ON THE CRICKET FIELD.

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 5, 30 September 1922, Page 14

ON THE CRICKET FIELD.

'• MATCHES AND PLAYERS

NOTES AND NEWS FROM ALL SOURCES

(By

“Burwood.”)

Ths question of securing an adequate (supply of umpires for the coming season has been engaging tho attention of the Wellington Cricket. Association land the Umpires’ Association. A conference was recently held, and a sug'gestion was made by the chairman that each delegate to tho association should endeavour to secure tho scrfvices of two or three men as umpires, iblr. B. L. Salmon remarked that, m vthe majority of cases, senior players, jwho had for years enjoyed tho best iof wickets and many pleasant tours . (with representative teams, dropped iright out of the game. Tho problem is the same in Rugby, but tho winter pastime seems to have a better hold >on its devotees, and tho result is that ■tho Referees’ Association has been able, without great difficulty, to maintain. a full roll of referees. It is (hoped that cricketers, retired irojn the game, will lend their services m this important capacity. Last Reason there were disputes that the association cannot afford to have this aeason, when an English tour is on, and when a big effort is to be made to lift junior and school cricket to its proper status. /

v ' The movement in Sydney for a subIscription list for Charlie Bannerman was brought before the notice of the Wellington Cricket Association at its ■last meeting by the secretary of the Now South Wales body (.Mr. Frank Iredale). “The present position of 'Australia- in tho cricket world is due an no small measure,” says the writer, “to those grand and fearless characters who left these shores in the early days, more especially those nf the 1878 combination. Included ’n that team was Charlie Bannerman, who played so magnificently throughout [the tour that he virtually ‘put Austrailifi on the map of cricket.’ Ills 'cricket was so sound that English lovers of the game were astounded. Test match cricket, as it is played to- . ;day, therefore owes its origin to (Charles Bannerman, who ■demonstrated so clearly to the English public that Australia could ‘produce the article.’ In the autumn of his life, it seems only fitting that neither the 'man nor his deeds should be forgotten, and this letter to von is to ask you and all lovers of tho. game to unite in making the subscription list tone worthy of the man and his famous deeds.” Here are -'a fetv of Charließannerman’s “firsts” in cricket: He was tho first Australian to score a century against a visiting English team; the first Australian to score a century against an English team in England; the first to score a century in America; and the first to score a century against New Zealand. ,

■ Several notable performances of members of the team who are shortly to visit New Zealand are reported in 'files that are just to hand from England. T. C. Lowry, the New Zealander, scored 40 and stumped four batsmen, against Worcester: 34 against Gloucester, and 111, for West Kent, against Zingari. Titclunarsh scored 7 and 24 v. Norfolk, and 72 v. Bucks. Gcoffrev Wilson scored 30 v. Lancashire, H. Tvldcsley scored 28 and 38 v. Staffs, and 18 v. Northumberland. Freeman scored 19 and 32 v. M orcester. His batting figures, to August 12, are 83 innings, 1 not out, highest score 141, aggregate 911, average 31.41. HillWood’s county figures are: 18 innings, J not out, highest score 81. aggregate 573, average 33.70. A. P. F. Chapman scored 167 v. Oxfordshire, taking six wickets for 33 runs, and 86 v. Wilts.

The death is announced of a oneitime international, James' Drysdale, wlio playod. -with an Ausfraban eleven against W. G. Grace’s English team in 1892, /He was in the tin-mming ■“- district of Herb.erton, North Queensland, and was in ill-health , for some /time, but refused to give in. h'o.ur jof his mates volunteered to carry him on a stretcher to the hospital, 22 ; miles away. but. after a lingering illYess, the Umpire gave him out.

A mistake bv the Sydney Postal officials resulted in an amusing incident. at the expense .of the secretary iof the 'Wellington 'Cricket Association ’(Mr. E. R. F. Hewitt). Tho N.S.W. C.A. hl's been organising a comprehensive scheme’of country cricket, and circulars, explaining the details, were recently ported to country associations. One, intend'"! for Well’cnton (N.S.W.) camo’ to Wellington (N.Z.). On receiving the invitation to his association' rto take part in the carnival. Mr. Howitt gave up quito a nood deal of time io working out possible dates, for tho appearance of a Wellington “rep” term an Sydnev thia season. A stray vismor," with a knowledge of the backjeountrv districts of New <South Wales, Set a little light on +he question. Tho (secretary was mightily amused at his ’own confusion.J A. C. Maclaren, captain of the English team', will lie 51 years of age in December next.

