South Canterbury cricket may see the return of the white clothing if domestic cricket returns to Aorangi Oval next summer.
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