DEVELOPING CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 25942, 6 November 1946, Page 10

DEVELOPING CRICKET

COLTS' TEAM IN COMPETITION ' Expressing amazement at the attitude adopted by the committee of the Otago Cricket Association at its previous meeting, from which lie was absent, regarding the matter of the inclusion of a colts’ team in the intermediate grade, Mi f W. A. Hadlee, at last night’s meeting, moved that such a team be definitely formed and that it take its place in the competition named. The motion was carried. Mr Hadlee said that he had been amazed to see that the Grade Committee, after having decided that a colts’ team should be formed, had regarded this team as No. 11 in considering the 11 entries, instead of placing it as No. 1. In view of the New Zealand Cricket Council’s declared policy of developing young players in preparation for the 1949 tour of England, Otago should do its part by organising a colts team. Instead of which, it would appear that the desire was to discard the idea, the birth of which was the only step taken this year to improve cricket in Otago. Mr E. Hayes said that only six nominations had been received from the clubs for the proposed . colts’ eleven, but suggested that invitations might be issued to players other than those nominated. The formation of a colts’ team was one way by which cricket might he improved.. The association should adhere to its policy, and if the number of nominations was uot sufficient,' steps should be taken to fill the vacancies. Mi' T. Hughes said that Mr Hadlee was wrong in blaming the Grade Committee, which could not very well include in a competition a team for which only six players were said to be available. What team did Mr Hadlee suggest should be dropped? Mr Hadlee: That is a matter for the Grade Committee. The chairman (Mr W. S. Armitage) remarked that the association was anxious to have a colts’ team in the field; the trouble was to get the players for it. The replies from the clubs and schools had been very discouraging. Air L. C. Baker pointed out that if a team was relegated from. the intermediate grade it would mean that there would be an odd number in the lower grade. 1 1 Mr J. A. Robson informed the meeting that Auckland and Wellington were forming colts’ teams and sending them oil torn - . Mr Hadlee, in moving his motion, said that a group of 13 or 14 young players would be given specalised coaching and would return to their clubs much better equipped. The motion, which was seconded by Mr W. J. Braitliwaite. was carried without dissent.