LEAGUE CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 23100, 28 October 1938, Page 5

LEAGUE CRICKET

[By J.V.C.W.]

The Otago Cricket League Trill play the opening round of the first series of matches at the Oval to-morrow afternoon. This season there are 28 teams in the competitions—lo in each of the A and B sections and eight teams in 0 section. All players are looking forward with keenness to their Saturday afternoon’s cricket. « • • • Two teams—Railway (A section) and Ravensbourne (C section) have dropped out of the League competitions this season, but four new teams have affiliated, necessitating an additional match wicket. « • • • It was not until after the draw for first series of matches had been made and published that the Railway Club found it impossible to field a team, and accordingly notified the secretary to this effect/ This meant that the Grading Committee had to hold_ a special meeting, and the following alterations were made to the published draw: —R. and G. will be advanced again to A section and will take over those matches allotted to Railway. Loco will come from C section to B section and will play R. and G. matches, and the new club (Sargoods) will meet all teams drawn to play Loco mO section. * * • * There should be excellent competition among the 10 teams competing for the Baker Cup, which was won last season by the Inglis Club. The latter club has again registered a strong side, only one of last year’s team (P. Hanna) being absent from the list submitted for registration. * * • * E.P. and L. and Glen Ross have practically the same combinations as last season. That all-rounder E. Cropley, who was unfortunate to be out of the game for the greater part of the 193738 season through illness, will be playing again for the E.P. and L. team. Last season Glen Ross had 17 registered players, several of whom never had a game. This season only 13 players’ names have been submitted, but all of these are well ' known to nil League players. » • • * New blood in the Roslyn Mills team includes'W. Jenkins, A. M’Donald, F. Clarke, and L. Brown. It is anticipated that these new members of the team will give a good account of themselves during the season. • * * * It may take time for Town Hall to settle down, as this club has lost several of its playing members, notable among whom are Arthur Wilson and the late Bill Cameron. The decision of Jim Gould (secretary of the League) to drop out of the team for the first series of matches will further weaken the side. It may be found that the weakness of Town Hall will be in the attack, as there appears to be a decided shortage of bowlers. However, .quite a number of the younger players ara showing promise at practice. The R. and G. and Telgineers Clubs will again be putting in the field practically the same teams. The inclusion *- • • of W. Buttars and F. Curtis. (Ravensbourne Club last season), both of whom scored over 200 runs last year, should considerably help the batting strength of R. and G. ••. • • The two teams raised from B section to the A’s are Otago Brush and T. and P. It is reported that the latter club has built up its side both in batting and bowling, and that the players are showing keenness and are regularly attending the practice nets. Otago Brush will meet Hillside to-morrow, and it will bo interesting to note how it shapes so early in the season. T. and P. has drawn Inglis for its first matcli, and. this should be an interesting game to watch. • • • • Post Office, Gregg’s Red G..,and Self Help are the three teams which have been raised from 0 section to B section. They should all give a good account of themselves during the season. To-mor-row Red G. meet Speights on No. 8 wicket, Self Help .play M.C.P.. and Post Office should be fully extended by Pride of the Leith. * • • • The strength of Loco’s attack was ' dearly shown last Saturday, when two new members, in a friendly match, secured excellent averages. Hec. M'Fadgen will not be playing for his side this year on account of an injury received at work. It is therefore pleasing to know that Deans, Butler, Lean, and Sanderson will have additional help with the leather. It is confidently anticipated that Loco, -will he wch up the list in B section this season. * * * * Still taking a very active nait in the administration side of league Ticket is Mr D. C. Cameron. _ He was unanimously re-elected president at the an- ' nual meeting. The league is indeed fortunate in having such a popular sportsman at the helm. •*• ' • On resigning from the secretaryship of the league after 11 years’ service Mr E. P. Hellyer was presented a framed minutes of appreciation. The minute read —“ That the thanks of the Otago Cricket League be tendered to Mr Edward P. Hellyer for the highly efficient services rendered by him to the league during the period of 11 years for which he has held the office of hon. secretary. That in expressing these sentiments of appreciation the league places on record its opinion that the undoubted ability and tact of Mr Hellyer, combined with the capable arid efficient manner in which the onerous duties of his office have been carried out, are responsible in no small measure for the very sound condition the Otago Cricket League is in to-day. That this resolution be recorded in the minutes of the league’s executive and a copy presented to Mr Hellyer, with best wishes for future success.” The president (Mr D. C. Cameron) made the * presentation at the annual meeting.