CHANCE OF A LIFETIME: Cricketer Josh Dick, left, is the winner of the Mark Parker Memorial Scholarship which is awarded to a member of the Timaru Boys' High School First XI. He is pictured with Charlie Bowden from Winchester College.
Timaru Boys’ High School first XI cricket allrounder Josh Dick has been named as the sixth recipient of the Mark Parker Memorial Scholarship.
Dick will head to Winchester College in England in April and spend 15 weeks playing for the school and attending classes.
The scholarship was in memory of 27-year-old cricketer Mark Parker, who was killed in the 2002 Bali bombings. Parker went to Timaru Boys’ High School and also played for South Canterbury.
The scholarship was set up to advance the cricket and life skills of one player, on an annual basis.
Winchester College is around the same size as Timaru Boys’ High School except for the fact all the students board at the school at a cost of around $60,000 a year.
Dick undertook a selection process including an interview before being awarded the scholarship.
The 16-year-old, who is in year 13, was delighted to be given the opportunity.
“It is really great I can’t wait and it will also be very interesting experience.”
Dick is a right-handed middle order batsman and middle pace bowler and has been part of the first XI for four years.
Playing for Winchester Dick will also get the opportunity to play against some of England’s best-known schools, such as Eton and Harrow..
Dick will also be able to get a few tips off Charlie Bowden.
The 19-year-old has just finished at Winchester and has taken the opportunity to come to New Zealand before starting his university studies.
The all-rounder said he was really enjoying his time in New Zealand.
“It is different from home, I really like it here as everyone is chilled and laid back.”
Previous Mark Park scholarship recipients have been Jeremy Lane, Bill Walsh, Alexander McKenzie, Tom Walsh and Blair Brown.