CRICKET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20669, 15 September 1930, Page 13

CRICKET.

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION. REPORT FOR PAST SEASON. The annual report of the Auckland Cricket Association, to bt> presented at the 47th annual general meeting to le held at tho Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, September 25, states that although the advance made, so fur as finance is concerned, was not so pronounced as that of the standard of play, the prospects for tho future aro encouraging. The Parnell first grado team deserved particular mention for its performance in not losing any of its 12 matches, winning

two outright, seven on the first innings, and drawing three. This team was a fine example of what may be achieved through sound organisation, reSuliVr nnd Berious practice, and encouragement of keen young players. The club had many such players who would most likely gain higher honours next season, and who should play a big Part in retaining the first grade championship for their club for several seasons. The senior grade B was won by King's Old Boys, which made its first appearance in this competition. The team suffered only one defeat on tho first innings, and by winning four matches outright and five on the first innings established a very strong lead.

Unfortunately, many clubs suffered through delinquency in registering: playen in accordance with tho rules of the association. The management and junior committees had no choice other than penalisina offending teams, and it was regretted that such measures bad to bo followed. The trophy winners wero as follows:~ First grade championship. Auckland Cricket Association's Cup. Parnell; senior grade 2! championship. Robt. J. Clark Memorial Cup, King's College Old Boys; second grad» championship. Walker aud Hall's Cup, Mount Albert; third grade championship, Opotiki Cup, Victoria; fourth, grade championship, Northern Roller Mills Clip, Grej Lynn; club championship, Simmonds ano Osborne Shield, North Shore; Mr. F. W Matthew's bat for first century of tin season. E. Ilorspool; Mr. E. C. Beale's hat for the best second century of the season in the first grade. P. E. Whitelaw; Mr. J. 11. Watts' bat for the first century oi the season in the lower grades, Evitt; Mr. Fred bat for the best batting average in the first grade, J. E. Mills; Mr. Fred Earl's bat for the best bowling average in tho first grade, C. G. anonymous donor's bat for the best batting average in the senior grade B, R. Blair; Mr. E. A. Craig's bat for tho best batting average in the second grade. F. Angus. The_ Auckland representative team's record in the Tlunket Shield cricket was as follows:—Against Otago, won by an innings and 192 runs; v. Canterbury, won on the first innings by 91 runs; v. Wellington, won on the first innings by 150 runs. The Auckland representatives also played a match against the touring M.C.C. t?am at Eden Park, the game resulting in a draw, Tho third test match between New Zealand and the M.C.C. team, which was commenced at Eden_ Park, had to be abandoned after one day's play on account of rain; but a fourth successful test was arranged in Auckland.

G. L. Weir, with an average of 95.66. headed the Auckland Plunket Shield averages. other fine performances being registered by_J. E. Mills and H. D. Gillespie in establishing averages of 81.25 and 61.50. respectively. G. L. Weir also led in ths averages for matches against the M.C.C. side, his figures reading:—Six innings, one not out; highest score, 110; total runs, 421: average. S4.SO.

Thi? management committee felt that the engagement of A. F. Wensley. of Sussex, as a player-coach Inst season, proved such a benefit to young Auckland cricketers, that it had re-engaged him for the forthcoming season. The committee also wished to record its appreciation of the assistance rendered by Mr. H. Duncan for his untiring efforts as honorary secretary to tha coach committee and organiser of a new scheme for winter practice; of tho valuable services rendered by tho president, delegates to the New Zealand Cricket Conncil. selectors, the press, umpires, scorers and nil who worked in the interests of tho game. It was with regret that tho committee recorded the passing of one of its vicepresidents. Mr. A. X. 1 Snedden, who took a keen interest in the association's nffairs. The association lost another Valuable vicepresident in Mr. C. W. Garrard, who followed tho game very closely. Ho represented Canterbury at cricket and Rugby football, and his interest in theso gamei was very pronounced throughout his career. A further loss to the game and to the association came with the death of Mr. Robert Neil], who represented Aucklaud at cricket it) ISS9, and was one of tho pioneers of tho game in the province. He was rarely absent from Eden Park when n match of any importance was being played. The receipts and payments statement showed a credit balance of £146 9s 9d. after making a further advance of iIW 15s 9d to the coach fund. The revenue received from increased registration fees amounted to i'fiO Ss fid, which was alsrf utilised in paying the cost of employing the professional. It is possible that this levy will neain be enforced next season, in order to finance this project.

CLUB AT WAITOA. NO TEAM THIS SEASON. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] TE AROHA, Saturday. Owing to lack of interest the Waitoa Cricket Club will not field a team this season. At the annual meeting last evening the committee decided, in view of tho apathy of players, lo abandon cricket until greater interest was taken.