South Canterbury Cricket News Section
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Senior Cricket Draw for 2010/2011 Season Online
The draw for the Tweedy Cup Senior Two Day and Daily Freightways One Day competitions are now both online. The dates for the Senior T20 competition are also shown.
Cricket starts on October 9th for Senior and the following week for other grades whose draws should be available by next week.
Senior Rep Coach rallies for support
South Canterbury cricket coach Richard Davidson is asking South Canterbury cricket clubs to help him give the representative team the best chance of winning the Hawke Cup this season.
He said South Canterbury had a good chance of getting a Hawke Cup challenge this season. With zone rivals North Otago being the current holders, their first challenge must come from the highest placed team in their zone.
Davidson said at the annual meeting he would like to see clubs use their batsmen in the same position as they bat for the representative team. He said it was the only way players could get used to their roles, for the season ahead.
“There have been players playing at club level who have batted higher up in the [representative] side, so the plea was made to the clubs [at the annual meeting] to encourage everyone to make themselves available for the [representative]side … and to bat people where they are probably going to bat in the [representative] team, to give them every chance of performing.”
Davidson said Celtic’s dominance of South Canterbury cricket in recent seasons had played a part in batsmen being under-prepared for provincial games.
“We’ve got guys batting in one club, Celtic, dare I say it, who are batting six or seven for Celtic, but in the past, have batted four or five for the [representative] side.
“They’re not getting the chance at club level, and Celtic, as strong as they are, they’re coming away 15 or 20 not out, which is not good enough to compete at two-day level, but they are just about first pick for the [representative] side because we haven’t had players like we have this year who have put their hands up and said `I want to play’.”
Davidson said he had a strong squad lined up, with the bowling likely to be made of South Canterbury bowler-of-the-year Kevin Teahen, Glen Matthews and Craig Hinton, while the batting would be spearheaded by new captain Dan Laming and Craig Davies, who averaged 56 last season. Richard Preston expected to don the wicket-keeping gloves after a three-season absence.
Positive performances against North Otago, Mid Canterbury, Central Otago and Southland could see them have an opportunity to lift the cup which they have not won since 2000.
“I’m convinced that if we play our top side, I’m convinced we are going to do well.
“If we play our top side and play and get beaten, well, we can’t have any excuses, but if we have a team, where people make themselves unavailable, and most of them have said they will make themselves available … then we will have excuses, but I am confident.”
Davidson said he was comfortable to have the “nucleus” of the team come from Timaru, but refused to rule out “two or three players” who were playing outside the province, but had played in South Canterbury in the past.
Davidson said the loss of 100-game veteran and captain Todd Elliotte would be a big one, but he was confident other players, including Laming, could step up.
Canterbury have three warmup games left, with the next against Christchurch Suburban in Timaru on October 31.
Their first Hawke Cup game is against North Otago on November 27 and 28, just two weeks after they play them in their final warmup match.
Life membership for Harvey King
LIFE MEMBER: One of South Canterbury cricket's longest-serving individuals, Harvey King, stands in front of one of his proudest achievements while in charge of South Canterbury Cricket, the Graeme Blanchard Centre, after receiving a life membership.
A lifetime of commitment to New Zealand’s summer game has been recognised by South Canterbury Cricket.
One of the game’s stalwarts, Harvey King, has been recognised for his contribution to cricket in the region, with a life membership at the South Canterbury Cricket Association’s annual meeting.
King, a former Canterbury pace bowler and Junior All Black, said it was an honour to receive the accolade.
“It’s a huge thrill,” he said. “You don’t do this sort of thing for that kind of recognition, well, at least I don’t, but it’s great to be a life member because not too many cricket people are.”
King, who was at the helm of South Canterbury Cricket for close to a decade, before resigning in 2008, said the completion of the Graeme Blanchard Cricket Centre was a highlight, as was the South Canterbury side’s winning of the Hawke Cup in 2000.
“It was really good to get the [Graeme Blanchard Centre] built, because it meant a lot to everyone here.”
King had come a long way by the time he entered cricket administration.
As a fresh-faced 22-year-old, he had debuted for Canterbury in 1978, to play against Otago in Southland, which did not help his status with his employer. “I was working for Wrightson’s at the time and the boss was a bit upset, because I’d played the whole season for the South Canterbury junior rugby team, and I got picked for an under-23 [cricket] team and a New Zealand under-23 [cricket] team, and then I was picked for the Canterbury team, so the boss was really annoyed because I was never at work.”
He described the Canterbury side he came into as “very professional”.
King admitted he was nervous before the game, but managed to take seven wickets.
