Northern Districts club cricket gets a boost

Northern Districts has launched an all-out assault to enhance the value of its club and district cricket this summer.

As New Zealand Cricket prepares to release the findings of special committees, which have been investigating how to improve the quality and interest in cricket below first-class level, Northern Districts has led the way with some innovative plans.

It is starting its club season on October 7 with senior teams from Counties, Thames Valley, Midland and Hamilton Associations taking part in a combined one-day competition.

Teams will revert to their own regions for their regular two-day competition games.

Northern Districts Association chief executive John Turkington said the response in the region had been excellent.

"In fact, it has been absolutely unbelievable. It has gone from what we thought would be some interest to genuine keenness.

"If you play your senior club cricket in Hamilton you are in one of six teams and usually play most of your games at one ground, where all three senior games are being played.

"You never get to other venues or to play against other players. You will under this plan," he said.

Northern Districts has also brought in a "state of origin" scheme for its Fergus Hickey Rosebowl competition which is to decide the northern region semi-finalist for the Hawke Cup competition.

It will mean players who move from their home region to another within the major association, will be able to play their club cricket in that centre, but go back and play their Rosebowl matches for their home region.

The scheme was devised to halt the loss of strength in smaller areas as key players leave to build-up for the first-class season.

Another move being made by Northern Districts is in relation to developing Maori cricket.

This area has long been a source of concern to New Zealand Cricket. In the mid-1990s there was talk of enhancing Maori participation in cricket. John Hood expressed similar concerns in his December 1998 assessment of his original 1995 report on the state of the game in New Zealand.

After ND discussion with Tainui, and other interested groups, in Hamilton, there will be a Maori team playing in Hamilton's senior B competition this year and two teams in the President's Grade.

"This is just a start," Turkington said. "We would like to see a competition starting up between maraes. We have made an offer to help with laying artificial wickets, to coach teams and umpires.

"The relationship started last year when we played a Cricket Max game at Steel Park which was a huge success.

"We are mindful however, that we would like the Maori teams to develop at their own pace and in their own conditions.

"It has taken us 12-15 months to get to where we are now," he said.