THE CRICKET SEASON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 253, 22 September 1933, Page 9

THE CRICKET SEASON.

UNITED CLUB’S -REVIEW. “It is with mixed feelings of satisfaction and disappointment that I present this, the third annual report of the club —satisfaction with the manner in which the members stuck to the club during the latter part of the season —disappointment in that we should find ourselves occupying the bottom rung of the ladder, a position which in no way indicated the true strength of the team.” So reads the introduction to the review to be presented by the secretary of the United Cricket Club at the annual meeting of members. The report continues: “Too much emphasis cannot be placed upon the loyalty of the members who attended practices splendidly throughout the season and turned out every Saturday, even though prospects of being fully represented were far from bright. Our position on the championship table can only be attributed to the loss of players we experienced throughout the season. When it is pointed out that only four members of the NI which took the field at the beginning of the season remained to take part in the last game, the great difficulties under which we played will be readily appreciated. At one stage it appeared as if we would be a force to be reckoned with when the winner was to be decided, but this loss of members, either through their leaving the district, or through their giving up the game, soon made itself felt, and we were not able to win a match after the second round. However, we take pride in having defeated each of the other teams in the competition, the defeats of both Old Boys and Palmerston being splendid performances on the part of the team. “From showing a deficit at the end of last year, the balance-sheet now shows a slight credit. Here, again, the members must be congratulated on the manner in which they paid their subscriptions. Last season has been the best the club has had in this respect, and as i>racticaily the only revenue comes from subscriptions, the l>ayment of same means the difference between a profit and a loss on the season’s working. It is x>leasing to note that this slight profit was made when the subscription was only 15s per player per annum —the smallest subscription, I believe, in the senior grade, and equal to that piaid by many junior teams —and if a like response is forthcoming this season, then I am of the opinion that this club, at least, will not have to make an increase in

spite of the high cost of material. “The prospects for the coming season are quite satisfactory, and if the championship does not pass into our keeping, we hope at all times to play the game in the right spirit and perhaps to effect a few surprises. Sufficient to say that if such co-operation and such goodwill which existed among the members last year is again in evidence for the ensuing term, then we can look forward to an enjoyable season. I feel that I cannot conclude this report without reference to the irreparable loss the club, and cricket locally., has sustained in the departure from this city of Mr W. J. Millen. Since the inception of the club he has been, by far, our keenest member, spending time, labour, and money in endeavouring to further its interests, in which endeavours he was eminently successful. Not even the members of the club yet fully appreciate the yeoman service he rendered. Our best thanks must be extended to those ladies who helped at afternoon tea, and also to Mr C. Sigley whose interest in all the activities of the club, played such a material part in our Avelfare.” The report concludes with a vote ol

thanks to the retiring committee for the help and assistance rendered at all times.