NEW CRICKET SEASON

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 264, 5 October 1940, Page 10

NEW CRICKET SEASON

MANAWATU ASSOCIATION. PREPARATIONS MADE. The hew cricket season was heralded at the annual meeting of the Manawatu Cricket Association on Thursday, when preparations ror play were maue. In the absence of t'he president (Air A. E. Mansford) the chairman of the management committee (Mr A. M. Ongley) presided. The chairman stated that every endeavour should be made to keep cricket going during the war so that returning soldier-cricketers would be able to continue from the point where they, left off. Both the clubs and t'he association would have to face extreme difficulties this season owing to the probable lack of players, but nevertheless they had to carry on. In referring to the report and balance-sheet, which were taken as read, Mr Ongley extended congratulations to the Alanawatu representative team on regaining the Hawke Cup and defending it on two subsequent occasions, and the City eleven on winning the Barraud Cup for the first time. It was worthy of note that T. L. Pritchard, Alanawatu’s fast bowler, had been successful in winning the AVinsor Cup, which was presented to the bowler having the most outstanding performances in Plunket Shield and international matches during the year. It was an honour which Pritchard had thoroughly earned. The speaker felt that Pritchard had had to win the cup twice before it had been awarded to him. He had won it the season before, but had not received it. Last year, following up his performance of the previous season, he had established his claim to be the outstanding bowler in New Zealand. The election of officers resulted: Patron, Mr R. S. Abraham; president, Air Mansford; chairman of management committee, Mr Ongley; vicepresidents, Alessrs T. R. Hodder, B. J. Jacobs, AV. L. Fitzherbert, F. J. Oakley, AV. P. Anderson. J. R. Hardie, J, A. Nash, H. AI. Scott, J. Hodgens, M.P., and Hon. M. Briggs, AI.L.C.; secretary and treasurer, Air R. A. Brace; delegate to New Zealand Cricket Council, Air P. H. T. Alpers; management committee, Alessrs L. Mullins, J. E. Gavey, H. von Stunner, J. Galiiehan. G. Griggs, AV. E. Norris and F. Hubbard.

Representing the Primary Schools Sports Association, Air V. Hobin asked that the management committee rescind its decision, made at the beginning of last season, which disallowed the primary schools representation on the management committee.

In replying to the request, Mr Ongley stated that the decision was made because it was felt that there was no direct connection between the two associations, and also it was thought inadvisable for the Primary Schools Sports Association’s representative to vote on matters concerning club competitions which were of no interest to the primary schools. He realised the work that was being done by the schools in the training of future cricketers, but it was a matter for the clubs, to say whether the schools should have a say in the management of their affairs. A recommendation that the management committee discuss the matter was carried.

After a lengthy discussion it was resolved that it be left to the management committee to decide whether oneday or two-day matches should he played this season. The meeting passed a motion to be forwarded to the New Zealand Cricket Council stating that it was thought inadvisable under the present war conditions to continue playing Hawke Cup matches this season. It was also decided to request an express.-on from minor associations competing for the Goldfinch and Cousins Cup as to whether they desired the trophy to be played for this season. At a subsequent meeting of-the managemenfc committee it was decided to open the season on October 19. provided the grounds are in order. Entries are to be invited for five grades, similar to last year. It was decided to waive the clause in the association s rules regarding residential qualification of players, hut registration will be insisted on before anyone can take part in the competitions after the first two playing days; The points to he awarded in competition games will he the same as last year. It was decided to hold over consideration of the recommendation for one-day cricket until the number of teams is known.