CRICKET IN MARLBOROUGH.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15, 19 January 1914, Page 5

CRICKET IN MARLBOROUGH.

[to the editor.]

Sir,— Kindly ; allow- me to bring under your notice the way the game of cricked is played in Marlborough andi tho interest taken in it (if any). On Saturday last the fixture in Blenheini was Wairau v. Marshlands. I don't suppose there were more than 30 spectators watching the match, although., it was i a fine afternoon. First of. all, can yoti tell me why public support and interest are lacking m Blenheim 'i Coming to the clubs, the Wairau dub went in to bat with only half a senior team: the other half the captain gathered up amongst juniors or aaiyone willing to play. Well, Sir, what I want to point out is this: is it fair to men like Chisholm, Mills, Hylton, and one of two others, who turn up regularly every Saturday and are keen on the game, to face am important match with only a- weak team? . I think you will agree with me when I say that if a team is picked to play and the nanies are published in your paper, it is only a. mutter of common courtesy for players unable to play to let the captain of the team know beforehand; but I understand from good authority that "this is seldom done, and consequently the captain is at hi" v, its' end to make up a team to fulfil the engagement. It is unfair to the club, also to their' opponents. If the game is worth, playing, it is worth playing well. The Marlborough Cricket Association have done good work during the. season in trying to foster the game, and are endeavoring to send a team away shortly after the Hawke Cup. If Marlborough sent away their strongest eleven they would give a good account of themselves; but I understand they cannot get the men to go v they- would like, which means only a second-rate team. Perhaps some of your readers, and players wo.uld endeavor to explain why all this lack of interest on, the part of both the public and the players occurs

OBSERVER