Reviews Successful Year; Zones Shield Competition

Northern Advocate, 5 October 1948, Page 3

Reviews Successful Year ; Zones Shield Competition

NORTHLAND CRICKET ASSOCIATION

THE zoning of the Dargaville Shield and Golden Bloom Shield competitions, the appointment of three selectors resident in the Whangarei county, the presentation of a comprehensive report by the president (Mr E. L. Whimp) and a handsome balance sheet by the treasurer (Mr G. H. Hook) were the highlights of the annual meeting of the Northland Cricket Association last night.

Delegates from Mangonu Northern Wairoa, Mid-Western

In reviewing the past season, Mr Whimp referred to the value of the visit to Northland of the Fijian team. Prior to their arrival, arrangements for Northland’s parthuyation. in Country Week, the Provincial tournamenf and the Hawke Cup had fallen through on account of the infantile paralysis and the prospects for Northland cricket were not over bright. The visit of these colourful and delightful players put a different complexion on the whole outlook, Mr Whimp said, and the season closed on a very high note. Mr Whimp paid tribute to those people who had assisted the association in making the Fijian visit possible.

The match had qulclcenec interest in cricket in the North and provided valuable experience and a test' for local talent with a handsome rake-off to the New Zealand Cricket Council, a small profit to the Northland association and a decided thrill to the large number of spectators who witnessed the game.

“Perhaps the most important result of our negotiations,” the president added, “was an assurance that in arranging future itineraries for overseas teams. Northland’s claims would not be overlooked.

“This assurance coupled with the visit of the Fijians and the redemption of all our obligations to the N.Z.C.C has raised the status of the Northland association in the eyes of the parent body to a level commensurate with other minor associations throughout the Dominion.

: ‘ln view of the possibility of more frequent visits to the Dominion of Australian State teams, it will be the responsibility of future managements to watch closely any moves in this direction with a view to pushing with the utmost vigour and determination Northland’s claims for matches, admitting of no inferiority complex in the calibre of our cricket.

“While recognising that an All Australian team as yet is far beyond our standard of cricket, I believe that an occasional visit from state teams would do much to enhance the standard of our play, while Northland would constitute a natural starting point for a

i, Bay of Islands, Whangarei, and Rodney were present.

Dominion tour, as in the case of the

Fijians.

PITCHES “The question of suitable wickets for overseas and representative games i s one that must be faced up to without delay. We are, and have been for many years, almost wholly dependent on the generosity of the High School Board for grounds. “I think it will be generally agreed that the venue of representative matches should be in the centres of greatest population, both from the point of view of gates and accommodation.

“It is therefore, gratifying to hear of prospects of first-class turf wickets at Kensington Park by 1950. Once suitable wickets are available, 1 feel sure that more frequent visits from touring teams will eventuate. Good grounds are of paramount importance.” ~ Mr Whimp referred to the splendid win cf a Northland team over the Auckland Brabin Cup representatives at Easier.

The past season had seen a healthy revival of interest in Dargaville Shield cricket. Five matches were played and all were won outright.

The present holders, Whangarei. had suggested zoning of the shield competitions as the present method unduly interfered with club cricket.

Whangarei also won the Golden Bloom Shield for colts cricket. The result of the art union was disappointing. the president said. Congratulations were extended to I. Wyatt on his selection in the Auckland Plunket Shield team, and to other players who gained rep. honours. Thanks to all helpers, officials and the Press concluded the report. The financial statement revealed that the season closed with the association holding a cash balance of £l9O 16/2.

Officers elected were: Patron, Mr A. Drever; president, Mr E. L. Whimp; vice-presidents, presidents of all subassociations and Messrs A. J. Murdoch, S. W. Smith, and T. C. Webb, M.P.s; secretary, Mr W. G. C. Bain; treasurer, Mr G. S. Blanshard; auditor, Mr L. Wilton; resident delegate to the NZCC, Mr E. H. Hay.