CRICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20702, 27 April 1929, Page 14

CRICKET.

Although Dunedin Ims now lost its professional cricket coach, the tuition of young and promising players seems to he destined to play a more important part in the -game than ever, for a number of the leading players in the city have banded themselves together with the object of forming a winter coaching school. Already they have accomplished a groat deal, and the coming week will sec the launching of what shows every sign of being one of the most important ventures ever attempted in the history of local cricket. The need for developing the latent talent which many of the young Dunedin cricketers are known to possess has been exercising the minds of leading players and supporters of the game for some seasons past, and efforts have already been made to carry out systematic coaching. It was hoped when a coach was first brought to Dunedin that, he would be able to remain permanently and continue, his coaching indoors throughout the winter months, but this proved to be impossible. Now, how'ever, through the enthusiasm of prominent players, the winter school is to become a reality, and young cricketers are to be coached by local men well qualified to undertake the work.

Thu undertaking was in the first place made possible by the generosity of Mr T. T. Ritchie, a life member of -the Albion Club, who has granted the free use of Brydonc Hall. A number of players entered with enthusiasm into the task of preparing the wicket, which will consist of felt and matting on an asphalt foundation. A large portion of the hall has been completely covered in with netting, and behind the bowlers a large calico screen has been fixed to make the ball more easily seen by the batsman. Lighting is provided by four electric floodlights. A number of experienced players have already tried the wicket, and have expressed the opinion that it is ideal for its purpose. Such players as F.JMnney, G. G. Austin, R. C. Blunt, L. Cameron, A. Galland, J. Fraser, and R. ,C. Torrance have already signified their willingness to undertake coaching and organising work. The first practices are to be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week, and any cricketer, irrespective of club or grade, is entitled to attend. Only a limited number of players can be coached, however, and a selection will be made of the most promising boys. It is desired that as many players as possible will put in an appearance in the first week. The coaching of *Boys’ Association players is to be undertaken principally by Mr L. Cameron, who will begin a class this afternoon, continuing on Saturday afternoons between the hours of 2 and 4.30 throughput the season, It is hoped that as many boys as possible will immediately avail themselves of the opportunity.