He also remembered his debut at Lancaster Park in Christchurch with fond memories. “My first wicket, I was hit for six, and I looked over at square-leg where [umpire] Fred Goodall was standing with his finger up. “The bloke had stood on his stumps.”
He said it was tough to choose which sport had given him the better on-field moment, rugby or cricket.
King said the honour of being the seventh current life member had to be shared with his family, who had been supportive of his time in the game for more than 30 years.
Ex-All Black hits ton to extinguish Sth Canty hopes
The South Canterbury men’s cricket side suffered a loss at the hands of a former All Black to start off their pre-season campaign.
Former All Black lock James Ryan led his Canterbury Country side to a three-wicket win in Ashburton. The former Otago lock hit 133, which included eight sixes and 15 fours.
South Canterbury bowler Kevin Teahen had ripped the heart out of the top order, having initial figures of four for 17 before Ryan came to the crease.
Earlier, South Canterbury had made 214 from their 45 overs, with James Laming scoring 61. Andy Scott blazed 47, which included seven sixes, and Maulik Patel made 21 at the top of the order.
South Canterbury coach Richard Davidson said many of the batsmen got starts, but no one carried on, despite an artificial wicket and short boundaries.
Ryan almost won the game singlehandedly with the bat, with only one other Canterbury Country batsman making double figures.
Teahen finished with 4/35, while Jordan Morrow, who Davidson said bowled well early on, finished with 1/50 and Dan Laming was economical with 1/31 from his nine overs.
Davidson said the bowling was excellent, and he was pleased with the early season form. “I thought the bowling went really well, everyone got starts [in the batting].
“It was early season stuff, but three or four guys put their hands up and played really well.
“Craig Davies took three good catches in the slips and generally the fielding was pretty good.”
South Canterbury’s next warm-up game will be against Christchurch Suburban for the Stoke-Blanchard Cup in Timaru on October 31.
Mike Davies – New Aorangi Oval groundsman relishes role
Mike Davies has taken over as the groundsman at the oval, from Greg Hull, who looked after the wicket last season, but indicated he did not wish to continue.
The 35-year-old former Christchurch man has spent four years as the greenkeeper at the Timaru Golf Club, a job he will continue to hold, in addition to his duties with South Canterbury Cricket.
Davies will also take on an advisory role for the Ashbury Park pitches, in an attempt to improve the quality of the wickets at the ground. He will be supported by long-time Aorangi Oval groundsman Brian Hyslop, as he adjusts to his new role.
South Canterbury Cricket president Andrew McRae said he was delighted to have Davies on board for a busy season.
He said the dual role with Ash-bury Park was an opportunity to improve the quality of the pitches, before an under-16 tournament in mid-December.
“It was important for the role to encompass Ashbury and we’re hoping that with his experience he will be able to improve the standard of the pitches there.”
McRae said the standard of the Asbury Park wickets had “been a concern for some time” and he hoped Davies, with the advice of Hyslop, could raise the bar.
“I think the main reason was a lack of preparation time spent on the [Ashbury] wickets and it’s hoped Mike will be able to use his expertise to improve [the situation].”
Having only a short stint with cricket pitches during a brief period in Auckland, Davies said he was drawn to the job by the challenge it offered. “My family love South Canterbury and this is a chance to broaden my horizons and keep us here.
“I’m the kind of person who’s not afraid to ask [questions] and find that support around me.
“I’m absolutely 100 per cent confident otherwise I certainly wouldn’t do it, it’s not me.
“If I can’t do it right, I won’t do it.”
Davies said the pressure to keep the Aorangi Oval pitch at the same level which saw more than 800 runs scored in a domestic one-day game between Canterbury and Otago last year, would be something he would thrive on.
“You’ve got to have those challenges,” he said. You need that for motivation to try to get better, or at least as good as [good as it wa]).”
He said getting continuity in the preparation of the Ashbury Park wickets would be the important thing to gaining improvement.
“Hopefully with the permanent, technical support for those wickets, we can slowly work away at it and improve all the blocks down there, because it’s critical for South Canterbury cricket.
Davies said the support of the Timaru Golf Club was appreciated. “This is something fresh, new and exciting for me and it will allow my family to continue to enjoy South Canterbury.
Brett Lee ‘ready to appear’ at Aorangi
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Australian quick bowler Brett Lee could be charging in with anger at the Aorangi Oval just before Christmas.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.
South Canterbury Cricket Development Trust Golf Gallery
Below you can see some photos of various people involved in the South Canterbury Cricket Development Trust Fundraising Golf Tournament held at Levels on Sept 5th.
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.
