CRICKET ON NEW GROUND?

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 24 August 1935, Page 7

CRICKET ON NEW GROUND?

PRESENT AREA CONGESTED MOVE BY OLD BOYS CLUB SUCCESSFUL YEAR REVIEWED South Taranaki club cricket matches may be played on the Hawera showgrounds this season as the result of a decision by the Hawera Old Boys Cricket Club, which at the annual meeting last night decided to open negotiations with the Egmont A. and P. Association for the use of the ground. The question was fully discussed, members considering that congestion was evident on King Edward Park last season and that the position would not be improved this year wit-li the possibility of more teams in the competitions. It was felt that with the increasing popularity of cricket new grounds would have to be found, the present time being opportune for a move in this direction.

The. president, Mr J. Dash, was in the chair, and there was a good attendance of members. . From a cricketing point of view, the season was one of the best the club ‘had experienced, stated the annual report. Opening day was held on September 29, when a friendly match was played with the Hawera Technical High School team. Thanks were extended to Miss B. Elarl and her helpers for the afternoon team. Two teams were entered in the South Taranaki competition, one in the A division and one in the B division. Both gave creditable performances. The A team was runner-up in the South Taranaki cham pionship, the matches with Kaponga being very closely contested, a few ■runs only deciding the issue on two occasions. Congratulations were extended to the Kaponga club on winning both the South Taranaki and provincial championships. Congratula. tions were also extended to the following members on their performances during the season:—H. Barker, on his excellent showing in the Country team against Town at Wellington, and on his inclusion in the Taranaki team; W. Barker, L. Duke, R. Thrush and C. Sturrock on their inclusion in the South Taranaki teams; and to C. Hammond, who played for the South Taranaki Senior B team. CLUB AVERAGES W. Barker, with an average of 40 runs in 10 innings, topped the A team batting averages, continued the report. The best bowler was H. Barker, with 42 wickets at an average cost of 5.5 runs. In the B team, C. Hammond headed the batting with an average or 31.5, while the bowling honours went to R. Stevens with 61 wickets at a cost of 8.2 runs apiece. A cricket tournament played between Hawera .clubs was won by the A team arter a bright afternoon’s cricket. During the season the club lost the services of Mr R. Jordan, who was transferred to Wellington. In conclusion, the report expressed thanks to Messrs. A. G. Barley, F. W. Horner, C. Allen and Newton Barkla for their assistance

The balance-sheet showed a small credit. It was reported, however, that the club’s position was slightly better than it appeared on paper. Accumulated material would mean a smaller expenditure this season. The following officers were elected. Patron, Mr J. W. Harding; president, Mr J. Dash; vice-presidents, Messrs A. G. Barley, H. G. Whitehead, C. W. Allen, W. W, Thomas, F. W. Horner, Goo. Syine. W. K. Barker and J. It. Thomson; club captain, Mr. H. Barker; vice-club captain, Mr. O. Sturrock; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. Beamish; auditor, Mr A. W. Tugwell ; committee, Messrs R. Evans, L. Duke and C. Sturrock; delegates to South Taranaki Cricket Association, Messrs. H. Barker, R. Thrush and Allen; selection committee, Messrs H. Barker, W. Barker and C. Dowdle. NEW MEMBERS EiLECTED The following new members were elected: Messrs El. Barker, M Mer<rin ,D. Buist, C. Allen, Mi Lester, P. Hayes, E. Kirkby, S. Beauciiamp, T. Guy, T. Toro and W. Green The entry of teams in tho competition was left in the hands of the committee.

Subscription was fixed at the same rate as last year but it was also decided to make a levy of 6d on each player for each match, home and away The levy will be for the purpose of ground and wicket upkeep. In moving to this effect, Mr H. Barker said that if such action was not taken there would never be good wickets. He thought that the levy would have to come, not only for the Old Boys Club, hut also for all Soutb Taranaki clubs. The district was practically the only one in New Zealand which provided cricket without charges other than subscription.

Opening day was fixed for September 2S, it being decided to arrange matches with. Hawera Technical High School teams on that date.

Votes of thanks were accorded nU who had assisted the club, rpfer uice being made to "the work of Mr Rbrush as secretary in the early part part of the season