CRICKET SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23818, 20 November 1940, Page 5

CRICKET SEASON

DEATH OF OFFICIAL MATCH WITH WELLINGTON KING'S BIRTHDAY FIXTURES The great loss to cricket, and sport in general, by the death of Mr. J. H. Watts was emphasised by the chairman of the Auckland Cricket Association, Mr. W. R. Fee, at last night's meeting of the management committee. In referring to the long and valuable' administrative services of the late Mr. Watts, the chairman said that his loss to clubs and players was that of a lifelong friend. Mr. Fee's remarks were supported by several members, and the meeting stood in silence as a mark of respect to Mr. Watts' memory. Advice was received frjm the Wellington Association that it was prepared to play Auckland at Wellington in a four-day game, commencing on Christmas Day, 5 per cent of the profits to be donated to the Aew Zealand Cricket Council as suggested by Auckland. It uas reported by the junior management committee that the second grade clubs were not in favour of playing all-day games on King's Birthday, and it was therefore decided to play only senior and senior B games on that day. The hours of play will be:—lo a.m. to 12.30 p.m., 1.30 p.m. to 3.45 p.m. and 4 p.m. to <>.3o p.m. A report from the Umpires' Association stated that its membership was increasing and the committee expressed pleasure at this report. The Umpires' Association asked for a ruling regarding prevention of the use of sight screens on the second day of a match when the first day's play had taken place without them. The general opinion was expressed that, if sight screens were not available on the first day, it would not be fair to the team batting on that day if its opponents were allowed the use of screens when it was their turn to bat. It was agreed to leave the matter in the hands of the umpires controlling the game. . Inquiry as to the support forthcoming lor the provincial tourney at Christmas time was sought by the Auckland City and Suburban Association, whose turn it is to sponsor the tourney. It was agreed that every support would be given by the Auckland Cricket Association. ' . The urgent need for forming a ladies committee to assist in raisins money for the Fighting Forces Fund was stressed by the secretary, Mr. E. J. Price, who. with other members of the sub-committee, outlined the part which cricketers were expected to play in the work of the sports committee of this fund. It was agreed to call a meeting at an early date and club delegates were urged to seek the assistance of ladies interested in cricket who would be prepared to give their services. . ~ ... Mr. A. M. Matheson advised the committee that the Boys' Association, which stages matches at Victoria Park on Saturday mornings, now had 12 teams operating and there were several hoys who were still awaiting the opportunity to play. It was agreed that this phase of the association's activities should be given every assistance, and it was decided to allot a boys' team to each senior or second grade eleven to supervise nnd coach generally, Messrs. Price and Matheson to make the allocations at an early date. The primary schools' delegate reported that the annual match between the Hamilton and Auckland primary schools' representatives would take place at Eden Park on the afternoon and morning of December 13 and 14 respectively. Application for affiliation I from the Thames Association was granted.

FIXTURES FOR MONDAY Senior A Grade. —Grafton v. Papakura Camp, Eden Park No. 1, Messrs. W. Lewis, Hirst; University v. Middlemore. Eden Park No 2, Messrs. R. W. Mitchell, L. Bay; Parnell v. Eden, Eden Park. No. 3, Messrs. G. C. Harris, 0. R. Montgomery; Y.M.C.A. v. Ponsonby-Balmoral, Eden Park No. 4, Messrs. K. H. Blennerhassett, A. C. Nicol; North Shore v. Training College, North Shore, Messrs. R. H. Simmonds. A. AnderhOlSenior B Grade. —Ponsonby-Balmoral v. Eden, Victoria Park No. 1, Messrs. D. V. Moore. Carrington; University v. Isorth Shore, North Shore; Y.M.C.A. v. Papakura. Domain No. 1; Middlemore v. Grafton, Domain No. 2; Papatoetoe v. Parnell, Domain No. 3.