By Graeme Broker
Executive Officer
The 2007/08 season was an interesting and enjoyable one for South Canterbury Cricket.
Representative teams had mixed success with some notable performances.
GRAEME BLANCHARD INDOOR TRAINING CENTRE
This centre was officially opened in March 2005 and contains three lanes and a bowling machine.
Representative sides, club sides, schools and individuals use the centre.
REPRESENTATIVE
The Speights senior mens side participated in the Hawke Cup zone elimination matches and enjoyed wins over West Coast and Mid-Canterbury. The team was coached by Chris Leonard and there were some notable performances the most significant being the innings of 225 by Craig Davies against Mid-Canterbury.
The Senior Women were coached by Richard Davidson and generally performed well. The team won three out of six games.
The following age group teams participated in the respective tournaments:
Year 5 – 6
Development
Primary A
Under 15
Under 17
Under 19
Under 15 girls
Under 17 girls
CLUB CRICKET
The numbers participating in the various Club competitions increased from the previous season in both afternoon grades and at junior level.
The senior two-day competition was closely contested with five of the six sides having the opportunity of qualifying for the final going into the last game. Temuka who were actually in 5th position going into the last game won the round robin contest.
Timaru won the two-day final in an interesting game that was unfortunately affected by rain.
Celtic who defeated Timaru won the senior one-day competition.
Winners of other grades were:
Senior Reserve Celtic
Second Grade Waimate
Presidents “ Pirates
Fourth “ Roncalli Blue
Womens Roncalli
J.A.B. A Celtic
J.A.B. B Celtic White
The fourth grade competition this season had eleven teams including two from Mid-Canterbury. A team from Ashburton College participated in the Womens grade.
ADMINISTRATION
The offices of South Canterbury Cricket and the Boardroom are located within the Graeme Blanchard Centre.
Harvey King chairs the Board. Other Board members are Graham Ward, George Harper, Alan Annett and Peter Scott.
The offices of South Canterbury Cricket are the bases for Community Development Officer, Richard Davidson and part time Executive Officer, Graeme Broker.
The year ended 30 June 2008 resulted in a reasonable financial position for the Board.
GROUNDS
The Aorangi Oval wicket produced playing pitches of a high calibre during the season. The Board gave all Senior Clubs the opportunity to play on the ground during the season.
The Board is fortunate to have the services of Groundsman, Brian Hyslop. In addition to having the responsibility for the Aorangi Oval Brian is available to advise other groundsman from various clubs in South Canterbury.
CONCLUSION
The end of season function was held at the Speights Ale House on 9 April 2008. We were fortunate to have N.Z. Cricket Chief Executive, Justin Vaughan as guest speaker.
There were over a 100 present, a larger crowd than had attended for a number of years. The evening was well arranged by staff of the Speights Ale House and we are extremely grateful to them.
Planning is well under way for the coming season and winter training is now in full swing.
Thanks to all players and administrators for contributing to a busy and successful season.