South Canterbury Cricket Development Trust – Fundraising Golf Tournament
Sunday 5th September 2010
Teams of 4-stableford competition
Registration 10:00 am
Shotgun Start 11:00am
Entry Fee $160.00 per team
Includes; Green Fees, Sausage Sizzle on course, light snack in club house
Good Prizes plus raffles and Target Green
Entries to Harvey King
Email Harvey Now » harv.hss@clear.net.nz
Phone 03 6889340 work
Fax 03 6889007
Help support South Canterbury Cricket
Please contact Harvey (use the email link above) with the following information provided.
Team names 1……………………………………
2……………………………………
3……………………………………
4……………………………………
Contact Person…………………………………………..
Contact Numbers…………………………………………
Law Changes for 2010-2011 Season
The MCC has made several changes to the laws that will affect all grades of cricketers in the coming season, including changes to the No Ball, Toss, Light and Practice before a match laws.
A summary of the key changes and explanations as to the new interpretations can be read here >> Laws of Cricket Changes 2010
Coaches 2010 -2011 Season
The Board of South Canterbury Cricket is interested in hearing from persons interested in coaching or managing representative teams for games and tournaments in the coming season.
There are mens, women’s and age group teams.
For further information please telephone the office, 6863377.
Expressions of interest should be sent to PO Box 335, Timaru no later than 28 May 2010.
Cricket Coaching Courses
South Canterbury Cricket is Presenting Two Coaching Courses that will be available during October.
One Course is aimed at the Coach or Parent coaching intermediate and secondary students and the other is aimed at the Parent or Teacher coaching 7-10 year olds
You can download the application forms here;
Cricket whites may return
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
Season’s Batting Averages Dominated by Celtic
The cricket season has just finished with the Celtic senior team winning the Tweedy Cup two day, the Daily Freightways one day and the inaugural Twenty20 competitions, while Temuka grabbed the runner-up spots in the both the main competitions and Star were runners-up in the Twenty20.
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.
| Batting | Innings | Nos | Agg | Ave | HS | |
| C Davies | 16 | 3 | 789 | 60.69 | 132* | |
| R De Joux | 18 | 0 | 608 | 33.78 | 87 | |
| R Preston | 21 | 5 | 552 | 34.50 | 70* | |
| M Barnes | 18 | 3 | 538 | 35.87 | 117 | |
| J Sew Hoy | 16 | 3 | 476 | 36.62 | 62* | |
| J Liddy | 14 | 5 | 393 | 43.67 | 98 | |
| P Arkinstall | 16 | 2 | 386 | 27.57 | 104 | |
| G Metcalf | 18 | 3 | 386 | 25.73 | 96 | |
| D Laming | 13 | 2 | 379 | 34.45 | 174 | |
| A Scott | 15 | 2 | 374 | 28.77 | 72* | |
| N Sew Hoy | 16 | 0 | 367 | 22.94 | 86 | |
| J Geddis | 14 | 3 | 361 | 32.82 | 126 | |
| J Laming | 14 | 4 | 341 | 34.10 | 104* | |
| M Mealings | 14 | 5 | 340 | 37.78 | 56* | |
| G Brookland | 16 | 1 | 339 | 22.60 | 51 | |
| P McGregor | 17 | 1 | 327 | 20.44 | 65 |
*Note: 300 runs or more to qualify
| Bowling | Overs | Mds | Runs | Wkts | Ave | Econ | |
| K Teahen | 189.4 | 45 | 594 | 42.00 | 14.14 | 3.14 | |
| G Matthews | 148.2 | 22 | 404 | 39.00 | 10.36 | 2.73 | |
| S Carlaw | 133.3 | 27 | 435 | 32.00 | 13.59 | 3.26 | |
| T Mcknight | 132.3 | 16 | 480 | 29.00 | 16.55 | 3.63 | |
| J Lane | 123.2 | 29 | 533 | 27.00 | 19.74 | 4.33 | |
| A Reid | 184.3 | 33 | 672 | 25.00 | 26.88 | 3.65 | |
| P Chapman | 148 | 24 | 569 | 25.00 | 22.76 | 3.84 | |
| C Davies | 72.3 | 3 | 285 | 23.00 | 12.39 | 3.94 | |
| J Laming | 88.4 | 11 | 305 | 23.00 | 13.26 | 3.45 | |
| T Elliotte | 97 | 18 | 337 | 21.00 | 16.05 | 3.47 | |
| C Hinton | 112.2 | 16 | 448 | 21.00 | 21.33 | 3.99 | |
| D Laming | 118 | 29 | 299 | 21.00 | 14.24 | 2.53 | |
| M Sew Hoy | 151 | 24 | 506 | 19.00 | 26.63 | 3.35 | |
| M Devlin | 84.3 | 9 | 400 | 19.00 | 21.05 | 4.74 | |
| K Howes | 54 | 12 | 188 | 18.00 | 10.44 | 3.48 | |
| G Metcalf | 95.3 | 16 | 393 | 18.00 | 21.83 | 4.12 |
*Note: 18 or more wickets to qualify
Tweedy Cup win gives Celtic treble
Celtic captain Dan Laming led his team to victory over Temuka in the final of the Tweedy Cup after he backed up a superb innings of 174 by taking 3-44 with the ball. This capped off a fine season for Celtic after having already won the Twenty20 and One Day competitions.
