New Zealand Cricket has just announced the South Canterbury Cricket Association is to host two first-class games this season, with both a one-dayer and Twenty20 match scheduled for the Aorangi Oval.

The Canterbury Wizards will play the Wellington Firebirds on Thursday, December 23, in a Twenty20 contest starting at 2pm

Lee, who retired from test cricket earlier this year, confirmed through his manager he was ready and willing to play in New Zealand’s Twenty20 competition after being approached by both Canterbury and Wellington.

Lee’s manager Neil Maxwell said if it fitted into his schedule, he would take up the offer.

“He’s only got two domestic one-day games during December and if he wants to be ready for the England ODIs in January, then he’s going to need to be playing consistently throughout the summer.”

Wellington would appear to have the inside running, with coach Anthony Stuart a former NSW team-mate who played in Lee’s state debut.

Canterbury are also understood to be on the verge of signing another Australian fast bowler, Shaun Tait, who is also unavailable for the Ashes series.

The presence of Lee and Tait would boost numbers at Aorangi Oval.

SCCA president Andrew McRae said they were delighted to again host provincial cricket at Aorangi.

“The hard work in renovating the changing rooms and maintaining the quality of the playing surface has paid off.”

McRae said the season’s main event will be the Twenty20 fixture against Wellington.

“It is a great opportunity for the Timaru community to choose to celebrate their last days of work prior to the Christmas period at Aorangi Oval watching a game that could well include international stars such as Shaun Tait and Brett Lee.

“This will be a magnificent opportunity for the cricketing fraternity of South Canterbury to see real stars in our own backyard.”

McRae said they were working on corporate packages that could double as Christmas functions for businesses.

The chairman was unsure whether New Zealand internationals would be available.

“Given the developments in England presently, with the Pakistan national side, I am unable to say whether the New Zealand players will be available over that period as the home series against Pakistan is due to commence on 26 December.”

McRae said the mid-week 50-over game on February 2 against the Volts Otago also presented as an exciting opportunity.

“Last year the game resulted in almost 800 runs being scored in a match that went down to the wire.

“The traditional Canterbury-Otago rivalry will ensure an event not to be missed on Aorangi.”

McRae said with the fixture list confirmed South Canterbury Cricket will go into overdrive to plan for the events.

Overall winners were the Ritchies Coachlines team with members Merv Corfield, John Davies, Murray & Linda Davies.

Many other companies and organisations supported the event including a Temuka Transport team, a Lynn River team, an Avanti team, a Monteiths team, the Y2E team, a Police team, a SCCA staff team (although they don’t appear to be working together well in the photo), teams with life members, and numerous other teams.

Click the photos to enlarge. Under the photos you will see numbers. These are more gallery photos from the same event, so click the 1, 2, 3 or 4 or forward and back arrows to navigate.

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Teams of 4-stableford competition

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A summary of the key changes and explanations as to the new interpretations can be read here >> Laws of Cricket Changes 2010

At the South Canterbury Cricket awards night on Thursday,  South Canterbury Cricket president Andrew McRae said the option of a four-day match at the ground next season could not be ruled out.

Aorangi Oval saw domestic cricket return to the region for the first time in five years this summer with a domestic one-day game and a Twenty20 match.

With a record-breaking batting effort in the one-day match, and a good crowd for the Twenty20 game, McRae said they would be keen to host more domestic cricket in South Canterbury, with four-day cricket being an option.

“We’ll definitely be looking into it, and it’s a possibility for next season, but we will be happy with any games.”

McRae said a four-day game may not be a financial success for the region like the two matches this season, but it would be great to host a game if given the opportunity by Canterbury cricket.

Canterbury coach Bob Carter, who was the guest speaker for the evening, said he would support any bid by South Canterbury to host domestic cricket next season.

Carter also said he was willing to consider the possibility of getting a third selector for the Canterbury side to look at “players from outside Christchurch”.

The comment was made in reference to South Canterbury batsman Craig Davies, who scored 1190 runs this season in all forms, and was named under-23 player of the year, and his 156 for South Canterbury against North Otago saw him take the trophy for best single performance for the representative side.

Carter said he was aware of Davies’ talent, because the 22-year-old had already played games for Canterbury regional sides this season under the guidance of current Canterbury selector Paul Wiseman.

“From our angle, it needs further looking at, as to whether we need another selector for the areas outside of Christchurch.”

He said Davies’ performances this season was a good reminder of the talent in the Canterbury region.

McRae said it was important for South Canterbury Cricket to make sure it promoted its players for higher honours.

The 22-year-old was the big winner of the evening, while his premier grade side Celtic swept the team awards for winning the Twenty20, one-day and two-day competitions.

Hannah Linton won the women’s bowler and batsman award for the season.

Linton scored 598 runs at an average of 99.67 and took 34 wickets at an average of 5.

South Canterbury captain Todd Elliotte received an award for playing 100 games for his province. He is only the fourth man to achieve the milestone.

To see the award winners from the night visit the Trophy Cabinet

The Celtic club depth was on show when they won the Senior Reserve Grade over Timaru as well as the Presidents Grade, while Star/MVHS took the honours in Second Grade in a thrilling final against the newly formed Temuka team.