Canterbury has affirmed the solo selector princinlo at the annual meeting of the Cricket Association. Dan Ree'e and A. T. Donnelly retire, and E. R. Caypill will be the selector, for the coming season. Mr. F. Wilding, K.C., is again president, and tho delefgates tn the New Zealand Cricket Counjcil, Messrs. Caygill and Reese, have 'been rc-elnctod. Mr. F. Luttrell and Mr. R. B. Ward continue as secretary and treasurer respectively. The personnel of the committee is iinchaqged. excont that D. Smith comes [in, in place of A. Grant.

Neglect of Selected nlayers to practice for inter'*?ovincial matches was n tonic stressed in the address of Mr. T>. Rcdpatli, who presided at the Canterbury Association’s annual meeting, jin future., defaulters at practice are [to bo dropped. Associations are to be commended on this stop, in view of /the need for the maximum amount of improvement in provincial cricket, and rif a rood showing is to bo made against (the Englishmen this sen-son.

Boys’ cricket absorbed 1 a good deal loi the discussion at the Canterbury annual meeting. Wellington and Christchurch had been compared to flip (letter’s disadvantage, said the president. Tn Wellington, however, the care of the grounds was a municipal ■undertaking; in Christchurch, they [had to bo maintained by the Boys’ (Association. In a lengthy discussion, dt was suggested that a _ secondary (schools’ competition be instituted. The (■whole subject of school cricket rooeivled a thorough airing, although no TCeolutions w'Sre actually tabled.

Tile Riccarton Club won the Petersen Shield, for the most points in tho four Canterbury grade competitions. The position of clubs in the shield contest are as follow: —Riccarton, 249 points; Sydenham, 196; Wept Christchurch, 192; Linwood, 141; St. Albans, 136; East Christchurch, 107.

In the provincial contests, Canterbury defeated Otago, but lost to Wellington and Auckland. The B team beat Southland, and lost to Wellington.

Canterbury batting averages in “rep” matches are:—A. Grant, 226 runs, average, 56.50; R. C. Blunt, 223, 37.16; I). M. Sandman. 136. 27.20; W. 11. Patrick, .121, 24.20. Bowling: C. E. Evans, 4 wickots, average, 21.25 ; W. Haves, 3, 22.33: A. Grant., 3, 23.33; D. J. Mcßeath, 8, 23.50; D. McLachlan, 4, 25; D. M. Sandman, 7, 27.85; R. Read, 11, 29.72.

Owing to an extensive northern tour and to the financial failure of the minor matches, the Canterbury Association has gone back financially during the past season. It commenced with a total credit balance of £228 3s. lid., and ended with a credit balance of £53 9s. sd. There is a balance due by the cricket fete to the coach fund of £69 155., making a total to credit of £123 4s. sd. Tho total receipts’for the year were £439 18s. 6d., and the expendituire''£6l4 13s.

Unkind treatment at tho hands of the weather was a factor the Otago Cricket Association had. to contend against last season, but interest in the game was wonderfully well sustained, says the annual report, which was presented to the annual meeting on Tuesday last. Financially the season was most satisfactory, and tho association honourably fulfilled its obligations to the other- associations by sending a representative team as far north as Auckland. The balance-sheet discloses that the debit has been materially reduced. “With the prospect,” says the report, “of a particularly busy time during the coming summer, when visits are expected from tho northern association 9 and from tho English team under A. C. Maclaren, crickedrs and administrators alike must once more gird up, their loins and keep the game moving up hill. The programme of representative matches in Dunedin should arouso something like enthusiasm in tho general public also, for there will bo exceptional opportunities of seeing first-class cricket.”

Tho guarantee question, which caused considerable feeling in Wellington cricket circles, is thus referred to in the annual report of the Otago Association: —“Your committee forcibly placed before the New Zealand Council during tho year its protest against the action of the governing body in retaining the full amount of the guarantee provided by the association in connection vith the visit of. the Australian .team in 1921, in spite of the fact that a substantial profit was made out of the tour. Tho council declined to make any refund/ and in view of the liabilities likely to bo incurred by that body during the next season or two your committee, while still holding the opinion that its claim was a just one, decided not to press the matter any further.

