ranks until now he is one of the mainstays of the senior team. The Sydenham club went through a fairly lean period in the senior competition ' a few seasons ago, but in the last season or two has made its way back to a sound combination, and it would seem that the coaching which it

has provided for young play* ; ers is bringing its reward. ; The club owes much to ; Wilson, particularly, who, as ; well as coaching the young ; players, was a reliable open- ! ing bat in the senior side for ! a good many seasons. This : season be is still showing ; good form in the club’s presi- ; dent’s grade.