Pollard’s Exclusion “Indefensible”

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31781, 11 September 1968, Page 19

Pollard’s Exclusion “Indefensible”

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. The exclusion of the New Zealand vicecaptain, V. Pollard, from the Saturday session of the national cricket coaching school in Christchurch last week-end was criticised last evening by the chairman of the Wellington Cricket Association.

Mr R. A. Vance said the decision to exclude Pollard because he could not play on Sundays was “indefensible.” Pollard is one of three New Zealand cricketers who do not play on Sundays. The others are B. W. Yuile (Central Districts) and B. A. G. Murray (Wellington). Yuile and Murray did not go to Christchurch after it was decided only players available for both days should attend. Pollard, however, lives in Christchurch and was reported available for the Saturday coaching. He did attend the Saturday evening meeting of players. “If the report is correct, the decision was made without the authority of the governing body of New Zealand cricket; the board of control,” Mr Vance said.

“To my mind, the decision was ludicrous and indefensible. Pollard has made his own stand on Sunday play and is respected for it. His attitude has been condoned by the board in the past.

“As a member of the board I would dissociate myself from a decision such as that evidently taken at Christchurch last week-end. I do not believe that New Zealand’s vice-captain, living in Christchurch and available to practice on Saturday, should have been treated in this manner.”