RICK DREWER
A CONTEMPORARY cricketing
friend, now a respected
cricket historian, recently sent
me some fascinating newspaper
articles that he came upon
during his research.
Remarkably, the material discussed
in them could almost be a
reference to the present day.
As published in The News of
July 7, 1926, a SACA sub-committee
“appointed to consider
means of improving the game
locally” reported “that it would
be in the best interests of South
Australian cricket if the number of
clubs participating in A-grade was
reduced from eight to six”.
This was no “mugs” committee,
with V. Y. (Vic) Richardson on
board for starters.
The six A-grade clubs would
be Adelaide-North Adelaide, University,
East Torrens-Kensington,
Sturt-Hawthorn, Glenelg-West
Torrens and West Torrens-Port
Adelaide. They also recommended
that there be sub-district and
B-grade competitions.
As observed in The Register
of 16 July, 1926, “the suggestion
originated from a few men who
think that there are too many players
in the A-grade teams who are
not up to standard, but the extra
clubs have meant more opportunities
to the young ambitious player”.
Sounds very similar to an argument
proposed by many today, for
and against the suggestion that a
reduction in the number of clubs
will increase the overall standard
of cricket in SA.
Interestingly, while the A-grade
and sub-district competition was
open age, the proposal stipulated
that the B-grade competition be
restricted to players under 23, except
for two seniors for each team.
The Register continued by
saying “it is extremely doubtful
whether the suggested alterations
will be an improvement to the
summer game”.
Despite the elapsed 95 years
since this initial SACA sub-committee
recommendation, the same
obstacles seem to remain. No one
wishes to see the demise or amalgamation
of “their” club – they are
all a part of the significant history
of cricket in SA.
However, surely these “historic”,
founding district clubs were
originally established to advance
and benefit the future of cricket in
this state.
For the reduction in the number
of Premier A-grade clubs, the proposal
is based, rightly or wrongly,
on the premise that the action will
increase the overall standards.
Isn’t that what the clubs and
competition should all be about?
Is it all about the survival of the
founding clubs, or should it be
about what’s best for cricket itself?
Now, in 2021, 95 years on, it
would appear that it is the same
story, different time, and basically
the same arguments.
But there is one undeniable fact
– nothing has changed concerning
the overwhelming, under-performing
standard of our state cricket
team, and simply put, something
has to be done.
SACA cannot continue to keep
its collective heads in the sand
any longer – but don’t hold your
breath.
Have your say:
Contact Rick at
editor@bunyippress.com.au