CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 21823, 12 September 1934, Page 6

CRICKET

CTAGD ASSOCIATION WICKETS AT TONGA PARK The General Commit lee. of the Otago Cricket Association met < last night, there being present the president (Mr ■I. M. Fraser), Messrs J. A. Dunning, F. Binney, A. W. Sinclair, E. G. Williams, W. R. Brinsley, 0. Stevens, 11. 0. "Talbot, W. Brookes. T. P. Caddie, P. X. Bundle, A. H. Allen, E. H. Ferguson, and Dr A, A. Reid. On behalf of the Dunedin and Christian Brothers’ Clubs, Air A. G. Valentine wrote in regard to the rights ot the respective clubs in regard to their tenure at Tonga Park relating to the following points: wickets would he ready for play; (2) authority to charge lor admission; (;j) number of match wickets available at’beginning of season and the amount of rent to be rebated in the went of the five wickets not being ready, as would appear at present to be inevitable; and (4) tbe name of the custodian and a schedule of his duties in so far as these duties were the concern of the clubs as tenants. 'Subject to the confirmation of their . annual meetings, they had fixed opening day for October 6, whether or not there were wickets ready for play on that date, and they were desirous of making some necessary arrangements with the groundsman. The Chairman said that the association had paid £35 to the City Council to facilitate the preparation of this ground. The two clubs had undertaken to refund it, and also had agreed to pay £3O per annum each for the sole use of Tonga Park. The preliminary arrangements had been carried out" by the association, and the clubs desired it to continue the negotiations. Mr Ferguson said that two temporary practice wickets would bo provided on Tonga Park for October G, and would have to be used until early in November. There would be throe junior wickets and one major wicket on Tonga Park, but they would not be ready until the end of October, so they would hot have the fiitl use of the’ ground till November. The Grounds Committee proposed opening the competitions at Logan Park on October 13. Mr Allen said that the council might be prepared to give the elute authority to charge. The Chairman said he thought they had been told they would have the right, to charge It was resolved that a deputation consisting of the chairman, Mr Ferguson (chairman of the Grounds Committee) and Messrs Brookes and Valentine wait on the Reserves Committee of the City Council to go into the matter with it. ’The Secretary of the Mornington Methodist Bible Class Club wrote 1 asking for particulars as to affiliation, and as to the necessary material for a team taking part in the association’s competitions.—The secretary reported that the information had been supplied. A sub-committee comprising Alessrs J. A. Dunning, R. 0. Talbot, and D. A. Solomon was appointed to go into the rules of the New Zealand Cricket Council as amended by the Alan age-, inent Committee. The secretary presented a draft copy of the annual report, which was approved. , BABCOCK'S SUCCESS. News of the’continued success of the Otago Cricket Association’s professional coach, F. T. Badcock, for the Werneth Club in the Central Lancashire League is contained in a letter to Air J. At. Fraser (president of the Otago Cricket Association) from Air Badcock. The letter was written on August 1. by which date Badcock bad got his 100 wickets and wanted 125 more to get'his 1,000 runs, with five matches to play. Should Badcock succeed in achieving the coveted double, it would be the first time such a performance had been accomplished in the Central Lancashire League. Air Badcock was at Leeds for the fourth test match between Australia and England, and it was certainly “ a test of patience,” he wrote.. He had seldom seen such bad batting from first-class cricketers as he saw during England’s first innings. GRANGE CLUB \ Prospects of a bright season for the Grange Cricket Club were predicted at the annual meeting, held in the North Ground pavilion last night. Air R. ATLean presided over an attendance of forty-seven members. Tbe Chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report and balancesheet, said he wished to congratulate the. players on their performances during the past season. The play of the senior team was particularly worthy of mention, and the other teams also did remarkably well. He was particularly pleased to see that the club bad regained the fielding trophy, and this was due, he said, to the improved condition of the outfield on the North Ground. In regard to the finances, he thought that the younger members of the club did not appreciate the efforts of the committee in making ends meet. He appealed to members to pay their subscriptions as early as possible to enable the committee to purchase material on more favourable terms, and thus assist the committee in the difficulties which it bad to overcome. He thanked the secretary for his able services in the interest of the club. Ho extended congratulations to O. Dey on attaining New Zealand honours at hockey, and to Air Charles Sew Hoy on being appointed an umpire for the match. Air E. A. Hamel seconded the motion, and said that tbe club had a very fine collection of young players, and he felt sure that it could look forward to a very successful season. Mr Cbas. Chadwick congratulated T. Chettleburgh on his performances during the past season. He also congratulated J. Nesbit on tbe fact that be was a great worker for the club as well as a successful player. Air O Dey pointed out that the excess of expenditure on material and to the Otago Cricket Association was £2O over members’ subscriptions, and the fact that the balance-sheet showed a small credit balance proved that the committee bad to work hard in order to make up the deficit. He appealed to members to give every assistance to the • committee when social functions and other efforts were being made to raise funds. ’Pile report: was adopted. The election of office-bearers resulted:—Ratron. Bishop Richards; president, Mr If. ATLean; vice-presi-dents—Messrs O. E. Briggs,- A. Res-

