HUTT VALLEY CRICKET

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 55, 2 September 1937, Page 5

HUTT VALLEY CRICKET

THE GROUNDS SHORTAGE

"The seasoiVs activities under review can be regarded as highly satisfactory and in several cases new records were created," states the annual report of the Hutt Valley Cricket Association, to be presented at the annual meeting on September 13. The number of teams which applied for affiliation easily eclipsed the previous season's figures, and the number of registered players also created a record, states the report. The various teams were divided into four grades—A, B; C, and D. Although the grading did not meet with universal approval, the positions of the teams in their respective grades at the conclusion of the season reflected good judgment upon the grading comfnitlee. This important matter was required to be done at the commencement of a season before the final registrations were to hand, so in several cases the relative strength of several teams could not be determined. However, past performances weighed heavily in'the grading, and very rarely was this system at fault. .

Throughout the season unreliable weather conditions prevailed, and seriously retarded the progress of the various championships. Despite this handicap, a feature of the season's play was the prolific scoring in all grades. In numerous matches some high scoring was recorded during the four hours of play. Although an additional 15 minutes of play was provided, drawn games increased. This gave an indication of the possibilities that would confront delegates at the annual meeting, when the question of longer hours, or a time-limit would have to be given serious consideration.

The grounds question again proved a serious obstacle, and the time was not far distant when applications for affiliation will reluctantly have to be refused, unless additional grounds could be procured. In view of .this the committee had made strenuous endeavours during the off season to secure suitable grounds. " The standard of play in all grades showed a marked improvement. A fairly substantial programme of representative matches was arranged, and although the Hutt Valley Association's teams did not secure any wins the experience had proved very beneficial. The Umpires' Association, although not at full strength, assisted considerably towards the undoubtedly successful season. It was to be hoped that for the approaching season the numerical strength of the Umpires' Association would be considerably increased, thereby allowing sufficient umpires to officiate at all games. With this end in view the committee appealed to all clubs to make strenuous efforts to obtain additional members for this important body. Although the season's workings resulted in a loss, several items appearing on the balance-sheet would be nonrecurring. Two noticeable features of the balance-sheet were that the assets were becoming greater, and that representative matches incurred a heavy expenditure. -The former spoke well for the welfare of the association, and the latter was essential expenditure, considering the growing capabilities of the association. Collectively, the nonrecurring items amounted to £26, and for the 1937-38 season little other than current expenditure would be necesi sary.

Unfortunately, the official end-of-seas.on function resulted in a heavy loss. The support forthcoming from cricketers of the association was very disappointing to the committee.