In the women’s competition, TGHS won back the trophy which had been missing for a couple of seasons, while in junior cricket, Waihi won the A Grade and Grantlea were deserving winners in B Grade.

When you look through the senior batting averages, you can see why Celtic dominated the season with seven batsmen featuring in the top list while the bowling is a lot more spread out over all the teams in the competition.

Craig Davies understandably leads both the aggregate and averages for batsmen scoring just under 800 runs including four centuries and also features mid table in the bowling with 23 wickets. There were nine centuries this season with Johnny Geddis scoring two including one in the final, a match that saw Dan Laming with 174 make the highest score of the season.

The bowling table was again headed by Kevin Teahen with 42 wickets, but he was a tireless workhorse sending down more overs than anyone else too. Close behind with 39 wickets and well in front with an average of only 10.3 runs per wicket was Glenn Matthews, a new player to the district, and he was also the second most economic behind Dan Laming who only conceded 2.5 runs per over for the season.

*Note: 300 runs or more to qualify

*Note: 18 or more wickets to qualify

Previously involved in cricket in North Canterbury, Threlkeld moved to South Canterbury in 1980, and since has held a multitude of roles within the game.

Describing himself as a “pretty average all-rounder” during his playing days, a willingness to stay involved in the game made him become an umpire 20 years ago.

Threlkeld said being in charge out on the pitch could be a thankless and tiring job at times, but he enjoyed it.

“I still like being involved in the game, and seeing the game up close.”

The changes Threlkeld had seen in cricket over the years had been minimal, but significant, with bats being lighter than ever and pitches on the improve.

Threlkeld said his proudest moment in cricket was his involvement with junior cricket, when he was coach of the South Canterbury team which won the South Island primary school tournament in 1996, 1997 and 2006

“There’s been some good cricketers from here.”

Former Black Cap Craig Cumming and former Otago representative Jordan Shead were coached by Threlkeld during their early years. He said watching young players improve their technique and grow as players was the most enjoyable part of coaching.

Threlkeld said he had no problem with technology being used to make sure the umpires make the right decision.

“At the end of the day, umpires aren’t going to get every decision correct.”

Threlkeld said he would continue to be involved in the game for as long as possible.

“As long as I still feel I am contributing, then I’ll be around.”

All cricketers and supporters are welcome.

No charge.

Celtic head into the Twenty20 final against Star at the Aorangi Bowl as red-hot favourites.

As the traditional heavyweights of senior cricket over the past decade, Celtic have also booked a place in the 50-over against Temuka.

They look likely to contest the two-day Tweedy Cup final as well.

The free-scoring Twenty20 competition is a new one and no doubt Celtic will be keen to get their hands on the silverware.

Much could depend on in-form opener Ryan de Joux.

The hard-hitting batsman has torn apart attacks in the shortest form of the game, last week smashing 73 off only 27 balls.

The 35-year-old is averaging over 50 and loves the format of the game.

“It suits me down to the ground, it’s quick and I don’t get puffed,” he said.

“Seriously though, I believe it has helped others improve their game as it forces them to play off the block because they have to.”

Something of a character in the local club scene, de Joux has branded his own bat with his nickname: “Rhino”.

A cartoon on the bat has been dubbed “Demolition Rhino”.

He hopes it stays true on Saturday or admits he may get some stick.

Never afraid to have a word, de Joux has been on his best behaviour this season and has not fronted the judiciary, who he admits he is “on a first-name basis with”.

He will open the innings with wicketkeeper batsman Andy Scott in a strong top-order line-up, with youngster Sam Carlaw likely to bat at three.

Carlaw can get on with the job, as can Craig Davies, one of the province’s most prolific run scorers.

The side also have a handy bowling attack, with veteran Grant Watt and Willy Scott along with spinners Davies and Carlaw.

Also in the mix is medium-pacer Glenn Mathews, who has proved a valuable member of the side since moving down from Marlborough.

Davies is better known as an opening batsman in the longer form of the game but has proved a more-than-capable bowler, having polished his skills in England over the winter.

Star came from nowhere, having been bottom equal on the table to tie for second and go through by virtue of beating Timaru last weekend.

For the underdogs the form of opener Alexander McKenzie could prove pivotal.

Like de Joux he is a potential match winner.

McKenzie will open the batting with former Timaru Boys’ High School player Simon Ward, who has looked comfortable playing senior cricket.

The middle order has the experienced Andrew McRae, who chairs the South Canterbury Cricket board.

The slimmed-down Julian Blanchard has also proved handy with the bat.

The bowling attack relies heavily on Craig Hinton, but captain Phil McGregor has turned himself into a specialist Twenty20 bowler with quite an effect.

Tim Butler is also likely to get among the wickets if the game goes Star’s way.

There are two wild cards who could also turn the match if available.

Celtic’s Dan Laming has been out injured, but could make a welcome return, while Star can call upon South Canterbury captain Todd Elliotte.

Laming can be a devastating batsman while Elliotte can be equally effective with his offspin bowling and is also handy with the bat.

The final is set to start at 4pm, with Temuka playing Waimate at 11am, followed by Timaru and Geraldine, ensuring an action-packed day at the Oval.

For those parents, supporters, players and coaches not sure how the Ashbury Park pitch numbering system works, you can see a diagram here