tieaux, J. Russell, G. A. Nelson, A. C. Hanlon, R. G. Hudson. A. Robinson, •J. Walker, J. Young, At. Higgins, S. Larkins, AV. Henderson, I. Curtis, W. Al. Beal, 0. Stevens, H. Bennett, T. H. Elmes, W. H. Naylor, .1. Brown, E. A. Hamel; lion, secretary, Mr W. Rowlands; assistant hon. secretary, Mr 0. Dey; club captain. Air Chas. Chadwick; deputy club captain, Air .1. W. Nesbit; committee —Alessrs J. Dey, \V. Shepherd, G. Burgess, G. Lcmi.n, A. Gallaud; delegate to the Boys’ Cricket Association, Air C. Bird; delegate to the 0.A.A.5.1’.A., * Afr A. Rcstieaux; hon. auditor, Air G. A. Nelson; Selection Committee —Alessrs O. Dey, Chadwick, and Shepherd; delegates to O.C.A.—Alessrs E. A. Hamel, 0. Stephens, W. Al. Beal. Air 0. Briggs was elected a life member of the club. Fight now players were nominated for membership. The trophies won during the season were presented by the chairman. DUNEDIN CLUB Two local senior cricket teams, Dunedin and Christian Brothers’ Old Boys, will this season forsake the Oval lor Tonga Park. This intimation was.made at the annual meeting of the Dunedin Club, held in Air W. B. Taverner’s office last night, a large" attendance being presided over by Air AV. A. Robson. ANNUAL REPORT. Aloving the adoption of the annual report (already published) and balancesheet, the Chairman welcomed members and congratulated the chib on a very successful season. He referred to the past senior competition, and remarked that though the larger number of teams might have tended to lower the standard of performance, interest had been kept alive. At the beginning of the season he had not expected the senior eleven to show an outstanding record. There were evident weaknesses that were recognised. The side was a young one, which the club was watching grow up into development. It had had the assistance of Air F. T. Badcock, and the speaker was personally very pleased with the manner in which lie had fitted into the team and with the cordial relationship he had established. For the first time AV. Ditchfield had gained representative honours, and he was sure the members would agree that he had fully justified his selection. V. Cavanagh had again assisted Otago and had also performed creditably. D. Torrance, jun., had won his way into the B representative side, and it was to be hoped that it would not be long before lie, too, gained higher honours. Air Robson eulogised the work of the secretary (Air A. Valentine), who had not spared himself and had worked hard in the club’s interest. Due to his efforts the Sports Protection Association was on a sound footing, a position which would benefit all cricket clubs. The financial side of the club’s activities was very satisfactory. Speaking of the change from the Oval to Tonga Park, the Chairman said that the need for another ground had Jong been recognised. The question of suitable wickets was all important,, and a decision Jiad been made to shift to Tonga Park immediately. Temporary practice wickets had been arranged for in time for the club’s opening, but he was not optimistic of senior matches being played until after the Now Year. He was sure that in a few more years Tonga Park would be one of the best areas in Dunedin. Air Robson said that the year had been rather remarkable, in that tire cricket atmosphere had been kept alive by the test cricket broadcasts, which he hoped would have the effect of bringing many newcomers to the game. During the winter members of .the club had distinguished themselves in other sports, and ho congratulated Barr on winning the Port road race and Douglas on acquiring senior status in the Zingari Rugby team. Air Robson referred to the loss the Albion Club had sustained in the death of Air J. Yorrath, and to the illness of one of the game’s finest players and gentlemen in 1 Air J. Baker. Seconding the adoption of the report, Air G. A. AVycherley expressed his pleasure at the representative attendance at the meeting, whicli included players of all generations. He referred to the club’s vicissitudes during the war period, when it nearly went out of existence. To-day, however, the club had regained its equilibrium, and he hoped the time would .come when it would lie one of the leading clubs in every sense of tire word. With regard to the increased interest in the game engendered test matches, he was sure a beneficial reaction would result. The acquisition of Tonga Park was disdinctly satisfying, especially because the club would have a private ground, thus fostering the club spirit. In conclusion the speaker referred to the standard of local senior cricket, and said he had noticed that the last five or six batsmen of most of the elevens did not produce anything approaching senior form. The position could be helped not only by intensive coaching, but also by the study of books dealing with the game. Air AVycherley also paid a tribute to the work of the coach, who, he said, was making a bold bid ill Lancashire League cricket for 1,000 runs and 100 wickets. He wished the club every success during the coming season. The report and balance-sheet, which