PLUNKET SHIELD PROSPECTS DISCUSSED

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1948, Page 4 (Supplement)

PLUNKET SHIELD PROSPECTS DISCUSSED

Otago’s prospects of retaining just as firm a grip on the Plunket Shield next summer as they did on the Ranfurly Shield look far from bright. The transfer of B. Sutcliffe, the mainstay of the batting, has left a big gap. Moreover, A. W. Roberts, the stock bowler, though still available (he is now stationed in Alexandra, Otago Central), will lack first-class match practice. Another who will be missed is A. A. Mills. This promising wicketkeeper (he was responsible for a fine performance in the match with the Fijians) recently accepted a position in Auckland. With relatively -few players of the required calibre offering the position is not improved. And, in passing, it might be mentioned that Otago cricket has benefited no end from sterling performances by players gained from other centres, men like R. C. Blunt, R de R. Worker, J. Dunning, W. Hawkesworth, R. Coupland, A. W. Roberts, W. A. Hadlee, and Sutcliffe. The inability to secure an overseas coach (due to lack of finance) and the failure to conduct any winter coaching scheme has not helped matters.