CRICKET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23302, 21 September 1937, Page 15

CRICKET

OTAGO ASSOCIATION WAR’S ACTIVITIES SURVEYED The annual report of the Otago Cricket Association, to lie presented at the annual meeting on September 28, itates inter alia:— The Christian Brothers Club, which joined, the association in the year 1922, and attained senior rank in 1929, decided that, owing to the loss of several of its prominent players, it should disband as a club. We re- • gret the disbandment of this important club, and hope that the players will continue to derive equal pleasure in the game as members o:f other clubs. Last season 53 teams played in local competitions under the jurisdiction of the, association as follows: —First Grade, eight teams; Intermediate, eight; Second Grade A, 10; Second Grade 81, 12; Second Grade 82, seven; Third Grade, eight. Owing to the secession of the Christian Brothers Club it was resolved at the beginning of the season not to enter a Colts’ team in the First Grade competition, and to limit the First Grade competition to eight teams, the Carlsbrook B team being admitted to this competition. The various competitions were keenly contested, and the interest in most grades well maintained, as the results In most cases were in doubt until the last match. The committee desires _to congratulate the following on being the winners of the various competitions: —First Grade, Carisbrook A; Intermediate, Albion; Second Grade A. Green Island; Second Grade 81, Grange; Second Grade 82, North-East Valley; Third Grade, North-East Valley. During Show Week arrangements were made to play matches between Southland, North Otago, South Otago, and Central Otago. Unfortunately, at the last moment North Otago was unable to send a team, but matches were played between the other two teams. The visiting players enjoyed their stay in Dunedin, and expressed the hope that the holding of a country week .would become an annual fixture. The committee appreciates the action of the Southland Cricket Association and the South and Central Otago players in arranging to send teams to Dunedin for these matches. It is hoped that these fixtures can be arranged in future seasons, as they give the country players an opportunity of meeting the city players on turf wickets, and provide the selectors with an opportunity of seeing the best of the country players. , , An important event last season was the selection of the New Zealand team to visit England, and the committee desires heartily to congratulate J. A, Dunning on his selection. It also congratulates D. A. R. Moloney on his inclusion in the team, for, though not now a resident of Dunedin, he is a product of this province. It is with pleasure that we claim that our two representatives have been two of the most successful players during the tour of Great Britain. \ F. T. Badcock again acted as the association’s coach during the past season, and played with the Dunedin Club. Though handicapped considerably by the unsettled weather experienced, he carried out his duties to the committee’s satisfaction. As his agreement with the association terminated at the end of last season a testimonial match was arranged and a presentation made to him prior to his departure. To the Otago Umpires’ Association we tender thanks for the valuable services rendered each week in controlling our games. It is pleasing to report, that the condition of the grounds continues to improve. Last season both the Dunedin and Otago High School Old Boys’ Clubs occupied Tonga Park, which gives promise of becoming a first-class ground. An up-to-date pavilion is, however, badly required on this ground. While the wickets on the reserves can still be improved, it is recognised that they do improve from year to year. The committee desires to thank the City Council Reserves Committee, Mr Tannock, and the caretakers of the various reserves, not only for their efforts to provide good wickets, but .for having them ready to enable us to make an early start with our matches. The Kaikorai Club is also to be congratulated on the improvement made in its ground, which should eventually make a first-class ground. Carisbrook maintains its reputation as being the best ground in the Dominion. It is. regretted that the association’s finances are not in a more flourishing condition, but it is hoped that during the coming season the position will be considerably improved. * To those who joined up as ground members the committee is deeply indebted for they have greatly assisted in solving our financial problems. It is hoped that during the coming season the ground members’ list will be considerably augmented. There are 31 teams, which, with reserves, approximate 450 players, playing under the Boys’ Cricket Association. At the present time the association is' approaching clubs affiliated to the Otago Cricket Association with the object of clubs entering teams in the under 17 (Fourth Grade) competition. It is considered by the committee that boys leaving school would prefer playing in teams composed of. players of their own age. Members of secondary school teams, who would be playing against club teams, would become acquainted with the members of those teams, and the way for their entry into senior clubs after leaving school would be facilitated. By means of this grade it is hoped that clubs will benefit by the increase of junior members.