HAWKE CUP CRICKET

Taranaki Daily News, 5 October 1929, Page 11

HAWKE CUP CRICKET

TARANAKI TO SEEK TROPHY ALTERATION OF SYSTEM SOUGHT. DIRECT CHALLENGE ADVOCATED. A decision to enter another challenge for the Hawke Cup, which carries with it the championship of the minor associations of New Zealand, was made at the annual general meeting of the Taranaki Cricket Association at Hawera last night. The association against which Taranaki is at present drawn is Wanganui with whom, according to the rules, a decision must be- reached before December 13. The match will take place at New Plymouth, probably on or about December 6 and 7. There are .19 minor associations in New Zealand, 'and according to the system of grouping f-or Hawke .Cup purposes teams must play off in pairs for the right to challenge the holders for the cup, which at the present time are Manawatu. In the North Island Taranaki is grouped with Wanganui, Waiapu with Poverty Bay, Wairoa with Hawke’s Bay, . Rangitikei with Manawatu, and Wairarapa with Southern Hawke’s Bay. Waikato is not grouped with any bedy, and may challenge the holders direct without playing an elimination match. Exception to this system of grouping was voiced last night by the chairman (Mr. C. G. Bottrill), who said that the fact that Taranaki was always drawn against Wanganui made it practically certain that only once in about four or five years would Taranaki have a chance of playing the holders for. the cup. Wanganui was admittedly the strongest minor association in New Zealand. Possession of the cup undoubtedly meant a tremendous uplift for .cricket in a province, continued Mr. Bottrill. It vastly increased the popularity of the game and interest amongst the general public, and its possession by Taranaki two seasons, ago practically put the association on its legs financially for a year or two,,. Personally, he was in favour of a return to the system of direct challenge for the cup. Mr. T. H. Bates: It was the means that led to our getting a coaeh in the north. Mr. H. D. Hughes was of the opinion that cricket in Taranaki was improving faster than in Wanganui. More young players were being introduced into the representative team, and he thought it would not be long before Taranaki would more than hold its own with Wanganui. After further discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Bottrill, seconded by Mr. Nicoll, that the Cricket Council revert to the system by which any minor association had the, right of direct challenge for the . cup. Failing this recommendation being adopted, it was resolved to ask the Council to have the present grouping amended so that Taranaki might be drawn alternately against Wanganui and Waikato each year,... . : ■