CRICKET.

Evening Star, Issue 25928, 21 October 1946, Page 5

CRICKET.

TO TIIE EDITOR. Sir, —I have been reading with interest what is occurring at the meetings of the Otago Cricket Association. One has to come to the conclusion that the association is very weak. Some of its members seem to know the right thing to do for the improvement of tho game, but the majority have allowed the club spirit to take precedence, and second grade teams to take part in the first grade competition. If there was a strong Grade Committee this could be remedied, but here is one great weakness—it is composed mostly of second ferade men. The first tiling the association should have done was to place its house in order. I noticed in a report of one of the meetings that one of the members said the High School Old Boys’ Club was now an open club. If that h so it has forfeited the right to membership of the O.C.A. We remember distinctly when this club was admitted, for the letter recently sent to the Otago Rugby Union applying for, admission to the union was identical with the one sent to the O.C.A. “We only want to play second grade; we won’t take players from other, clubs; we want a club where our old boys can keep up their old associations.” Apparently the conditions have not been kept. The last act, in turning down a second tear! of Carisbrook, would be laughable if it were not so serious. Several 'of the names submitted are those of representative players who have played for their. province and fought for their country, and are deserving of consideration, besides adding strength to our cricket. I would suggest that, as the association has already eight teams in the senior competition. it won’t weaken it by making it 10, and, as it has not yet allotted the coach to any club, be be allotted to Green Island, where he will have a lot of promising young men to work with. , ' _ Then the association lias referred the time of starting play to the elubs: that shows another weakness. Let it decide the hours of play, and generally take charge and govern the same with dignity and honour to itself and the game. Remember, the ship is greater than the crew, and the game is greater than the'players.—-I am, etc.. October 18. Wicket.