Town, Country Trial Discussed

Northern Advocate, 9 December 1948, Page 9

Town, Country Trial Discussed

Cricket

The failure of the Country XI in its trial game against. Town at. Eden Park last week caused considerable discussion at a meeting of the 'management committee of the Auckland Cricket Association. Mr F. Martin (Suburbs) introduced the discussion. He said he considered that it would be better to make the game a Possibles-Probables fixture in future. Leading country players should be selected and the teams mixed. Two factors arising from the recent games had to be considered, said Mr E. J. Price. Country players were used to matting wickets, and there had also been the psychological effect on the players of having to face a total of 500 runs. When it was suggested that J. Hardtaff should not have played for the Town team. Mr Price replied that it was the wish of the Country side. WILL IMPROVE The chairman (Mr L. B. Schnauer) considered that ihc country players had to be given every chance, and the game in the country centres encouraged. Auckland was not at the moment in the same happy position as Wellington, which was strong in country talent. He had no doubt that the time would come when Country would be able to field stronger sides. Mr A. J. Postles thought one of the main objects of the match was to satisfy country associations that they were not being overlooked. Their players had to be given consideration. Mr Schnauer: One of the main objects was to give the selectors an opportunity to see the country players. The selectors could not possibly go around the various centres. It so happened that the Town side was especially strong on this occasion and the Country team weak. The matter will be taken up with the minor associations the next time the Auckland delegates meet them.