PLAYERS LACKING IN DEDICATION

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30857, 16 September 1965, Page 18

PLAYERS LACKING IN DEDICATION

"The problems of young people dedicated to the organisation of sport is typified in our own ranks.” the president of the Canterbury Cricket Association (Mr R. C. Saunders) told the annual general meeting last evening . Presenting his annual report, Mr Saunders said the association was there to provide al! the cricket it could—players were thus expected to make themselves available.

The examples of Labour Day club matches and players choosing to forgo cricket, when they had a choice, were cited by Mr Saunders as a lack of dedication.

“It is up to clubs to do what they can to foster a regard and love for the game,” he said, and suggested clubs provide attractive practice sessions and facilities.

"The team showed it had real fighting qualities,” said Mr

Saunders, when speaking of the success of the Canterbury Plunket Shield team.

Mr Saunders also complimented the sole selector, Mr W. McD. Anderson, and the “good deal of time he spent with the squad.” "I am hopeful Mr Anderson is again available as a selector,” he said.

“The word ‘dedication’ stuck in my mind when Mr Saunders was talking," the chairman of the management committee (Mr A. E. L. Britton) said.

"We are looking for young players with that attribute.

“If each of us can imbue a love of cricket in one youngster —between the ages, say, of 10 and 15—then the success of New Zealand's cricket in the years will be assured.

“If there is dedication present in players and administrators, our cricket cannot fail to be of a high standard,” Mr Britton concluded.