CRICKET

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 87, 9 October 1920, Page 12

CRICKET

RECORD ENTREES AND EXCELLENT

PROSPECTS,

CBy "Not-out.")

Ths wave of enthusiasm whioh was in evidence throughout the cricket season in tho Old Country is spreading to New Zealand, judging by ths interest taken in the annual general meeting of tba Wellington Orioket Association, and the record entries received for its competition this season. In the words of one life member of the Asspciation, the meeting yias one of the liveliest in his long experience., every delegate taking a keen interest in the proceedings. The main disoussion at the meeting oentred around the intention of the out-going committee to play one game only oi\ ths Basin Reserve, and it was eventually decided to confirm this proposal. The chief contributors to the contrary viewpoint were the junior delegates, who viewed with some concern the probability of junioir teams being unable to play on the Basin. It was pointed out, however, that the arrangement was intended for the purpose of raising the standard of orioket by abolishing the congestion previously in evidence; by affording slow bowlers a ohsnoe and enabling the batemen to play Ihsm; to give spectators an opportunity of witnessing one good match instead of senm matches as Hitherto. VALUABLE ADVICE. Writing to a Wellington cricketer, Mr. M. A. Noble, Australia's prominent player, states: "Of course, it ia quite impossible to diligently apply one's energies and mentality on a game of cricket when stray leather is flying around. The great factors in_ playing cricket are physical prowess, intelligence, and concentration upon the immediate business in hand. The only sane and wise thing to do is to fence the playing area off, and- play only one matoh. Cricket in England and Australia is not only a pastime—it is a great national asset. We over hare are just as keen on New Zealand becoming a. potent factor in the cricket world as you people are, and unless proper grounds are provided and sympathetic assistance from the municipal authorities is forthcoming, orioket will ncv&i flourish. I know of no greater stimulus to big deeds than a large attendance, and- the public could not be expected to attend the contests and watch the game with one eye while the other is occupied in looking at a. happening on another wicket. Good sportsmanship is a valuable asset to any country. Cricket breeds it. No other game has such an influence on the national character. I do hope the City Council will cooperate with your association in the Tealisation. of your cricketers' needs."

On the sanw subject, Mr. A. A. Bean, hon. secretary of the Victorian Cricket Assooiation, says: "In Melbourne only one match is playiid on each ground. This is the rule, without exception, so far as our senior olubs a:fe concerned. If you desiro to raise the standard of your cricket, I ■would urge your authorities to alter the existing system." SEASON'S PROSPECTS. Three new' members were elected to the Management Committee: Meura. B. L. Salmon, R. 3. Murphy, and C. R. Edmonds. Mr. Boy S. Johnston takes over the duties of honorary secretary and treasurer, and Mr. C. G. Wilso.a has again been re-elocted chairman of the association's executive. FiEty-three teams have so far been entered Jor the various competitions, and more havt> yet to follow from the 00l- j leges. This constitutes a record locally, and gives some indication of the season's prospects. Tbe following new clubs have applied for affiliation: Poneke, Eastbourne, Railways, Murray Roberts, Kilbirnie Cadets, Wesley, and Miramax. Poneke is the utroagest entry, with three teams. Ten entries have been reoeived for the senior co'npetition, but the execu- ! tive has limited the number to six, the olubs admitted being: Petone, North, Old Boys, Bast, Hutt, and Thorndon. Indications are that these teams will be more evenly matched than last season, and a. keen contest can be looked for. 1 JUNIOR GRADES. Ten entries have been received for the first junior grade, but this number will probably, be increased as a result of the limit imposed on the senior grade. Eleven team., have applied for the second junior, seventeen for third olass, and five for fourth class. The latter is a new grade, for players between the. ages of 16 and 20 years, and further entries are expected as a result of the endeavours of Capt Bell, of Defence Headquarters, among the senior cadets. A committee has been deputed to grade the various teams, with a view to promoting keen competition. This year subcommittees (consisting of three players,, who will be chosen from their respective grades) are to be set up to look after the interests of the various grades, and will be under the jurisdiction of the Management Committee. The idea is an_ excellent one, and will enable the committee to keep in close touch with the competitions. Wickets haves been applied for at Anderson, Kelburn, Newtown, Wakefield, and Kilbirnie Paris, and if practicable, these will be inspected bafore use, and any wicket not ooming up to required standard will be rejected as unfit for play. It is probable, too, that the younger players will have less travelling to other districts than formerly, the city wickets being used more extensively. UMPIRES..

A determined effort is to be made $o infuse new life ilito the Umpires' Assooiation, and each club is to be asked to play its part. Unless this assistance is forthcoming, very little solution of the difficulties experienced last season can b« expected.

ENGLISH TOUR. Subjeot to nothing unforeseen happening to prevenl. the departure of the English team, the Dominion will have the opportunity of witnessing a first-class English amateur eleven in action. Tontative arrangements have already been made for at least two and possibly three matches to be played in Wellington, including a teat match, and the tour should go a long way to top off the enthusiasm ivhioh is already apparent. - NEW AGREEMENT. The association has entered into a now agreement with the City Oounoil for a further term of three years for the prior use of the Basin Reserve. The rental is £200 per annum, plus 15 per oent. of gates, and 50 per cent, of profits; the total, i.e., rental and proate, not to exceed £300. The old agreement was for £175 per annum, plus 10 per cont of the gates. The association is to be congratulated on having met its liabilities during the term of the old agreement, it having been stated that payments wero never in arrears. It is trusted that sufficient financial support will be forthcoming to assist in meeting the increased expenditure consequent on the terms provided in the new agreement. It was mentioned at the annual meeting of the association that when the Basin Reserve was fi::st available for iporte gatherings only those who then deemed the ground worth while were the priolceters, jwho have spent over £3000 on its upkeep *nd in effecting necessary improvements. The position h»s changed in so far as the ground ib now in first-class condition, and competition for its services is keener. It is, therefore, the more pleasing to see the crioketers obtaining some Teward for.past endeavours (at a price, of course) for assisting to improve the area. VICE-RF.GAL PATRONAGE. Cricketers will be-pleased to learn that His Excellency the Governor-General hae accepted the office of patron to the Wellington Crickei Association. . In a. letter I to the committee, His Excellency express- ! ed his intention of playing tills season, if possible, and endeavours are now being made to arrange a match for Labour Day (Veterans v. Colts), in -which it is hoped, that His Excellency will take part.