RELEGATED TEAM

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 5, 1 October 1935, Page 16

RELEGATED TEAM

Institute Makes Plea For Reconsideration

POLICY FOR CRICKET A strong plea that the management committee of the Wellington Cricket Association reconsider its decision to relegate the Institute club’s senior eleven to second grade was made by a deputation of the club to the committee last night. The first speaker, Mr. N. Griffiths, said the Institute club felt it was entitled to some explanation for its relegation to lower status. In the first place no entries had been invited for the senior grade competition. The step the association ha_d taken had been a retrograde one, and the club wished to know what policy was behind the association’s decision. Institute was not opposing the elevation of Karori, which, had merited the promotion. But a year’s notice should be given to any club which it was proposed to relegate, together with reasons showing where and why such club deserved loss of standing. Some explanation was therefore due to Institute for the association’s action. Institute was one of the strongest clubs, and the senior eleven was entirely recruited from the lower grade players of the club. Moreover, Institute was not a closed dub.

Mr. L. G. Calvert, who spoke next, emphasised that boys’ cricket was the nursery of the game in Wellington, Institute being one of the strongest clubs in this respect in New Zealand. Institute had always regarded its senior team as the goal of the boys of the club. Mr. Calvert referred to Mr. Broad's earlier statement that Institute seniors last year were last on the competition ladder. Institute had won two matches and had lost three others by only 30, 23 and 21 runs respectively. Further, in its history, Institute had won 50 championships. Mr. J. Howitt said Institute felt hurt that one of the greatest assets the club had was taken away. He also asked for a set policy in regard to promotions or relegations. “We are grateful to you for the temperate way in which you have expressed your views,” said Mr. Broad in reply to the deputation. In explaining the present and future policy of the association, he hinted that two other chibs might have to follow Institute to lower status. What was behind the committee’s decision was contained in the annual report. The new committee felt that a step should be taken with a view to looking after district cricket. If any team was to be relegated action must be taken at once, and the giving of a year’s notice would not be practicable. The views expressed by the committee were varied on the reasons why the club should be relegated. But there was practically ■unanimity that the club should go down from senior grade. “We are aiming at district cricket and other clubs, possibly Varsity and Old Boys, may have to go—that is our policy,” added the chairman.

Mr. J. H. Phillipps (Kilbirnie) as the mover of the motion to relegate Institute, said the action was taken with regret. Institute’s record in senior grade over the last three years was, for himself, the deciding factor. It was the opinion of the committee that not more than eight teams should take part in the senior competition. Mr. J. S. Hanna (Wellington) said it was a pity that the decision had been made at the start of the season. It ought to have been done in the winter. This would mean holding the annual meeting at a much earlier date, as was done in Australia.

Mr. H. E. Moore (Varsity) said Institute certainly had a claim to senior status, and Karori, too. A bye ought to be arranged for this season. Mr. Griffiths, speaking again for Institute, contended that the strength of the senior team was not necessarily an indication of the strength of the club. That was why the club competition had been inaugurated. He requested that the question be reopened. Mr. Broad said finally that the representations would be fully considered.