CRICKET APPEAL FOR MORE PLAYERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22478, 13 January 1943, Page 6

CRICKET APPEAL FOR MORE PLAYERS

Difficulty In Fielding Full Teams FIRST ROUND OF COMPETITIONS COMPLETE'’ Concern was expressed at a meeting of the management committee of the South Canterbury Cricket Association last night at the difficulties teams were experiencing in fielding e’ '.is each Saturday. “There are enough players about to enable teams to field full sides each week.” observed Mr R. J. J. Weir. “We are playing a friendly competition, and if we can even up the teams it will ensure better cricket.” The difficulties arising from players working a full day on Saturday were mentioned. On the suggestion of the president (Mr A. E. Lawrence) it was decided to make an appeal to former players to resume the sport and keep competition play alive. The proposed formation of a Council of Sport in South Canterbury was discussed and it was decided to continue the discussion and elect delegates at the next meeting of the management committee. Mr Lawrence: If a Council of Sport can do anything to encourage boys leaving school to continue their interest in sport it will justify its existence. In a young country like New Zealand there are too many young people in the grandstands. There is a gap between the schools and sporting bodies which will have to be bridged. Mr Weir: There are thousands of boys in New Zealand who have lost their interest in active participation to sport after leaving school. Mr W. Gow: A Council of Sport cannot do much harm, but can do a wealth of good. The expenses of such a council would be small. Mr Lawrence: There is strength in unity. Sporting bodies in this district are on friendly terms, but they do not speak with one voice. Congratulating the South Canterbury team on its win at Ashburton, the president said that it was one of the youngest teams to represent the district. It was decided to write to the Ashburton County Cricket Association thanking it for the hospitality extended to the South Canterbury team during its visit. “We should invite the Ashburton team to Timaru,” said Mr Weir when the question of a return match was under discussion. It was unanimously agreed to invite the Ashburton team to visit Timaru towards the end of February. It would be left to the visitors to arrange transport. The first round of the Association’s friendly competition was completed on Saturday and the position of teams is as follows:—High School 11 points, Timaru-Old Boys 11, Star-Fairview 9, Army B 7, Field Regiment 5. Army A 2, and West End 2. The draw for Saturday, when play in the second round of the competition will begin, is as follows: Star-Fairview v. Field Regiment. :<t Park; High School V. Army B, at Rectory; Army A v. Timaru-Old Boys, al the Showgrounds; West End a bye.