Speaking to the 104th annual meeting of NZC in Christchurch yesterday Hadlee, a former New Zealand captain and board chairman, made a plea for the return of greater sportsmanship in the game.

``Umpires must be given every support to stamp out insidious practices in the game.

``The game is at a troubled stage with what we have been hearing and reading in recent weeks. It is of great concern.''

He referred to the allegations of match-rigging charged against several Pakistan cricketers last week, and the recent England-South Africa test series was marred by controversy over umpiring decisions.

``It all boils down to sportsmanship I suppose.''

Hadlee said in his era if catches were not taken properly the fieldsman signalled they had not been taken cleanly.

He recalled an incident in 1951 when New Zealand played England and batsman Cyril Washbrook was recalled after a stifled leg before wicket appeal from Fen Cresswell.

``Fen started to appeal but then realised Cyril had got an edge. He was given out but the team called him back.''

The annual meeting was a quiet affair with no general business.

Peter Sharp and Brigit Hearn, both from Canterbury, are newcomers to the board, filling the positions vacated by Bryan Preston and Lesley Murdoch respectively. Hearn was selected by a panel ahead of former New Zealand captain Sarah Illingworth, who was also nominated.

Iain Gallaway, of Dunedin, was re-elected president for a second term. He was the only person nominated.