SIGNS OF PROMISE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1097, 8 April 1911, Page 13

SIGNS OF PROMISE.

LOCAL CRICKET. OPINION OF J. V. SAUNDERS. Passing through city streets within a mile or so of the Basin Reserve these days, one is liable to encounter John V. Saunders strolling on the sunny side of tho way. 'Although it is only a few months since he signed articles with tho Wellington Cricket Association as groundsman and coach Mr. Saunders has already bccome a familiar figure well known to every follower of the summer game. Sincere regret was felt when, as tho sequel to a lingering indisposition that affected his playing powers through a great part of the season, lie was prostrated by an attack of pleurisy. He spent somo unpleasant weeks and had to undergo a serious operation, but he has now made a good recovery, and, as stated, is up. and about. Presently he will spend a few weeks recuperating in inland mountain air and at the end of that time ho hopes to return rejuvenated to "Wellington and his duties. Are We Good Sccond-Class? A reporter met him yesterday under the conditions stated. Tho rencontre suggested retrospect. The Australian stated that he thought a good deal of Wellington cricket: "Equal to second-grade on the other side?" "Easily. It's better than that." Descending to details he remarked ■that tho rank and file of our local cricketers do not throw themselves into the game as they do on the other side but, even so, their average performances were not to be despised. Tho bowling was ofteh poor, but Wellington owns quite a number of really capable batsmen. A contingent (he added) of whom Tucker might be taken as a representative example were by no means to bo despised. Saunders attaches a great deal more value to the "standard" batsman—tho man who makes runs consistently—than to his more brilliant brother who piles'up big scores now and then, but cannot keep it up. Forward! Play Forward! To the coach tho future looks bright. In batting a numerous tribe of young hopefuls is arising, and its members may bo expected to "do things" soon. The hesitating plodding play of many of our older batsmeu he attributes to tho fact that bumpy wickets have been the rule in Wellington hitherto. As he remarks, it is only natural that batsmen who have. suffered knocks' tend to become cautious about playing forward. In coaching young players, the Australian remarked, ho made a point always of bidding them "go half-way"—i.e., to come forward at the ball—and good results had already appeared. The improvement was of course assisted by an accompanying improvement in wickets.

A Coming Bowler. Of tho younger bowlers who are developing under his tuition Saunders has great hopes. Best of them all he counts Grimmett, the young East A bowler, who has already begun to make his mark in senior cricket. Grimmett, •the coach remarked, has mastered the "boosie" ball. He can break in from the off with a leg-break action. Saunders sums up his good opinion of this bowler by stating that he is not unlikely to earn a representative position next season if ho continues to practise through the winter.. There aro other promising young bowlers who follow,.ou,.Grimmett's.;heels, and, many .of, r :themy- in'-the opinion of the' Australian, aro likely to be of good service to ■Wellington presently. • Saunders,'.by tho way; has an attitude of his own towards the newer developments in bowling. Ho masters the new ideas sufficiently to pass them on to his pupils, but has no idea of attempting to modify his own style.

Pitches and Grounds. As far as possible work will bo continued on the grounds right through the season. Top-dressing and other improvements will be carried, out as opportunity serves. Saunders hopes, to present much better wickets next season Shan were played on during tho season just ended, but he entertains no vain hope of reproducing the Australian wicket in Wellington. Climato is one factor, and, moreover, tho Basin ground, as the coach puts it, "has no bottom"—the best work done on it will always sink. The gist of this casual retrospect is that better wickets and better play should be in evidence when another cricket season opens in Wellington.

KILBIRNIE CLUB'S WIND-UP. Tho Kilbirni© Cricket Club wound up its season with a smoke-concert held -in the Tiflin Tea Rooms last evening. It was'stated during tho evening that tho "AV team had played eight matches and had gone through without a loss. Five, of tho eight matches were won by an innings or more. Tho "B" team played eight matches and won six. Miv Samuels's trophy was won by J. Tilyard with an average of 34, and Mr. Webb's trophy for the best bowling average was won by A. Thomas, with an average of 4. Mr. Derbyshire's medal for the best batting average in the "B" team was won by A. Gray. F. Russell. won Mr. Stewart's trophy for the best bowling average in the "B" team. A presentation of a photograph of the team was mado to Mr. Brewer in appreciation of his services to the club. During tho evening songs and recitations were contributed by Messrs. Samuels, Duncan, Masters, lieid, Hatchard, Daniels, Boyle, and Cartmer.