N.Z. CRICKET MANAGER PLAYS PRESS “BOWLING” NEATLY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22914, 5 April 1949, Page 5

N.Z. CRICKET MANAGER PLAYS PRESS “BOWLING” NEATLY

(N.Z.P. A.—Reuter —Copyright.) (10.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 4. The humour and modesty with which the manager of the New Zealand cricket team, Mr. VO ,T. Phillipps, handled the press conference this morning set a large number of cricket writers chuckling, and they went away charmed with the New Zealand manager and the team.

Mr. Phillipps began by asking them*to “have one on the New Zealand cricket team" and when everyone was seated comfortably he outlined the method by which the selection had been made.

“I believe,” he said, “The people of the Old Country will find the team are very good chaps who know a ball is there to be hit and do their best to hit it.”

He outlined the team’s programme for April and said it was hoped, weather permitting, to have the first net practice at Lords on Tuesday afternoon.

Answering questions he said that. If it was found necessary, through injuries, an extra player would he flown from New Zealand.

The team hoped »n return home show ing a financial profit.

"Fast One” Neatly Turned

Mr. Phillips dealt neatly with a rather “fast" one: “Are you satisfied with three-day test matches?” He replied: “My answer to that question is that we would be satisfied with four davs as well.”

He added that four-day matches were played in the Dominion. His reference to Yorkshire as “a county whore a certain amount of cricket is played” drew broad smiles. He paid a tribute to the M.C.C. for its helpful agreement for the tour to take place this year instead of 1947. Alter the conference, cricket writers scent some time chatting with Mr. Phillips, the captain. W. J. Hadlee, and the team and camera flashbulbs flickered continually, especially in the vicinity of Sutcliffe in whom there was much interest. Sutcliffe Applauded Mr. Phillipps incidentally announced that Sutcliffe had been awarded the Redpath Cup for the best batsman of the year which news was received with applause. It was by every standard a most successful conference. Various members of the team took the opportunity of seeing London’s neon lights go on again on Saturday night for the first time in nearly 10 years and joined the crowds in Piccadilly. Others went immediately on arrival to see Southampton v. Tottenham Hotspurs soccer match. They are buying cricket equipment tomorrow before going to Lords and, if the weather is wet, will probably have the first “loosener” on a concrete pitch. Welcome at Southampton They were welcomed to Britain at Southampton by the New Zealand High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, Mr. W. J. Jordan, to whom Mr. Phillipps, the manager, said: “We had a marvellous voyage, with the sea like a millpond almost all the way. Apart from one or two colds, there was no sickness. Sutcliffe, who was physical instructor, did a great job keeping everyone in good condition with regular exercises.” The team’s first interest was their mail. A bundle was awaiting each man, which they read while the cameras clicked and whirred. They had their first glimpse of the English country, bathed in mellow spring sunshine, on the train jouney to Waterloo. There they were welcomed by Lord Gowrie, Mr. Rait Kerr. Sir Pelham Warner and Mr. H. D. G. Leveson-Gower.

Among those who went aboard the Dominion Monarch to greet the players was Martin Donnelly, who will remain with them until they sail for New Zealand. “I am delighted to be with New Zealanders again,” he said. Enjoyable Trip

The whole team declared they had thoroughly enjoyed the voyage. In addition to physical training they had regular lectures on the laws of cricket, batting, and a talk by a doctor on keeping fit. They were so keen on their cricket that a match was arranged with a team formed by the passengers. Ample nets were provided, a cut-down bat and a ball with a twine surface. Lines were marked out on the deck indicating the “run” values.

To everyone’s amusement, including that of the team, the passengers won. In a return match, however, the passengers’ were all out for eight and 15, and the Dominion team piled on 70 for one. Honour was satisfied.

It is evident that a fine team spirit grew during the voyage, centred round the cheerful personalities of Mr. Phillipps and W. A. Hadlee.