CRICKET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22847, 30 September 1937, Page 9

CRICKET

OPENING OF NEW SEASON MORE UMPIRES REQUIRED Providing that wickets are available, the opening date of the season will be October 23, according to a decision made at the first meeting of the management committee of the Auckland Cricket Association, held last night. A full series will bo held on Labour Day, October 25. . It was proposed that tho Plunket Shield matches against Otago and Canterbury should be played on December 31 and January 1, 3 and -1, and on January 7, S, 10 and 11 respectively. The suggestion that the match against Wellington should be plaj-ed in February and that "Wellington should be . asked to advise the most suitable dates will be forwarded to the Southern association. The urgent need for more umpires was stressed by Mr. H. Duncan, who said that the Umpires' Association had requested tho Auckland Cricket Association to write again to the affiliated clubs asking that they should appoint one delegate each to_ the umpires' body. Last season s.ime of the junior matches were completed without umpires, Mr. Duncan added, and the matter was a very serious one. In view of the fact that the New Zealand Cricket Council hi.d not yet had its rules printed, the association decided to instruct its delegates to the council to move strongly that the work should be completed. The chairman, Mr. "W. R. Fee, stated that the matter should be approached diplomatically, as there had been a complete revision of rules and the printing had been delayed so that any alterations could be made. The emergency transfer committee will in future be called tho transfer committee, and it was given power to agree to transfers of players without referring the matter to the association. The usual sub-committees were elected, with the exception of the selection and junior advisory committees, which were held over until a future meeting. SUBURBAN ASSOCIATION PAST SEASON REVIEWED An improved standard of play was shown last season, states the report of the Auckland City and Suburban Cricket Association, to he presented at the annual meeting .at the Y.M.C.A. this evening. Unfavourable weather conditions considerably interfered with the senior competition and it was necessary to postpone matches on four occasions. The representative team took part in the Country Week tourney, organised by the Auckland Cricket Association, but. owing to many of tho leading players being not available, : a rather disappointing showing was made. At tho close of the season a team visited several country centres and played enjoyable games at Matamata, Morrinsville and Rotorua. In each instance, however, rain affected play. Tho new leg-before rule will receive consideration, and the committee recommends its adoption in the sonior competitions at least. The question of playing one-day matches will also be discussed. The growth of junior clubs was also a pleasing feature. Special thanks were due to the Umpires' Association for the excellent services rendered, and the standard of umpiring last season was considered high. The financial statement reveals a satisfactory position, there being a credit balance of £lO5 17s. Liabilities are nil. Receipts were ,£350 os 4d and the expenditure was £234 7s sd.