Disappointment is expressed by the North Taranaki Association, in fits annual report,Nat the refusal of tho Now Zealand Cricket Council to stage a match with thq Englishmen at New Plymouth. The association, like many others, starts the season, with a credit balance that would hardly provide stationery for tho secretary, but enthusiasm is keener than ever it was. Urenui won the senior championship last year. Mr. G. E. Dinniss is secretary.

Hie South African Crickfit Association would appear to have made better terms with the Marylebono Cricket Club than New Zealand, ifi regard to the tour of the English cricketers visiting that country this vear. In a country which gets far less rainfall, where wickets are more i asily prepared and more reliable, throe days-have been allotted to provincial matches, and four days to each of the five Test matches, two Testa will be played lit Durban, two at Johannesburg, and one : t Cape Town. The associaill&u has decided that local professionals *»ill le paid £2O each per Test match, plus rail faro and £1 per day allowance to cover board, and lodging. Should the match be within a radius of 20 miles of thoir home, the allowance will be reduced to 10s. per day. Amateurs, playing in Test matches, will receive an allowance of £2 per day fob each match, or £1 within 20 miles. It is tho association’s intention that rll players pay their own hotel and ether expenses, rail fares excluded. In NewZealand no payment whatever is made to players, whose rail and steamer fares and hotel expenses are met by the New Zealand Cricket Council.

The Dannevirke Club’s annual report indicates that last year was its piost successful year, despite tho fact that the credit balance at its close was only ss.*7d. Teams. were entered in each of the competitions, the Hunter Shield, on Saturdays, and the Victuallers’ on Wednesdays, the club being runner-up to High School in each. High prices for inferior materials aru blamed for the club’s lean finances. It was decided, that the “sub.” be 155., over 21; 7s. 6d. under that age. Tho following officers were elected:—Patron, Mr. A. McNicol, M.P.; president. Mr. C. W. Merrylees; secretary and treasurer, Mr. O'. F. Burkenshaw; association delegates, Messrs. L. S+ewart, J. F. Milner, W. Edge. A. Richard ; general committee, <tho same four, with Mr. L. Ward.

Six hundred players donned the flannels last season under the auspices of the Hawke’s Bay Association, and, if one may judge from the enthusiasm this year in the Bay, many of those old flannels ato to be cut down this year for the youngsters. A big effort is being made to get a primary sclMkfls’ competition formed. Various clubs have offered their nets and gear, provided someone will supervise the boys at practice. The headmasters and school committees were circularised, and have expressed their willingness to co-operate. Other matters the association is attending to are the provision of extra wickets, to avoid ths congestion of play that was experienced last season. The bal-ance-sheet shows a credit of £6 7s. lid. United and Tomoana- were presented with the senior and junior championships, respectively.

A GREAT ENGLISHMAN F. E. WOOLLEY, KENT To say something of the history of a man who has scored 21,993 runs, with an average of 38, and taken 1447 wickets at a fraction under 18 runs apiece, it is difficult io use moderate language. Such a man is F. E. ■Woolley, of Kent. Born in 1887, ho is still in his prime. At 19, Woolley made his first appearance for his county; ho has therefore had 16 years in big cricket, crowded with * incident and interest. He has visited Australia thrice, and South Africa twice. Who that has seen Woolley cannot recall the beauty and power of his driving, or tho manner in which ho has risen to the occasion, either as batsman or bowler, and possibly as both, when a great effort has been called for? —

