SERVICE RIVALRY IN CRICKET: AIR & NAVAL VETERANS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22877, 22 February 1949, Page 3

SERVICE RIVALRY IN CRICKET: AIR & NAVAL VETERANS

Two highly-proficient teams representing respectively the Ex-Naval Men’s Association and the Gisborne branch of the Air Force Association carried service rivalries on to the cricket field at the week-end. as a principal feature of interest at a combined picnic held at Tatapouri. The success of the ex-naval men was loudly acclaimed by their supporters, and the demonstration prompting a counter-display bv veterans of R.N.Z.A.F. and their families, in which a certain amount of acrid com ment upon what the Navy did with its spare time in the war was heard.

The interest attaching to the match, which, it is proposed, will initiate an annual fixture, was indicated by the nomination of independent umpires selected from the land forces. Despite a running fire of adverse comment the Army keot a firm hand upon the gam: and dealt decisively with an unusual number of frivolous appeals. The concrete wicket found a few of the batsmen in difficulties, and the outfield was perhaps a little below Mar.vlebone standards, these factors tending to keep down runs to a minimum. “Incalculable Wind-Drift”

Navy, batting first, compiled a total of 65 runs, the Air Force attack being hampered by an incalculable winddrift combined with low cloud which came downwind from the neighbourhood of the NAAFI. Two or three of the trundlers were showing signs of real form when lost balls held up the programme. the Navy making good use of the respites to re-fit and re-arm. Early batsmen in the Air Force side came and went so rapidly that an nd vanced depot was established for exchange of protective armament, but a .late rally with a strong air-lift factor brought the score up quickly. One batsman found the range to the beach nicely and the Navy fieldsmen had to provide a recovery party on at least one occasion. ■ Playing against time, with a children’s sports programme in view, the side was eventually disposed of for a total of 53. Sports For Children

Families of the players rallied strongly for the children’s sports, which consisted largely of short races for differ ent age groups with the Air Force more than holding its own against its opposing services. The fields were strong and rivalry was just as keen as in the cricket match.

At the close of the day the cricket trophy, known as the "Bubbly Cup,” was presented to Mr. R. Mclnnes ns captain of the winning side, and Messrs. G. G. Muir and G. Whitfield, presidents of the Air Force and Ex-Naval Men's Association respectively, expressed Keen satisfaction with the organisation of the gathering Tentative arrangements for continuation of the competition later in the current cricket season or in 1950, were warmly endorsed bv mem bers and supporters of both teams.