CRICKET

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20850, 5 October 1937, Page 10

CRICKET

ACTIVITIES IN SOUTH CANTERBURY THE YEAR REVIEWED The annual report of the South Canterbury Cricket Association states:— The committee desires to express its appreciation of the generous support accorded by the members of the Umpires’ Association in controlling representative and grade matches. The presence of official umpires at competition matches has greatly assisted the Association, and the control exercised by the umpires is greatly appreciated by the players. Your commitee wishes to place on record its recognition of the high standard of umpiring in South Canterbury, and asks all players to pay due respect and to assist the umpires in carrying out their onerous duties. The committee desires to extend its congratulations to the Waimate SubAssociation in having so firmly established the game in its district. The number of teams taking part in the sub-associations competition is a tribute to the untiring efforts of the members of the sub-association, and the future success of the game in the Waimate district is assured. Representative Matches The committee is pleased to report that the representative teams had a successful season. The policy of the selectors in giving the young players an opportunity to gain experience is to be commended. It is pleasing to record that the players justified their inclusion in the representative teams. The Association was represented in the Canterbury Minor Association team against Canterbury by C. Saxton (Old Boys), H. Purcell (Celtic), B. Sara (Timaru) and E. Earwaker (Old Boys). In the Canterbury Minor Association’s competition our team was successful against Ashburton. Thanks to the generous support of the Temuka Club, an excellent wicket was provided for the match at Victoria Park. The outstanding features of the game w’ere the remarkably low scoring and the brilliant bowling of R. Taylor (Star) and J. Kane (Celtic), who dismissed the visitors in their second innings for a very small score. Having won the right to challenge West Coast, holders of the Minor Association trophy, it was decided that a team visit Greymouth. Some difficulty was experienced in getting together a side, but eventually one composed of very young players, under the captaincy of S. D. Mason (Celtic) represented the Association. Although me team was unsuccessful in their efforts to lift the trophy, the committee desires to express its appreciation of their sportsmanship and congratulations in their fine showing. The first grade representatives played a return match with Ashburton, at Ashburton, and were successful in winning by a small margin. Home and home games were played with the Waimate Sub-Association and were thoroughly enjoyed by the players. The South Canterbury second grade representatives were defeated in their match with Ashburton. Competitions As in previous seasons the competitions consisted of three grades with 20 teams taking part. The first grade competition, in which seven teams took part, was won by Old Boys A, which showed consistent form throughout the season. 'The second grade competition was won by Pareora, which thoroughly earned its success. The third grade competition was won by Washdyke, and your committee extends its congratulations to the country club on its success and efforts to popularise the game in its district. Bristol Cup As representatives of this Association, the Old Boys team journeyed to Ashburton to take part in the Bristol Cup competition, and it is pleasing to report that the team was successful in bringing oack the Cup to Timaru. To the Old Boys’ Club the committee extends its congratulations. During the season a sub-committee was appointed to report on the rules governing the competition, and its report will come before the annual meeting of delegates, when a decision will be made as to whether the present rules governing the competition should be altered. Coaching Thanks to the generous support of Mr C. T. Rix, the Association was able to inaugurate the coaching of young players. It is pleasing to report that great benefit was derived by the players from the coaching of Mr Rix. The committee learns with regret that Mr Rix has been transferred from Timaru, but is pleased to report that he will during the coming season assist the Temuka Club. Your committee is of the opinion that efforts should be made during the coming season to arrange the coaching of our young players. Grounds During the season, in spite of the record number of teams taking part in the competitions, the Association experienced little difficulty in providing grounds for all matches. To the rector of the High School (Mr A. G. Tait) the Association’s thanks are due for his generous and ever-ready assistance in providing grounds. Your committee also expresses its thanks to the Curator of Borough Reserves (Mr A. W. Anderson), Mr Foster (Waimataitai Club), Celtic Club and the country clubs for providing excellent wickets. Finance The financial position of the Association, apart from the amount owing to the New Zealand Council for the M.C.C. guarantee, is very satisfactory. The amount of outstanding ground fees is the lowest on record, and your committee recommends that endeavours be made during the coming season to liquidate the debt to the New Zealand Cricket Council.