The final is played under Hawke Cup rules and conditions and a first innings win is enough to secure the trophy, and after winning the toss Celtic had no hesitation in batting first on the Saturday morning. The plans did not begin well when prolific run scorer Craig Davies was dismissed second ball for a duck, but promoted opener Glenn Matthews and Ryan De Joux soon settled into their job with Matthews scoring at better than a run a ball on his way to 62. De Joux was his usual aggressive self making 38 before the second wicket fell at 55, and Jeremy Liddy helped in another 61 run partnership before both he and Matthews were both back in the pavilion with the score 123-4 and Temuka feeling quite happy with their progress so far.
Dan Laming was joined by his brother James and they slowly but surely set about building a partnership. By the time they went to lunch they had moved the score through to 205 and it began to look like Temuka may spend a long time in the field.
James lost his wicket soon after lunch for 39, but by now Dan was well into his work as he put his worst ever season with the bat behind him and brought up his century. Once he passed the 100 mark, he relaxed further and began to play even more of the shots we are used to seeing and it wasn’t long until he had brought up his 150. Matt Mealings with 27 was a solid partner in another century partnership, but eventually Laming played a tired shot and was caught behind for 174 just as the spectators eagerly anticipated a double century, but importantly, Celtic had now moved to 399-7. Laming played a classic innings with most shots along the ground included 32 fours and two sixes and left the ground amidst hearty applause from the spectators and team mates alike.
Temuka may have been hoping for a declaration after a long day in the field, but Celtic were making sure of this outcome (unless it rained) and continued on with Andy Scott continuing the barrage as he added a quick fire 62 and Sam Carlaw chimed in with an unbeaten 38, until eventually Celtic were all out for 486.
For Temuka the star was Kevin Teahen who put in a herculean effort with the ball, battling cramp and fatigue as he sent down 33 overs and was justifiably rewarded with 7 wickets. Temuka bowled 96 overs and all their bowlers suffered as Celtic scored at more than five an over, with Rory Lorimer the most economic conceding just 29 runs from his ten overs.
Dan Laming had Stone caught and bowled early on the second morning and then a terrible mix up as the batsmen looked for three saw Attridge out for 25. This brought the mainstays of the Temuka lineup together as Captain Ritchie Preston joined Johnny Geddis.
They took the score through to 100 when Preston was given out lbw before he had got going and Temuka’s chances looked slim as they still needed to bat out the day to achieve a draw and share the cup.
Geddis then showed his class as he first brought up his fifty and then put the accelerator down as he drove down the ground or pulled or cut and before long he had brought up his 100 off only 114 balls before lunch. He kept Temuka well in the hunt, but needed some support from the other end.
Returning from lunch with a new ball available meant a change of end for James Laming, a decision which would prove crucial as he had Geddis caught in the deep for a brilliant 126 including 88 runs in boundaries. The loss of Geddis when the total was 231 brought about a quick end to the innings as Dan Laming and Glenn Matthews mopped up the tail and Temuka were all out for 239.
The match could have finished then if both captains agree, but Celtic decided to bat a second time to give Davies a chance to set a new Celtic batting record for the season as he only need 28 runs to pass Andrew Buckingham’s 806, but Temuka were determined to deny him, and he was out for 11. Celtic continued on, losing wickets regularly, but eventually sense prevailed and the captains agreed to finish the match with Celtic 109-5. Ritchie Preston took 3-21 and James Laming capped off a useful double to be 30 not out as did Matthews with 23 not out.
The outcome went as predicted with the strong Celtic side backing up their depth on paper with the performance on the park, and coach Bruce Carlaw can take a lot of credit for that, but Temuka also capped off a good year making two finals and certainly fought gamely as they tried to cause an upset. Both teams ground fielding was outstanding, although Temuka will rue a few dropped chances, but the match was played in a good spirit and certainly showed what can be done on a good pitch.
John Threlkeld still hanging about
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.”