‘THE SECOND INNINGS’

Evening Star, Issue 18503, 10 December 1923, Page 9

‘THE SECOND INNINGS’

- CRICKET SERMON BY REV. E. 0. BLAMIR.ES. Last night a large congregation attended tho Dundas Street Methodist Church to hoar a special address entitled ‘ The Second Innings,’ by tho Rev. E. 0. Blamires. Amongst them wore members of tho Otago Cricket Association and a number of other cricketers. The address, which proved intensely interesting, dealt with tho game of cricket in relation to life. Mr Blamires likened the three stumps to the body, the mind, and the soul, with temptation as the bowler, and faith as tho bat. The bails were motives and intention, for, he said, unless motive and intention were associated with an evil action tho Great Umpire would give ua the benefit of the doubt, and say; “Not out.” Of all games, cricket was the best, teaching its devotees to be straight, clean, and honorable, and the value of “team work.” Mr Blamires went on to speak of tho value of a “ second innings ” in pulling a match out of the fire, as well as, in tho game of life, giving a second chance to those who had failed in their earlier endeavors. He instanced the “ team ” of the Twelve Disciples, all of whom had failed at first, but who recovered themselves in their “ second innings.” Christianity was the religion of second chances, and history was full of first innings mistakes and second innings triumphs. Mr Blamires preceded his address by saying that tho action of tho O.C.A. in officially granting its support to his ser vice that night was, he thought, unique in the history of New Zealand cricket. Mr G. A. Martin (president of the 0.C.A.) assisted by reading the Scripture lesson —the eighteenth chapter of Jeremiah, and part of the eleventh chapter Hebrews. He also spoke a few words on behalf of the cricketers. Mr F. Haig (Carisbrook C.C.), Mr W. Strang (DuncdiU C. 0.), as well as Miss Phyllis West, contributed vocal items. The choir sang ‘ 0 Taste and See.’