MANAGER RESIGNS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 303, 22 December 1931, Page 8

MANAGER RESIGNS.

Cricket Trouble Occurs in Dunedin. QUESTION OF COST. (Special to the “ Star.”) DUNEDIN, December 22. In view of the financial position, the Otago Cricket Association decided to rescind a former resolution and not send a manager with the team to Auckland. The tour will cost £196, and the players have been asked to subscribe £3 each. The decision caused a little feeling. Mr J. Rowland, who was originally appointed manager, objected to the president ringing him on the telephone and asking him to resign. Addressing the meeting, Mr Rowland said: “I do not intend to go with the team and I don’t intend to sit again on the management committee. Before you take a vote, I shall have much pleasure in leaving the meeting, and my resignation from the association will be delivered in a few days. “ Thank you very much,” concluded Mr Rowland as he left the room. The Otago cricket team will arrive in Christchurch on Thursday and begin a Plunket Shield match against Canterbury at Lancaster Park on Christmas Day. Team’s Chances. The side is one of the youngest that has represented Otago for many years, says the “ Star's ” Dunedin correspondent, and it is believed that it will do something to retrieve the province’s cricket prestige. Present indications point to either W. A. Priest or J. M’Haffie occupying the position of twelfth man, but M’Haffie is more likely to occupy that place. He may be regarded by some as being a trifle lucky to gain inclusion, but he has shown on more than one occasion that he is a cricketer of real talent, and he made a big name for himself while attending the Palmerston North Boys’ High School. This season his highest score has been only 14, and his average 6.50, but as a bowler of medium pace he has taken ten wickets for 20.70 runs apiece. Priest is a solid and Consistent batsman who has shown improved form since he went from Carisbrook to the University eleven. Last season he put together some useful scores for Carisbrook, and this season has scored 161 runs with an average of 40.25. He has

a good range of scoring shots, being especially strong on the off-drive. At least seven recognised bowlers are included, these being Dunning (who is the captain), Badcock, Smith, Molonev Elmes, Coupland and Blunt. If well handled, the bowling can be put to good use, though the absence of George Dickinson will be a big loss. As far as the pace is concerned, D. Smith will have to be utilised to a certain extent as a change, and a good deal of the work will fall upon the stalwart shoulders of John Dunning. The coach, F. T. Badcock, should be of immense value because he seems to have struck liis best form in batting and bowling, and has proved that he is undoubtedly an opening batsman He has scored 279 runs with an average of 55.80 in club matches this season, and his fourteen wickets have cost 12.57 runs apiece. C. Elmes has been a disappointment- in big cricket, but on his day the left-hander is a dangerous member of the attack, and is also a good forcing bat. Coupland, the exWanganui and Southland representative, has been batting soundly this year, and it is understood that the selectors have been impressed by his bowling at practice, even though he has not had much luck in the club games. Probablv in good company, he may show something of the form that Avon him praise Avhen he obtained such fine figures for Southland against the M.C.C. eleven a couple of years ago. D. A. R. Moloney has made no big tallies this season, but his abilitv as a batsman is undoubted. He has a fine variety of strokes in his repertoire, and is expected to do Avell on northern wickets. His slow boAvling has been of immense advantage to Carisbrook. and his eighteen Avickets have been obtained for 7.72 runs apiece. He may be one of the most successful member's of the attack in the north. Blunt’s Batting. Roger Blunt has shown glimpses of his best form with the bat, and is one of the dependable members of any touring team. His boAvling nowadaA's is of more doubtful quality, however, on account of his injured finger which prevents him from spinning the ball in the Avay that he did formerly, but he has bowled with fair success in the club games. He has put together 95 runs in tAvo completed innings with an average £>f 4 7.50. Alex Knight is another of the experienced members Avho lias fairlv earned lus place by sound batting and firstclass work in the field. He has been giAing his natural batting talent full Play and in five innings (twice not out) has made 163 runs with an average of 54.33. Reg Cherry has been batting soundly and consistently, and in big cricket was one of the feAv Avho met with any success for Otago last year, being well suited for the position of opening batsman.