CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

Evening Star, Issue 13102, 7 November 1908, Page 2

CRICKET ASSOCIATION.

The Otago Cricket Association met last evening, Mr C. R. Smith (president) being in the chair. —Plunket Shield.— The President said that, the first question for consideration was the Plunket shield match, but before dealing with that he wished to direct attention to b Press Association wipe from Christehnroh of November 4, stating that the local outhorties expressed surprise at the Attitude of the Otago Association in threatening to withdraw from the Phinket shield match with Auckland ol New Year should the present dales for the Can-terbury-A ucldand match be. adhered to. Tin's placed the matter in an unfair light. As far back as March Otago challenged Auckland to play at Now Year, and the challenge was accepted and approved by the New Zealand Council. Subsequently Otago were asked to alter the dates to Christmas, but the Association replied that Otago could not get a team in Auckland on that date. It seemed, however, that Canterbury had challenged Auckland to play at Christmas, and the arrangement had been confirmed by the New Zealand Council without reference to Otago. No word had been received either from the Council or from the Canterbury Association since the Otago challenge bad been accepted. After considerable discussion it was decided that the Plunket shield match at Auckland be played on December 28, 29, and 30, and that Canterbury be thanked for foregoing their alleged claim to play Auckland at Christmas. —Appointment of Coaches.— Mr Austin wrote on behalf of the Committee who had the winging of the necessary guarantees in connection with the appointment of coaches lhat he thought enough money could be , raised. The misunderstanding over the date of the Phinket ebield match at Auckland, however, bad somewhat damped enthusiasm. The President laid a number of applications on the table for the position of ooach. They having been considered, it was decided to appoint Messrs Ayles (Melbourne), who is a batsman, and Wadsworth (Sydney), one of the beet fast bowlers in New South Wales.