CRICKET

Southland Times, Issue 24249, 5 October 1940, Page 11

CRICKET

STEADY PROGRESS MAINTAINED ACTIVITIES IN EASTERN SOUTHLAND “While the steady progress of cricket evident in Eastern Southland during 1 the last fevO years was again maintained last season, enthusiasm in the game was to some extent dampened by inclement weather, which prevailed fairly consistently throughout the summer months,” states the annual report of the Eastern Southland Cricket SubAssociation to be presented at the annual meeting of the association this evening. “As a result the progress of competition matches was hampered to a great extent,” the report states, “but nevertheless the committee was able to bring the contest to finality and at the same time make provision for three senior representative matches. “The outbreak of war shortly before the beginning of last season overshadowed everything but despite the difficulties prevailing the committee decided to proceed with the competitions as usual,” the report continues. “The clubs had been affected by players leaving for military service and since the end of the season the ranks of some teams have been further depleted, while it is probable that further losses will be sustained shortly. Petrol restrictions added to the difficulties faced by clubs especially as the district is so scattered and so much travelling in involved, and this is likely to provide a bigger hurdle in the coming season unless some relaxation is allowed for the conveyance of teams. The committee feels, however, that the clubs should make every endeavour to keep the game alive and it behoves older members to do all in their power to assist in this direction.

“Six teams, Gore, Mataura, Celtic, Wyndham, Tapanui and Waikoikoi contested the senior grade competition,” the report states, “and at the end of the scheduled two rounds Gore and Mataura were level in points. A play-off was fixed for Mataura and in a fighting finish the home team was successful by the narrow margin of one run. The ) junior grade also provided keen competition. Six teams were entered, Celtic, Mataura, Gore High School (2), Wyndham and Knapdale, and at the end of the round Mataura and Celtic were level. The play-off resulted in another win for Mataura, thus completing the double. The committee extends its congratulations to Mataura on its performance. “An innovation during the year was the beginning of Country Day matches, which proved an outstanding success and the committee feels that the series should be continued if at all possible. Thanks are due to the Southland association for the hospitality extended to country cricketers and for the thorough manner in which the day was organized. Eastern Southland was represented by three teams all of which performed creditably. Two other senior representative matches were played during the season. “A problem arose in the middle of last season about grounds at Gore. Representations were made to the Gore Borough Council for the use of Block A Domain during the summer months. The council granted the request and the ground has now been handed over to the clubs for the laying of wickets and the erection of pavilions. The subassociation feels that the acquisition of a permanent ground should prove of considerable benefit to cricket in the town.

“The balance-sheet discloses the largest credit for some years. “The committee regrets to report the departure during the year of the secretary, Mr P. M. Kerr, who is now in the military forces. Mr Kerr’s organizing ability proved of great benefit to cricket and his- place will be hard to fill. His services to the game were recognized at the annual presentation of trophies. The committee extends to Mr Kerr the best wishes for the future,” concludes the report. SUCCESSFUL YEAR ATHLETIC, CYCLING AND AXEMEN’S UNION “As was to be expected there was a slight falling off in the financial returns for the year,” says the annual report of the Southland centre of the New Zealand Athletic, Cycling and Axemen’s Union which will be presented at the annual meeting this evening. “Season registrations were 120 compared with 153 for last year and day registrations 60 compared with 76. Affiliated societies were 16 compared with 19 for 1938-39. The financial statement shows a profit on the year’s activities, the credit balance standing at £24/16/11 compared with £23/16/4 for the previous year. In an undoubtedly difficult year it is very pleasing to note that the centre has-more than held its own from a financial point of view. “As a result of the representations of Mr H. E. T. Sutton to the Minister of Internal Affairs the centre received an invitation to appoint a delegate to represent the centre on the Southland Provincial Sports Council and Mr V. Vial was nominated as the centre’s representative. Obviously the coming season will see a great restriction of athletic activities, but societies will assuredly find a useful and worth-while outlet for their energies in fostering the love of athletics among youths and children.”