FIRST AWARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27385, 10 May 1950, Page 8

FIRST AWARD

“Sportsman Of The Year” HONOUR FOR SUTCLIFFE B. Sutcliffe, the. brilliant Otago and New Zealand batsman, has been awarded the New Zealand Sportsman’s trophy for the outstanding sportsman of 1949. Of the 15 sports editors from all over New Zealand who formed the panel of judges, the overwhelming majority voted for Sutcliffe, and, in ■the opinion of the donors, the proprietors of the magazine, the New Zealand Sportsman, their choice was a very good one. It will be endorsed, they state they are sure by sportsloving people throughout the country. The New Zealand Sportsmans trophy will be presented to Sutcliffe at a function which is being arranged in Dunedin by the proprietors of the magazine in June, and it is understood the presentation will be made by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Bodkin, before a representative gathering of Otago sporting interests. “ Sutcliffe’s deeds on the cricket field are fresh in the minds of everyone,” says the New Zealand Sportsman in announcing the award. “It is no exaggeration to state that he ranks as the greatest batsman ever born in New Zealand. Further, he has the facility for making his runs in such a dashing, attractive manner that his appeal to the cricketing public is unprecedented. The inscription on the trophy reads: , . to be awarded annually to the athlete whose personal performance, or example, has had the most beneficial effect on the advancement of sport in this country.” The New Zealand Sportsman adds “ But not only because of his personal performance is Sutcliffe worthy of the award. His example to others has also been outstanding. His modest and unassuming manner, either after his many triumphs or his rare failures, denotes the true sportsman and gentleman; and his personal prestige, coupled with his willingness at all times to endeavour to pass on his knowledge to others has made his contribution to the advancement of sport a truly outstanding one. “ Now that he has accepted the position of full-time coach to the Otago Cricket Association, providing that he has the knack of imparting even a tithe of his peculiar talents to others, the amount of good he can do to Otago and New Zealand cricket is incalculable. So Sutcliffe more than qualifies on all counts as the winner of the 1949 award. In personal performance, example, sportsmanship, and benefit to sport, his contribution was outstanding.” Sutcliffe’s Records

New Zealand records held by Sutcliffe are:—Highest average in all firstclass cricket by a New Zealander. Highest score by a New Zealander: 355, Highest score made in New Zealand: 355. Highest aggregate in a New Zealand season: 747 (1947-48). Greatest average in a New Zealand season: 106.71 (1947-48). Aggregate of 200 runs or more in one match: 8 times. Double century and century in the same match: 243 and 100 not out v. Essex. Three centuries in successive innings—twice. Century in each innings of a match—four times (no other New Zealander had done this more than once). Highest aggregate by a New Zealand cricketer in England: 2627. Highest score by a New Zealand cricketer in England: 243. Double-century partnership in each innings of a match (world’s record). Highest average in New Zealand four seasons in succession.