Harris Benefit: Timing of match disappoints Ex-Servicemen (23 April 1999)

23 April 1999

Harris Benefit: Timing of match disappoints Ex-Servicemen

The Christchurch Press

The 11am start for the Chris Harris benefit cricket match on Anzac Day has drawn flak from the Christchurch Returned Servicemen's Association which is powerless to stop it.

Christchurch RSA secretary manager Pat Duggan is disappointed the organisers could have not chosen another day or started the Jade Stadium match in the afternoon when all other sporting fixtures begin.

"While shops are prevented by law from trading until the afternoon on Anzac Day there is nothing to stop sport being played. We just would expect them to show more respect," he said. "Once something like this is played what's to stop other sports playing in the morning?"

Duggan said he had already received calls from members who had seen the start time and asking what could be done and he expected more calls on the day.

"The issue is a very sensitive one for the RSA."

Duggan said he voiced his concerns to the organisers a fortnight ago and they changed the start time an hour from 10am.

"Why do they have to play on this day? I thought the cricket season was finished a month ago."

Chris Herbert, the chairman of the Harris benefit committee, said the group was acutely aware of the Anzac Day association.

"We do not wish to offend anyone and have consulted both the national and local RSA bodies about this."

Herbert said there was no free date available which would be sanctioned by New Zealand Cricket to hold the North-South game during a congested international season.

It was decided the most appropriate time would be when the New Zealand squad assembled in Christchurch before it departed for the World Cup next month.

Herbert said a minute's silence would be observed at the game's start and he hoped the Last Post would be played.

Herbert said the committee was aware it could have played a day-night game but there were grave concerns about dew on the ground in the evening at this time of the year and players being injured just before the World Cup.

He said the match was a testimonial game and not a business venture with the proceeds from the game going to Harris to recognise his service to Canterbury cricket.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)