Fifth District for Plunket Shield

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 236, 6 October 1936, Page 6

Fifth District for Plunket Shield

MANAWATU’S SUGGESTION,

WELLINGTON, Last Night,

The movement, emanating from Mauawatu, for the formation of a fifth Plunket Shield cricket district is likely to bo a subject of discussion in Wellington this week, not only for the Wellington Cricket Association’s management committee, but also, for the representatives of tho minor associations who are to attend a conference in Wellington. The New Zealand Cricket Council has been approached on the matter, and this body in turn has advised its affiliated associations of the Manawatu proposal, which is being treated as a notice of'motion for the annual meeting of the council next month. The council, regarding the matter as one of vital importance to every association, is requesting that delegates bo instructed as to the views of the associations they represent. Manawatu’s letter, copies of which have been sent to the various affiliated associations by the New Zealand controlling body, states: — “During the past few years there has been au undoubted improvement iu the standard of cricket iu Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, and Manawatu, while in Wairarapa, Wanganui, Eaugitikei, Nelson, Marlborough, and South Hawke's Bay there are outstanding players who, under the present Plunket Shield system, which is restricted to four teams, are unable to gain experience iu firstclass cricket. Many players iu these districts are the equal of cricketers iu the city, but unless the country player shows that lie is better than the city player the latter is naturally chosen. “That the country can produce a side of Pluuket Shield standard has been shown during the last two years by its defeat of Wellington, and it is becoming clear that the major association is no longer able to fairly cater for the deserving players in the minor associations within its district.

"My association feels that tho system under which the Plunket fihield competition is conducted should be reviewed. The present competition may be an excellent one for the tour major associations, but it is questionable whether it is in the best interests of New Zealand cricket as a whole. Associations such as Southland, Taranaki, South Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, and Manawatu can now field teams which would give a good account of themselves in first-class cricket. A challenge competition on the lines of the Hawke Cup competition would provide many more players with a test of strength than under the present method, and in view of tho proposed tour of England this would be of considerable assistance to the selectors.” The Wellington Cricket Association’s management committee is convening a conference, as agreed at the last Dominion conference, and has invited each association to send a delegate. The Manawatu Association has appointed two delegates—Messrs A. M. Ongley and D. A. K. Moloney.