SPONSOR HAS WITHDRAWN Knock-out cricket series in doubt

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32566, 27 March 1971, Page 48

SPONSOR HAS WITHDRAWN Knock-out cricket series in doubt

, “The Press 0 Special Service WELLINGTON. The future of the Australian inter-state knock-out cricket competition, won by New Zealand in its opening year, might be in the balance.

The company which has sponsored the popular competition since it began two years ago, the Vehicle and General Insurance Company (Australia), Ltd, has been forced to withdraw from the insurance business. Its British counterpart collapsed recently.

Most of the reinsurance risks underwritten by the Australian company were placed in good faith with the British company.

However, the British firm is unable to meet its commitments, forcing the Australian company to withdraw. "I have had no contact with Australia, but it appears the knock-out competition will lapse unless another sponsor is found,” the secretary of the New Zealand Cricket Council, Mr R. G. Knowles, said. “It is most unfortunate really; it would be a pity as far as we are concerned if the competition ceased. “I will have to write to the V. and G. company to find out what is the position.” Rare visits Until the competition began New Zealand cricket teams had gone to Australia very rarely. As New Zealand automatically entered the competition at the semi-final stage, it was guaranteed what looked like a regular trip to Australia. New Zealand won the inaugural competition. This season it was beaten narrowly in

L he semi-finals by West Australia. The competition had become an important part of New Zealand cricket. National administrators will be hoping it is again part of the scene next season. Coaching course A wide variety of cricketers, including a New Zealand captain, a member of the national council’s

board of control, a Catholic priest, and a former All Black will attend the fourth national advanced coaches school at Christchurch over

Easter, an Auckland report said. The captain is G. T. Dowling and the board member is Mr B. J. Paterson, of Hamilton, who is in his mid-30s and plays for the Hamilton Star club. „, F ,a* her M - A. Beban, the Wellington off-spinner, and E. S. Diack, the 1959 All Black, are other candidates among the 22 coaches.

Two gradings These coaches, who have all passed the M.C.C. youth certificate examination set by the national coach (Mr M. J. Horton), face a rigorous series of practical and theoretical tests over the three days. Those who pass with very high marks will win a "district” coaching grading, and those with slightly tower marks will qualify as “club” coaches. The last three courses, all held at Rotorua, have produced 25 district and 35 club coaches. Mr Horton will conduct the course, with B. Sutcliffe, the former batsman, and P. A. Sharp, the former Canterbury off-spinner, as assistants. The coaches’ travel and accommodation expenses will be paid by Rothmans. The practical work will be held on April 10 and 11 at Cowles Stadium, and the third day, April 12, will be at the Hagley indoor school. Also included in the school are two brothers, K. J. Parker, of Auckland, and N. M. Parker, of Christchurch, and R. C. Motz, the former New Zealand test bowler.