PLUNKET SHIELD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 7 October 1936, Page 3

PLUNKET SHIELD

FIFTH DISTRICT SUGGESTED MANAWATU MOVEMENT (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, sth October. The movement, emanating from Manawatu, for the formation of a fifth Plunket Shield cricket district is likely to be a subject of discussion in Wellington this week, not only for the Wellington Cricket Association’s management committee, but also for the representatives of the 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 be instructed ns to the views of the associations they represent. Manuwatu’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 an undoubted improvement in the standard of cricket in Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, and Manawatu, while m Wairarapa, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Nelson, Marlborough, and South Hawkes Bay there are outstanding players who, under the present Plunket Shield system, which is restricted to four teams, are unable to gain experience in first-class cricket. Many players in these districts are the equal of cricketers in the city, but unless the country player shows that he is better than the city player the latter is naturally chosen.

“That the country can produce a side of Plunket 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 the system under which the Plunket Shield competition is conducted should be reviewed. The present competition may be an excellent one for the four 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, Hawkes Bay, and Manawatu can now field teams which would give a good account of themselves in first-class cricket. A challenge competition on the hues of the Hawke Cup competition would provide many more players with a test of strength than under the present method, and in view of the 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. R. Moloney.