CRICKET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20987, 25 September 1931, Page 14

CRICKET.

IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARD.

COACHING YOUNG PLAYERS.

NEW SYSTEM OF SCORING

"The past cricket soaaon w&e successful in every wny, and there was & distinct improvement in the standard of play in 8.11 grades," said Mr. F. Earl, K.C.. president of the Auckland Cricket Association, at the annual meeting of tho association last evening. . Mr. Earl referred to the performances of tho New Zealand team in England, and said that the year had been important as marking the appearance of the Dominion in the solect circle of tost cricket. Critics had differed in their opinions of the work of the team, but it had fulfilled all reasonable expectations. Although at first sight the accounts were not entirely satisfactory, a closer examination revealed a better position, Mr. Earl •jaid. The season commenced with a credit balance of £146. and closed with a debit balance of £153, indicating a loss of about £3OO on tho soason's operations, which would be serious if other items were not considered. There was, however, an asset of £125 in shares in New Z'ealand Cricket, Limited, and the coach account was indebted to the association to the extent of £227, which had not been collected from supporters, as had been hoped, largely on account of the prevailing depression and the Hawke'e Bay earthquake. The financial position of the oountry wm such as to make extreme caution necessary in the matter of importing English coaches, continued Mr. Earl, and the management committee had decidod that no coach should be imported for the coming season, and possibly for the one after also. It was hoped, however, that arrangement* could be made for coaching the primary school players in particular. Mr. Earl said the prospects for the coming season were very bright, and cricketers were looking foward to representative matches at Eden Park. Only big cricket could make great players, and the fact that New "Zealand could not season players in. big matches had kept the Dominion in the background for so long. The report and a summary of which appeared in tho Herald previously, were adopted. It was decided that in all local two-day matches, the team batting first should not in future be entitled to bat beyond the first day, provided that play was extended to three and three-quarter hours on that day. The following new scale of point* for scoring was agreed to:— Outright tJ points; win on first innings. 4; loss on first innings, 1; outright Moss. 0; tie on either innings, 3; no result on first innings, 2. Delegates discussed a proposal to reduce the price of admission to matches, and the chairman said tho matter would be considered. , _ , The following officers were elected:—Patron. Sir James Coates; president, Mr. F. Earl, K.C.; vice-presidents, Dr. H. C. Bennett. Dr. A. McGregor Grant, Messrs. G. T. Bayly, E. C. Beale, Carlton Hay, H. J. Hayward, S. Hesketh, H C. Jones. R. B. Lusk. E. E. Nalder; management committee. Dr. Bennett, Messrs. Lusk and Nalder (vice-presidents), P. Shaw (Eden), C. A. Snedden (Grafton), W. J. Coates (North Shore). H. Duncan (Parnell), N. C. Snedden (Ponsonby), L. B. Schnauer (University), J. H. Miller (Y.M.C.A.). W. Harwood (secondary schools), D. V. Mooro (primary schools); honorary secretary, Mr. N. H. E. Hockra; honorary treasurer, Mr. J. H. Watts; honorary auditor, Mr. D. R. Gnrrard. The question of the affiliation of the Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys' Club will be considered at the first meeting of the management committee. The matter was not discussed by delegates last evening. AVONDALE CLUB. The balance-sheet presented at the annual meeting of the Avondale Cricket Club showed a small credit balance, which was expected to be substantially augmented as a result of a recent combined clubs' carnival. The report stated that the senior grade B team was runner-up in its division, the other teams also performing creditably. It was decided to enter three teams in the competitions next season, namely, senior grade B, third grade A and third grade intermediate. . , , The following officers were elected Patron. Mr. H. G. R. Mason.. M.P.; president Mr. H. P. Burton; vice-presidents, some as last year; secretary and treasurer. Mr. A. Allan; management committee, Messrs. C. Ilinton, J. Crawford, C. Webb, L. D. MeKenzie, J. Webb. A. Martin and J. Tannahill. ROTORUA STJB-ASSOOIATION. INCREASE IN INTEREST. [FROM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.] ROTORUA, Thursday. At the annual meeting of the Rotorua Cricket Sub-association this week it wae reported that efforts to form a Bay of Plenty minor association had been successful and that the New Zealand Cricket. Council had officially approved the constitution of the counties of Tauranga, Taupo, Whakatane and Rotorua as the territory of the new association. Headquarters, will be in Rotorua and the new association will be eligible to enter a challenge for the Hawke Cup. . , , . A . The annual report of the sub-association disclosed a satisfactory past season, and .a credit balance of £l2. It was decided, jn view of the difficult times being experienced by country clubs, to reduce the affiliation fee to the association - from three to two guineas for the season. . ...... Mr. F. Simmonds intimated that there wae a possibility of forming a Maori team at Whakarewarewa. The suggestion that a Maori team might be admitted was welcomed by the meeting. It was also reported that another club had been formed in the town, to be known as the Old Boys' Club. . It was decided to open, the season for competition games on Saturday, October-17, and a one-day match with the Te Puke Club was arranged for Labour Day. The election of officers resulted:—Patron, Mr. A. R. Ryder: president, Mr. D. Steele; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. Hicrgins, J. DickBon, E. Harvoy and Dr, S. H. Hay; secretary. Mr. R. G. Webb: assistant secretary, Mr. J. Hinton; treasurer, Mr. H. L. Muagrave; auditor, Mr. L. J. Dingle.