OTAGO CRICKET ASSOCIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22368, 15 September 1934, Page 17

OTAGO CRICKET ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REPORT The annual report of the Otago Cricket Association, to be presented at the annual meeting on September 27, states, inter alia:— While the weather did not prove quite asgdod as the previous year, players displayed marked enthusiasm. It is also pleasing to note considerable improvement in the play of several young players, and also that there are some very promising juniors coming along, which should augur well for the future success of Otago cricket. It is gratifying to find the public taking a keener interest in the game, and there have been satisfactory attendances at club matches. Mr F, T. Badcock carried out his duties as the association’s cOach to the satisfaction of the Coach Committee and the association generally. The prospects of Otago cricket appear particularly bright, and the fine displays given by some of the younger players in Plunket Shield matches showed that the coach had instilled the true fighting spirit into these players, Mr Badcock has secured a two years’ engagement with the Lancashire League Club, but the. association has entered into an engagement with Mr Badcock for a further two years, and he is returning early in the cricket season to take up his duties with the association. The Boys’ Cricket Association is to be congratulated on the excellent work it is doing in encouraging these young boys in the game of cricket, and which should prove a good nursery for bringing on young cricketers.

It is pleasing to note the enthusiasm displayed by the lady cricketers, and they are' becoming a strong association, regular. matches being played every Saturday. A ‘ representative match was played in Dunedin last Easter against the Christchurch Ladies’ Association,-and resulted in a win for Canterbury. The fact of the ladies showing such an interest in the game should be a help in creating a greater public interest in the game of cricket, and every encouragement should be given to them. : The Grange Cricket Club is to be' congratulated on winning the fielding trophy. The committee desires to urge upon clubs the necessity of improving their fielding. This has been a weakness in';New Zealand cricket for some years, and every effort should be made to improve this important department of the -game. It is a wellknown fact that a good fielding side makes mediocre bowling good. Nothing appeals to the public more than bright, clean fielding,, and a fieldsman who can save 50 runs in an innings is worth his place in any team.

The Wycherley Bowling Trophy has this year been awarded to Mr J. A. Dunning, who thoroughly deserves this distinction for his consistent bowling in shield matches.

i The question of grounds has always been a matter that, has given, the committee a.great deal nf consideration, .and. it is pleasing, to report that.each, year, an improvement is being , ; made in. the wickets. Arrangements : have been made to provide wickets'at Tonga Park for the Dunedin >a'n'd Christian. Brothers Old Boys. “ This ground: should provide another excellent playing area. The Committee desires to express its apnreciation to the Reserves Committee of the Dunedin City Council and to -Mr Tannock and his staff-, for the excellent wickets provided.last season, and also for the fact that matches will now be commenced at the beginning of October. While there is still room for improvement in: the wickets on some grounds, it is recognised the council is doing its best to assist cricketers in - every way possible. , From the balance'sheet it will, be seen that the association’s finances are in a satisfactory position. While, recognising the-difficult- times chibs are experiencing at present, it .is hoped in • the-coming season that clubs will be in a position to pay their various fees due to the association in a more prompt manner than in the past few seasons. ’ The Coach Fund, however, requires augmenting to -enable the association to carry on the-services of the coach-for a further term,* - and an immediate effort will require to be made for thi& purpose, T -.