showed a small credit balance, were tfion adopted, PRESENTATION OF’ 'TROPHIES. Trophies won during the season were presented as follows : —Seniors : Batting, AV. G. Ditchfield; bowling, C. F Olaridge. Second grade A team: Batting, C. 11. Callam and AA’. Hope; bowling, Id. J. Rackley and AV. Hope. Second grade B team : A. J. Robinson and A. llcfd; bowling, C. R. Denholm and K. Holley. Second grade B team : Batting, V, Perry and J. Kenny; bowling, R. Anderson and R. F. Petre. Third grade A team : Batting, R. Rentson and A. Barr; bowling, R. Beatson and hi. B. Giles. Third grade B team ; L. Facooty and D. Alurray; howling, L. Facoory and Al. Swann. Catching trophy, W. J. Tointon. OFFICE-BEARERS. The following office-bearers were elected President, Air J. A. Robson; vice-presidents—Airs A. Blaney, Alessrs W. AV. Alackersy, G. A. Wycherley, P. W. Shaddock, A. APCrorie. E. S. AA'ilson, R. C. Torrance, A. Grogan, R. White, C. Eyre. AV. B. Taverner, W. Strang, 11. W. Coupland, B. Petre, H, C. Carter, W, Latham, L Thomson, and V. Perry ; hon. secretary and treasurer, Air A. Valentine; chib captain, Air H. J. Rackley; deputy-club captain, Air E. Heather; delegates to the Otago Cricket Association —Alessrs R. Torrance, sen., A. Valentine, and J. A. Robson; delegate to the Boys’ Cricket Association, Mr C. Claridge; delegate to the Sports’ Protection Association, Air A. Valentine; hon. auditor. Air Charles Evre; Material Committee— Messrs H. *J Rackley, E. Heather, and \ Valentine; Selection Committee— Messrs H. J. Rackley, C. E. Claridge, and R. Torrance, jun. ; committee— Messrs T. J- Brooks, B. Noble, P. Hol-

daway, At. A T eruon, R. Torrance, jun., and A. J. Robinson. GENERAL. Thirty new members were elected, and it was decided to change the nomination forms. The adoption of a club blazer was approved. The opening day was fixed Jor October 6 at Tonga Park. Y.M.C.A. CLUB The annual meeting of the Y.M.C.A. Club was held in the Y.M.C.A., an enthusiastic muster of members attending. Air J. H. Don Miller was in the chair. The annual report and balance-sheet (which disclosed a very sound financial position for such a young club) was read and adopted. The club’s first eleven was congratulated on being runner-up in its competition. It was decided to make an application to the O.C.A. to enter this team in the second grade A competition. Air J. Don Atiller was congratulated on. being awarded a trophy donated by Air AA'alter Strang in recognition oi his line all-round performances during the past season. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:—Patron, Air J. L. Salmond; president, Air M. C. Henderson ; vice-presidents—Alessrs P. Findlay, H. K. Alacdonald, J. Y. Love, H. P.’ West, R. E. Grimmett, and Dickinson, sen.; lion secretary and treasurer, Mr R. Herbert; club captain, Air 11. Poole; Alanagement Committee —Alessrs K. Dickson, A. Oastler, and Breeze; delegate to 0.C.A., Air J. Don Miller; Selection Committee —Alessrs 11. E. Grimmett, Poole, and Herbert. Judging by the enthusiasm shown at this meeting, the dub should have a very prosperous and successful, season. RAVENSBOURNE CLUB At the . annual meeting ilia- following officers' were elected;—Patron, Air A. Smith (Alayor of West Harbour); president, Mr H. Randall; secretary and treasurer, Mr S. 'Taylor; vice-presi-dents—Messrs H. E. Aloller, E. J. Taylor, W. Alurdock, H. D. Kerr, W. Connor, V. Alellon, F. Robertson, E, AV. Trend, T. H. Harridge, Cri?-. George; club captain, Air A. Donaldson; deputy captain, Air W. Bradshaw"; committee —Alessrs Wilson, Dyson, Faithful!, Cessford, A. AVilson, G. Patterson. The-retiring president, Mr L. F. Evans, and the secretary and .treasurer, Air D. AVilson, were accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for their very valuable services to the club from its inception, and it was unanimously ’decided to place on record the members’ appreciation of the good work they had accomplished during their term of office. The report stated that the newly-laid playing area was not fit to play upon until late in the month of December, nevertheless they managed to play sixteen games, fourteen of which were played on the home ground. . The club now has a playing area twenty-five yards square upon which thirteen firstclass wickets can be rolled out, while the outfield, if given the necessary attention this season, will be second to none and will be a decided acquisition to the district generally. The away matches were at Seachtf and 1 uketeraki, where a.most enjoyable day was spent, and it is hoped that similar games will be arranged this year. I fie first season’s success of the club was not, however, due wholly to the playing members of the club, as it received a very great measure of assistance horn supporters, notably the patron, Mr I. Harridge, and the vice-presidents, Alessrs H. E. Aloller, E. J. Taylor, Al. Faithful!, AV. Alurdoch, and H. D. Kerr and AV. Connor, to whom grateful appreciation is extended, Inc club is also grateful to the AVest Harbour Borough Council, the Reserves Committee, and the town clerk (Air AA. Connor), who rendered every possible assistance. The official practice nights were on the whole well attended throughout the season, and the two nets were usually fully occupied, ihe batting improvement towards the end of the season was plainly visible. Owing to the conservative policy adopted by the club, and in spite of the fact that the subscription was. lar too little, the club nevertheless finished up the season with a small credit balance, a position which must be regarded as .very gratifying.