Cricketing sage still keen on senior play

Press, 26 November 1980, Page 16

Cricketing sage still keen on senior play

By

R. T. BRITTENDEN

When Bevan Congdon led Lancaster Park from the field after his side had beaten Sydenham on Saturday, he closed another chapter in a long and busy cricket story. The wiry veteran, now 42. has played ■ with the greatest of distinction for New Zealand, and he has represented four of the major associations. Wherever he has been, he has contributed lavishly to the game, and it is to be hoped that his hard-head-ed and practical approach, his deep knowledge and experience, his ability to assess players and situations will continue to assist New Zealand cricket. Now he is off to Auckland, and there is no doubt he will be keenly sought there. For he is not only a very proficient player still: he has a lot to give and he has been generous with his time.

Congdon’s tremendous record in New Zealand cricket makes him a living legend. Tn the twilight of his career, at club level, he remains a major figure.

He has had part of seven seasons in Christchurch, playing for Lancaster Park. His club career here was interrupted by representative and business commitments, and he appeared in only 29 senior games. But he totalled 1470 runs at at an average of 44.5, and took 75 wickets at 15.8. As lithe and lean, as accurate as ever, his 57 overs this season have cost only 77 runs and have brought him six wickets. He has made 118 runs and has been out only twice. Congdon has thoroughly enjoyed his cricket'; in Christchurch, and is most appreciative of the condi-. tions in which he has played. He does have some reservations about the ability of club players to use their talents at a higher level. “Of all the areas in which I have played, the standard of club cricket in Christchurch is the highest,” he said. “Competition is particularly keen, but somehow the keenness is not carried through. There

is not the same determination in Canterbury’s firstclass cricket. The players seem to feel that once they have made the representative team, they have achieved their goals — rather than working to justify their selection. “Only two or three years ago, the Canterbury team looked very stable and it was difficult for youngsters to get into it. The last two seasons, however, have given every

player a full opportunity to get in. They have not taken advantage of it, and once there, they have not justified selection. “One innings a season is not what representative cricket is based on,” Congdon said .“Teams .need consistent’ performances .and that builds the confidence to play better. The individual's not being told he is out of form.” . Administration was very strong, and Canterbury cricket was in good heart, said Congdon. That was a reflection of the association’s coaching employment policy. The use of overseas coaches was also good, provided the players were young and prepared to contribute to the game. “The pitches here are like pitches anywhere, but in general conditions and facilities'- are excellent,” Congdon 'said. “An outstanding feature is the .development of club facilities and club spirit. Virtually all the clubs have made tremendous efforts to provide the facilities to attract members and EastShirley has done an outstanding job. In many ways, -this club is most encouraging and it will be a force before Ibng. “I have been amazed at the tremendous contribution from administrators and non-playing members of Lancaster Park. This is a strong club, and that in

part is to the credit of the administrators. Brian Eathorne and Alan Ford, in particular, have been outstanding, and their efforts are matched in other clubs.” Congdon has not yet decided where he will play in Auckland, but he intends to continue in senior play. "Each year it gets a bit harder to find the time, but I feel that I would have liked to have had my

recent form when I was playing more seriously. It gets easier, if anything.” Congdon said he was amazed at the talent in Canterbury at present. “Rod Latham has outstanding potential. But unless young players realise they are playing for a team, some of the talent will be wasted,” he said. “They try to do too much too quickly when batting, instead of building up a total. If all the cricketers in Canterbury’ who

thought they’ had a chance of representative selection had to have an average of 35 or better before the team was picked, they would be well out. “How do they expect to play’ a higher standard of cricket? They have to learn to bat on good or bad pitches. The tendency is to blame pitches too much. It is technique which brings runs.” Congdon must have been delighted with EastShirley's win on Saturday’. He is a quiet worker, usually behind the scenes. A day or two before the match began, he went to Burwood Park at the request of the East-Shirley Club, and spoke to the senior team and others. It was not a lecture on straight bats and so forth, but one on attitudes, and application. The East players were highly impressed. On Saturday, after Park's match was over, he was in the middle of the field talking to Ashley Hart, one of the candidates for the wicket-keep-ing position in the Canterbury team. This was typical of Congdon’s intense interest in the game, his willingness to share his knowledge, when asked. It is an asset which must not be wasted.