End of an era

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32880, 1 April 1972, Page 11

End of an era

An era of more than 40 years in Waimafe sport closed recently with the decision of the Waimate District Cricket Sub-association to abandon its onegrade competition in favour of joining. the South Canterbury grades. It is hoped to field at least two teams in the South Canterbury competition, including a senior combination. One, of the Waimate clubs, Glenavy, will, however, apply to join the North Otago competition— Glenavy being only several miles from Oamaru. Six teams entered this season in the Waimate district competition, instead of eight as in recent years. Again there were an uncomfortable number of matches defaulted, which pointed to a declining cricket interest in the district. This was probably the straw Which broke the camel’s back, for. on several occasions since 1956, the sub-association has considered curtailing its own competition. Strangleholds arising in the Waimate contest during the last decade because of the dominance of first Morven, and then Northern, has been another source of discontent. Playing conditions at Knottingly Park, Waimate, will haveto be upgraded, while the sub-association will need to be wound up and a new local club formed. With the pooling of equipment and moveable facilities from the existing clubs, it is thought that a well set-up new club can be established. The sub-association was formed in the late 19205, Mr D. R. Keyes, a versatile sportsman not long arrived from Dunedin, being the first president. It was affiliated to the South Canterbury association, apart from 1936-52, when it went over to North Otago. The reasons for the -temporary change of allegiance remain obscure and were not recorded in the minute book.