SPORTSMEN’S LUNCH

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 190, 8 May 1937, Page 11

SPORTSMEN’S LUNCH

New Zealand Cricketers (From the Special Correspondent oi the United Press Association.) London, May 6. To-day the New Zealand cricket team attended the first official function ot the tour, a luncheon representative ot all sports, given by the British Sportsman’s Club. Lord Desborough presided, and among those present were the New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr. M. J. Savage, and the High Commissioner, Mr. W. J. Jordan. The New Zealand athletes Dr. A. E. Porritt and J. E. Lovelock were also guests. The King sent, a message heartily

welcoming the team and wishing it a pleasant and successful tour. Mr. H. D. G. Leveson - Gower, proposing the toast of the team, said that most pleasant memories were treasured of the two previous sides. With such a tradition the present

team was bound to play attractive cricket. The visitors had arrived in a year when brighter cricket was demanded. He knew they would not fail in that respect. The manager, Mr. T. C. Lowry, responding to the toast, pointed out that newspapers all over the world were devoting a lot of space to urging brighter batting. Setting High Standard. “They ar£*etting us the standard of Bradman and Hammond at their best. Teaching the public to expect play of their high class, which coming cricketers cannot possibly reach, is too much to ask. We .will try to play as bright cricket as we can, but we are not going to sacrifice any game to attain this end,” he said. Tom Webster, the noted cartoonist, decorated the menu with amusing sketches as a souvenir for the players. It was a memorable gathering. The team has had extended daily practice since its arrival.