Early 1900s & World Wars
The First World War years halted the development of cricket in the area to a large extent. For a number of years, both during and after the war, cricket did not flourish, and the game in town lapsed.
But in 1921 the Club was resuscitated and in that year had a team in the South Canterbury competitions. The game was encouraged in the local schools. Once again the game began to prosper. Mr. T. Blanchard was the new president and Mr. R. H. Taylor (Manager of Insulator Works) was appointed club captain. Fund-raising activities for the club included benefit picture performances in the Dominion Theatre, and carnival evenings.
Temuka had a strong senior team at this time, particularly in the 1922-1923 season, and could hold its own with any in South Canterbury. Interest in cricket ran high in the town at this time, so much so that when the M.C.C. team under A.C.McLaren visited New Zealand in 1922-23 it played a Minor Association XI at the Temuka Oval.
Other prominent players of the mid-twenties were Frank Dwan, Ross Edwards, Sam Muff, Paddy Kyne, I.C.Abernethy, Guy Coventry and Noel Salmon.
The strong following that cricket enjoyed in the early and mid 1920’s began to decline somewhat towards the end of that decade. By 1928 the club finally became defunct.
In 1930 a new cricket club was formed once again. Meeting in Chapman’s tearooms in October 1930, those present decided there was sufficient interest in the game to resurrect the club again. It was decided to enter a team in the Senior B grade competition. Those playing for Temuka at that time included – P.Kyne, G.C.Tully, T.Smith, N.Salmon, W Gale, G Jackson, F Dwan, B Edwards, G King, E Andrews, E.J.Chapman and W.Innes.
In those days two wickets functioned on the Oval and very often two matches would be in progress on Saturdays at the Oval.
Although the club almost went into recess at the start of the 1931 season after just one year’s revival, a late entry from Temuka was accepted and the club retained its position. By 1933 it had strengthened further and had regained senior status. The arrival of Tom Hertnon and Bill McDougall, both of whom had represented South Canterbury while still at Timaru Boys High School, further added to the playing strength. Bill was a class batsman and very good fast-medium bowler who became a tower of strength to Temuka during those years. He later joined the police force and, while stationed at Dunedin, represented Otago.
In 1935 the club was further helped with the arrival of several players who came to be stationed at the single men’s camp of the Ministry of Works at the Opihi Bridge. Charlie Rix, a left arm stock bowler who had previously played for Canterbury, Gordon Lyall, and Les Fletcher all added to the teams playing ability. Fred Dawson, who later became a Canterbury captain, arrived at Temuka and played for the club in the late 30’s.
The war years, however, were to follow. With the advent of World War II, and many players having to go overseas with the forces, together with travel restrictions brought about by petrol rationing, the game lost some of its glory. Once again the club went into recess.