Restrictive rules

Press, 4 January 1978, Page 19

Restrictive rules

The splendid innings of 174 by Dave Dempsey for Lancaster Park against East Christchurch-Shirley in the most recent round pf the Canterbury first grade cricket competition again highlighted glaring deficiencies in the present performance points system. Lancaster Park declared its innings closed at the completion of the twentyfifth over, the earliest point that it could do so under the rules. There was time only for two overs to be bowled against a batting line-up which must have been somewhat bowed after its second thrashing in the field in as many weeks — before stumps on the first day The restriction imposed by the law inhibits aggressive captaincy: any rule which legislates in such a manner has obvious drawbacks. At present, a side must bat for 25 overs AND score at least 125 runs. The s o-c ailed “performance points” can h ea v i 1 y penalise a particularly good performance. In a recent lower grade match at Sydenham Park a team was quickly dismissed for 60 runs. But the second side had to bat until stumps because the twenty-fifth over was the

last of the day A declaration would have cost the better team five and a half points, yet the situation demanded a declaraion in pursuit of quick wickets. The major aim of the rules is to prevent teams gaining points for poor efforts. This could be overcome by changing the minimum number of overs, by amending the law to reach . score 125 runs OR bat for 30 or 35 overs."