NEW CRICKET SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19469, 27 October 1926, Page 17

NEW CRICKET SEASON.

THE AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION OPENING DATE POSTPONED. NOW FIXED FOR NOVEMBER 6, After discussing the question of grounds for nearly two hours last evening., the Management Committee of the Auckland Cricket Association decided to postpone the opening of the season from nest Saturday tmtil the following Saturday, November G. Sixty-nine entries for the various competitions were received and it was estimated that about 37 wickets were available. Although this number was sufficient, doubt was expressed whether all. the wickets, particularly those at the Domain, would be ready for next Saturday. A suggestion was made that some of the grade matches should be commenced on the date originally fixed, but owing to the uncertainty of the position it was deemed wiser to postpone all features for a week. The following eight entries were accepted for the senior grade:—Eden, Parnell. North Shore (two teams'. Ponsonby, Grafton, University and Y.M.C.A. Another lengthy discussion ensued over the proposal to inaugurate a senior B competition. The following five teams were nominated for this grade:—Eden. Parnell, I'onsonby, University and Papatoetoe. The fear was expressed by some members that if clubs desiring to enter tho senior B grade had no second grade teao»s, third grade players would be called upon in emergencies to fill gaps. This was con- • idered to be undesirable as tending to lower the standard. On a division, the proposal to establish a senior B grade was carried, the voting being seven for and fivo against. It was decided to limit the competition to six teams and Papakura was added to the entries in the grade. The following fivo teams were then accepted:—Eden, Parnell, University, Papatoetoe and Tapakura. The position as affecting Ponsonby will be decided later. The question of grading the teams in the senior B and lower grades was referred to Messrs. Dow, Sneddon, Beale and Saunders, who will confer with the Junior Advisory Committee. MATCH AT KING'S COLLEGE. The following team will play a match against King's College this afternoon:—S. C. Arblaster, E. C. Beale, W. J. Coates, H. Duncan, P. C. Farley, A. M. Haresnape, E. Horspool, J. Hume, A. J. Lake, W. L. Robinson and R. Stewart. THAMES ASSOCIATION. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.] THAMES, Tuesday. At the annual meeting of the Thames Cricket Association the following officers were elected: —Patron, Mr. E. N. Miller; president, Mr. W. R. Oleeson, vice-presi-dents, Messrs. W. Wilson. J Kennedy. C. R. Cooks: S. Martin. J. Kelly, jun., F. 11. Claxton. E. J. Renshaw, W. Bongard. C. Randruji. F. W. Iletherington. R. Kirk, P. Ganly, W. White, W. Bell, W. J. Scrimgeonr. B. Harvey; management committee, Messrs. Shepherd. A. Brockinshire. G. Twentyman, A. Dare, A. E. L. Dodd. F. G. Wayne, W. 11. Honlt, H. Laing; selector, Mr. E. O. Brownlee; secretary, Mr. F. Gibson. It was decided to open the season on Kovember 13. The presentation of a cup by Mr. A. E. Court for competition was gratefully accepted. It was decided to present the Crease Clip for competition among 'he various schools. Mr. E. C. Beale, Aucklan. wrote regretting that there was no minor association in the district affiliated to the New Zealand Council and eligible to compete for the Hawke Cup. He asked that steps be taken to remedy the defect in time for the approaching season, und also offered to do what he could to ensure visits to Thames of Auckland teams. It was decided to reply asking for Mr. Beale's advice in the furtherance of tbs ! status of minor associations.