CRICKET

Southland Times, Issue 20016, 2 November 1926, Page 4

CRICKET

EASTERN DISTRICT ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING HELD. The annual meeting of the Eastern District Cricket Association was held in Mr W. D. Shelton’s rooms (Gore), on Saturday afternoon, when the following-were present: Mr G. J. Smart (Wyndham), president; Messrs J. J. Perry and Divers (Gore); Messrs Sutton and Hamer (Waikaia); Mr G. Scott (Pukerau); Messrs A. Crawford and D. McColl (’Koi) ; Messrs T. Bogue and S. Bowers (Mataura); Messrs W. Clarke and A. Heath (Lumsden); and Mr J. Mallon (Celtic, Gore). The chairman extended a welcome to the delegates from the various district clubs. The excellent attendance was a good omen for the future, and made lovers of. the game feel that cricket was going to take its rightful place in the field of sport. He then read the following report: In presenting your annual report it gives me much pleasure to record the success of the Gtjre Club in winning the competition for the season. Although the season was only partially successful, the winners well deserve the honours of the competition. Owing to the number of postponements and the interference with the dates allotted for the season, it was impossible to complete the fixtures, with the result that the season was to a large extent robbed of its benefits. The spirit in which the matches were played, however, largely helped to compensate for the few matches that were played, as on each occasion a most friendly game was enjoyed by all concerned. I desire to congratulate all clubs on the fine spirit of cricket manifested in their various games. If this healthy spirit can be maintained in this district competition success will soon become apparent and the, game be restored to the position in which it should stand in the realm of sport. I desire to congratulate the clubs again on battling along against somewhat heavy odds, as it is evident from reports to hand that some of them have had many handicaps to make up. The expenses for the year have been so light that I did not consider it necessary to make a levy on the clubs. Let us hope that the incoming season will be full of games played to a satisfactory end with a win to the team. The president then moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Mr Heath and carried. The following were elected to the executive for the ensuing year: President, Mr W. Christie (Waikaia) ; vice-president, Mr A. Heath (Lumsden) ; secretary, Mr C. S. Divers (Gore) ; members, Messrs W. McGoldrick (Celtic) and J. J. Perry (Gore). Mr Perry expressed the thanks of the association to Mr Smart for his services during the year. Mr Smart’s good work was reflected in the increased attendance that day. Mr Sutton (Waikaia) seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr Smart suitably replied, expressing the hope that cricket in the district was on the up-grade and would see better days. Mr Smart said it had been suggested at his club meeting that the district should be divided: the four northern clubs—Lumsden, Waikaia, ’Koi and Pukerau—should play each other, while Gore, Wyndham, Mataura and Celtic should form the other section. Mr Mallon supported the proposals of Mr Smart. Mr McCqII said the ’Koi Club preferred to be in the Gore sub-district. Mr Scott said his club could not travel as much as the proposal implied. The northern teams would have to travel too much. Mr Bogue said eight matches in one round were too many. Mr Clarke also thought there was going to be too much travelling to suit the Northern players. Mr. Smart thought some of the northern matches should be played at Gore. Mr Scott said it could be arranged for one of the northern clubs could play Pukerau at Pukerau, and Pukerau could travel to play the other. After discussion he moved that one round be played during the‘season. Mr Clarke seconded the motion, which was carried. The arrangement of the fixtures was left to the executive. It was resolved that the fixtures open on November 10 and 13. Mr Clarke moved that a representative match be played between players from the north end of the district and players from the south end, the match to be played at Gore after the chib fixtures have been completed. It was resolved that four matches be played before Christinas and three during January, the dates to be arranged by the executive. Messrs Perry, Sutton and Bogue were appointed a Selection Committee to choose a team to play Invercargill. Mr Clarke moved that the affiliation fee from each club be £1 1/-. Mr Smart considered their finance could provide a shield or trophy, and he moved that the matter be referred to the executive. Mr Sutton seconded the motion, which was carried. It was resolved that all matches be started at 2 p.m. and continue until 6 pjn. with the option of half an hour’s extension if deemed necessary. The matter of rules for the association was referred to the executive to draft a copy for the use of the executive and i affiliated clubs. Mr Mallon brought up the matter of junior teams. He thought every encouragement should be given to them. Mr Perry said he thought junior teams would be confined to Gore. Mr Smart said they must look to their schools for junior teams. It was agreed that every encouragement , be given to the formation of junior teams.