CRICKET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25431, 12 January 1944, Page 4

CRICKET

OTAGO ASSOCIATION A meeting of the committee of the Otago Cricket Association was held last night, Mr J. A. Robson presiding. The Southland Cricket Association wrote inviting an Otago team to play a return match at Invercargill.—The matter was referred to the Grade Committee to ascertain what players would be available and to report to next meeting.

Mr E. H. Downes, the manager of the Otago team which played at Christchurch, reported on the trip, and also on the match with Southland. He also made suggestions for the improvement of cricket generally in Otago, these including a reduction in the number of senior teams, a reversion to twoday matches, the giving of more consideration to district cricket, and an improvement in the standard of umpiring. C. Toomey, the captain of the Otago team, also reported on the Christchurch trip, and both he and Mr Downes were thanked for their services.

A report on the Brabin Shield match was furnished by Mr W. Braithwaite, and the matter of a return match in Christchurch at Easter was discussed. It was decided to write to the Canterbury Association requesting its views on the proposal. Mr o. Duncan moved that the matter of reverting to two-day matches for the balance of the season should be considered at a special meeting on Monday, and the motion was carried. The following is the draw for Saturday’s matches:— First Grade.—Air Force v. University, University Oval; Dunedin v. NorthEast Valley, Gardens; Old Boys v. Carisbrook B, Tonga Park No. 2; Kaikorai v. Albion-Y.M.C.A., Kaikorai No. 1; Grange v. Carisbrook A, Carisbrook.

Intermediate. —Ack Ack v. Carisbrook, Carisbrook No. 2; Kaikorai v. Green Island, Oval No. 7; Port Chalmers v. Old Bdys, Oval No. 8.

Second Grade A.—Carisbrook v. Kaikorai B, North Ground No. 2; NorthEast Valley v. Taieri, Taieri; AlbionY.M.C.A. v. Grange, North Ground No. 1; Dunedin v. Kaikorai A, Kaikorai No. 2.

Second Grade B—Port Chalmers A v. A.T.C. A, Port Chalmers; A.T.C. B v. Kaikorai, Tonga Park No. 5; AlbionY.M.C.A. v. Port Chalmers B, Oval No. 6; North-East Valley v. Taieri, Tonga Park No. 4.