KEEN INTEREST SHOWN IN SOUTHLAND CRICKET VISIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27567, 8 December 1950, Page 4

KEEN INTEREST SHOWN IN SOUTHLAND CRICKET VISIT

Sports Commentary

By the Sports Editor

Apart from the Plunket Shield series, one of the main games of the local season, and one always keenly looked forward to by the cricketers of both provinces, is the game between Otago and Southland, one of the principal minor associations. The match, which will be played today and tomorrow at the University Oval, should be no exception and it should serve as an excellent final rehearsal for those from either side who will eventualy take part in the shield games, commencing with the match against Canterbury at Christchurch over the Christmas period.

Time was when Southland held the Hawke Cup. symbol of supremacy among the minor associations —its period of tenure was 1911 to 1913—and later, just before the First World War, Southland was given Plunket Shield status, forgoing this when the competition was reorganised and the teams were drawn from four major associations only. Southland has given to Otago in the years that have intervened some firstclass cricketers, and there is much to support the claims of the southern enthusiasts who state that had Southland cricketers more opportunities on faster wickets than are usually experienced in Invercargill before Christmas, they would have made a greater contribution to Otago shield teams than has been the case.

It is true that thepe have been many occasions when Southland has been handicapped by coming from the slowe;r-paced Invercargill pitches to Carisbrook or other Dunedin wickets, but in spite of this, several Southland cricketers have made their mark in Plunket Shield competition, though some of them had to migrate to Dunedin before they were accorded full recognition. Names which come readily to mind are those of R. W. Coupland and Dr K. F. M. Uttley, both of whom had good performances in Southland before coming to Dunedin to play in club cricket here and winning their' spurs in Plunket Shield matches. Direct from Southland teams, however, have been such players as J. C. Scandrett, A. S. H. Cutler (who also played for Manawatu in Hawke Cup games), and G. W. F. Overton, who has been a mainstay of the Otago attack since the war period. ■ Scandrett showed much natural ability; he was a brilliant field, and it was a pity he was not persevered with. Cutler gave good service on his occasional appearances for Otago and is now teaching in North Otago, while of Overton it may well be said that without him Otago would not have been so well placed in the shield competition in recent years. His greathearted bowling has been a featurt of the Otago attack, and he was very unlucky to be relegated to the position of twelfth man for New Zealand Idst S63SOTI * Otago- will be looking to Overton once again to be the spearhead of its shield attack, but with the talent that has-been included in Southland Brabin Shield teams in recent years, the Otago selectors should be looking for any promising newcomers who may appear. The tall- fast-medium-paced bowler. G. Wilson, was a distinct prospect when a Brabin Shield player, and it is unfortunate that he has been prevented by injury from figuring in the earlier club games in Invercargill this season. Another Southlander whose 'promise has been remarked upon is J. Hailes, an attractive batsman, who nfay yet win higher honours. The Otago side should now be showing the form expected of prospective shield players, and under favourable conditions two days of interesting cricket should be provided. Youthful Representative Brendon Nelson, aged 13, who has had only two years’ sailing experience, has been chosen to represent Otago in the inter-provincial Tanner Cup and the inter-club Tauranga Cup contests. He is a member of the North-east Harbour Boating Club. The delegate to the conferences of the two cup contests from the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association will be Mr E. Ryan. Promising Display Miss I. Stuart’s performances against Southland last Saturday were all good and she handled the difficult conditions exceedingly well for a. young player, writes “Volley,” our lawn tennis correspondent. The Kaituna girl's low and fast drives were difficult for her opponent in the Singles and carried sufficient pace and.direction in the Doubles and Mixed Doubles to keep the opposing net player more or less immobilised. Her volleying and her smashing, although still lacking great speed, were working effectively, and she scored frequently with good placements.