Woolley obtained six centuries each against Somerset and Hampshire, five against Worcester, four against Sussex, I/oicestcrshire, and Gloucestershire, two against Surrey, Nbrthants, and Middlesex, and one against, Notts, Warwickshire, Oxford University. .Essex, and Lancashire. Yorkshire bowlers have during his great career, stalled him off getting the coveted throe figures. His biggest, score in the county series was 224 not out against Oxford. Agninst Someract he notched a double century. Of his seven remaining three-figure scores, four were made in Australia and one in South Africa. At Hobart, Tasmania, he scored 305 not out, compiled in 3i hours, not a single maiden over being bowled in the innings 1 Ln.iit season, in the Test match at Lord’s, lie scored 95 in his first innings and 93 in his second. Seven times, in the course of a season, has Woolley scored 1000 runs and got 100 wickets. Woolley’s outstanding feats with the ball have, been almost as numerous, as those with the bat, especially since Blythe’s death, vyhich caused more work than before to fall to his share. Tho largest number of wickets he over obtained in one game was 14, at a cost of 6} runs, against Warwickshire, lie has dismissed in one innings eight men of Sussex, Gloucestershire, Middlesex, arid Warwickshire (apart from the above performance). He took six wickets for 8 runs against Middlesex at Lords, in 1908, off 37 balls enabling Kent to win 10 minutes before time. He and Blythe each took five ’Warwickshire wickets for 8 runs in the season before the war. Ho took seven wickets for 5 runs against Surrey, off 24 balls. Against 'Worcestershire two years ago he took five wickets for 5 runs. His best season's bowling average was in 1920, when he obtained 185 wickets, at an average of 14.23 runs, and scored 1924 runs off the bat, at an average of 40.93 runs. Twice he bowled unchanged through both innings of his opponents, against Yorkshire and Notts. In tho Surrey match in 1919 ho performed the “hat trick,” and in the following season took three wickets in four balls against Northants. In the present season, at July 28, Woolley was sixth in the English batting averages. His record was: 28 innings, three times not out. highest score 188, total runs 1415, average 56.60. Bowling: 100 wickets, average 17.32 runs. i THE GAME IN AUSTRALIA 1110 cricket season opens officially in Australia to-day. Tho New South Wales Cricket Association, at its annual meeting last week, decided on a new method of drawing' the games for senior cricket in Sydney. Tho sixteen clubs will be divided into sections, but instead of being East and West, as last season, they have been drawn'from a hat. As tins method is adopted in the three grades, the three teams from (each club are not necessarily in the same diviSion. The competition will be carried out on lines almost similar to last summer. Critics consider that the variation in the concluding rounds will probably make the finish more attractive. W. C. Kelleway, of the Australian Eleven, has had sopie difficulty in arranging his transfer' from Glebe to Gordon Club in Sydney, owing to his not having had tho requisite six months’ residential qualification to entitle him to play for Gordon, where he has resided since May. N.S.W.C.A. lias decided against his application. The allowance for players has been fixed at the same scale as last season, viz-: For Sheffield Shield matches, players to receive 15s. per day for matches out of the State; other than Sheffield Shield matches out of the State, a flat rate of 10s. per day; inter-State matches played in Sydney, 10s. per day. Victoria starts tho season in good heart. Last season was a very successful one. Its principal features were tho winning or the Snefiielu Shield, the keen interest in all classes of cricket, senior, and junior, and the inauguration of a country scheme. The gradual improvement in Victoria cricket of recent years was further maintained, says the annual .report. Satisfaction is expressed at the results on school cricket of tho decision to send a schoolboys’ team to Sidney. Financially, the" season was very successful. The total amounts distributed to the chibs in dividends since 1907-8 now totals £13,910.

The following tentative programme for A. 0. MncLaren’s team has been arranged by Australian cricket authonNovember 15 —V. South Australia, at Adelaide. g . . November 17—V. Victona, at Melbourne. _ „ T , November 24 —V. New South ales, nt Sydney. . , , February 16.-—V. Queensland, ax Brisbane. • February 23. —V. New Soutli Wale& > at Sydney. . February 27.—V. Combined Innsrsities, at Melbourne or Sydney. March 2. —V. Victoria, at Melbourne. The following list of dates for in-ter-State matches for the coming Beason has been draw i up December 15, 19. —New South Wales v. South Australia, i.t Adelaide. December 23-28. —New South Wales r. Victoria, at Melbourne. December 30 —Victoria v. South Australia, at Melbourne. January 5-9.—New South Wales v. South Australia, it Sydney. January 26-30. —New South Wales v. Victoria, at Sydney. February 2.—Victoria v. Tasmania, at Melbourne. "February 16. —Victoria v. South. Australia, at Adelaide.

A golf ball driven by a woman player at the sixth hole at Ballycastle, County Antrim, was picked up by a seagull, which flew off with it.