CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 15915, 22 September 1915, Page 2

CRICKET

OTAGO ASSOCIATION. The annual report of the Otago Cricket I Association states :-—lt was, expected ; that the season, would bo a memorable one | for the association, as vour committee i had been fortunate enough, to secure the services as coach of that world-renowned 1 player Mr J. N. Crawford, and it was hoped that through his efforts the game wonld be popularised, and that our youii"cricketers would come rapidly to the front. Unfortunately the .great war in which the Empire is' involved came upon ■us, and naturally sport had necessarily to be a- very secondary consideration. Nevertheless, our coach did excellent work with the players at his disposal, and he has to be congratulated on the improvement he has already brought about in our young players. The interest in club cricket " was well maintained throughout the season, though several of tno clubs were considerably weakened by the absence of players who have gone to the front. The "team of colts under Mr Crawford's tuition showed marked improvement, and succeeded in winning the senior championship with an unbeaten record. These young players showed excellent fonn, and" if they "continue to improve in the manner they did last season they should soon be in the first flight of Gtago cricketers. The interest in Wednesday cricket was well maintained throughout the season, and now that the Saturday half-holiday has been carried in Dunedin it is hoped'that all the Wednesday players will throw in their lot with our Saturday teams. Wo were pleased to have the league affiliated to our association, and have to congratulate "it on the large number of clubs, "it has now playing the game, and by the efforts of the league the game should receive great benefit. Great interest was again taken in the school matches, and some excellent form was shown by some of the young players in the various teams. The association hone in the cominsr season t-o considerably help these young players by arranging for them to have the services of Mr Crawford. It is with regret that we have to record the loss the association has sustained in the. departure from Dunedin of Mr D. H. Thomson. He was an enthusiastic worker, and had the interests of the association deeply at heart, and we can ill afford to lose such enthusiasts at present. We are gratified at the manner in which numbers of our young players have answered the Empire's call, and." while the loss of their services will be severely felt by their clubs, we are glad that so many have realised that their first duty is to their King and country. It is with regret that we have to show the affairs of the association in such a bad financial position, but owing to the outbreak of war just when the association was arranging for a canvass for subscriptions to our coach fund it was thoudit wise not to make an effort in this direction, but the position is becoming so acute that an effort will have t-o be made immediately to meet the association's responsibilities. ALBION CLUB. The committee's annual report states that tho first grade team, while not winning many matches, always put up a . good game against their opponents. The second eleven played 16 matches. winniivj- 10, one drawn, and losing five games. The third grade played with a fair measure of success. Messrs J. Shepherd and T. M"'Farlane represented the cluh in interprovincial cricket, and acquitted themselves creditably. Three of the members plaved in the colts' team under Mr J. X. Crawford's captaincy—namelv, J. Shepherd. F. Binney, and W. Satterthwaite. Thirteen past a lid present members are on active service, and ons (Percy Cameron) was killedin action. The club were unfortunate in the loss of members durinu' tho year, and in Mr "D. IT. Thomson we lost an energetic member and keen plaver. The committee thank the manv friends and supporters of the club who have assisted financially and otherwise. CABTSBTtOOK CLUB. The committee, in presenting their annua! report, congratulate members on the conclusion of another successful season, the affairs of the club being in, a \ensatisfactory condition both as regards the results on the field of play and the working of the cluh generally." Although none of the teams entered "for -the competitions succeeded in winning first- place, some very good form \va s "shown. The club are well represented .with the Expeditionary Forces bv Messrs G. Fisher H. Prain. L. H. .(ones, T. Sandes. L Lomas, J. C. Cameron, W. Bannerman. D. M. Held. J. Bruges. C. AUoo, Fitzgerald, and L. Price. Deep regret is expressed at the death of Mr X. Baxter, on active service. Regret is also expressed at the death of Dr F. C. Batchelor. one of the oldest lion, members, and one-time president of the club.