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    • Unprecedented year of success for Cricket Wellington
      • The 21st Cricket Wellington AGM highlighted an unprecedented year of success for the organisation. Held at the Basin Reserve last night, the meeting recognised a strong year on and off the field for Wellington, with significant growth in the community, high-performance and commercial spaces, as well as the successful launch of a strategy aimed at improving the quality of cricket facilities in the city. Members heard that commercially, the organisation had grown a viable model for ensuring the long-term stability and had recorded positive revenue growth, resulting in an operating surplus of $52,000. Super Smash crowds had doubled from the previous season with the Fill the Basin campaign a resounding success, drawing the biggest crowd in domestic women’s cricket history and the largest crowd for a domestic men’s game at the Basin Reserve since 2011. There was strong growth in the community space with the introduction of a new community cricket delivery model which had so far seen a seven percent increase in player’s overall satisfaction with cricket, and 89% of all junior and youth coaches supported through the formal New Zealand Cricket coaching pathway. Performances on the field were impressive, with the Firebirds lifting the Ford Trophy one-day competition and the Blaze lifting the first women’s T20 Super Smash competition – while six players were selected for national WHITE FERNS and BLACKCAPS squads. Cricket Wellington’s strength in adding value to its community was highlighted in December when it become the first regional sports organisation to be awarded the Sport […] The post Unprecedented year of success for Cricket Wellington appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Butler and Fellows included in New Zealand Indoor Cricket men’s squad
      • Story: Ahmad Khawaja Wellington duo Kieran Butler and Bryce Fellows have been selected in the New Zealand Men’s Indoor Cricket team to tour Singapore and India for separate bilateral series’ in April 2020. The squad, coached by Wellington’s Leigh Kelly, will come together for the tour in another phase of preparations for the World Cup, scheduled to be held in Australia in October 2020. The tour will consist of a three-match series against Singapore followed by a five-match series against India. Tour dates are yet to be confirmed and will be announced in due course. The team announced is as follows: Name Province Matches Corey PERRETT (Captain) Southern Districts 12 Kieran BUTLER Wellington 17 Tom COOTS Canterbury 2 Darrin CROOK Auckland 19 Michael DODUNSKI Northern Districts 28 Bryce FELLOWS Wellington 54 Braden GARDNER Auckland 10 Mitchell GARDNER Canterbury 11 Carl HOOPER Canterbury 1 Stacy HYNDMAN Auckland 31 Simon KING Auckland Debut Duane PITCHER Northern Districts Debut Leigh KELLY (Coach) Wellington Jon ROUTHAN (Assistant Coach) Southern Districts The post Butler and Fellows included in New Zealand Indoor Cricket men’s squad appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Registrations Open for U13 Girls Rep Programme
      • Cricket Wellington is pleased to announce that registrations for our U13 Girls representative programme are now open. Players will have a comprehensive training programme in the lead up to the Lower North Island Under 13 tournament, held in Masterton from 20-22 January 2020. (Please note that while it is Under 13, anyone in year 8 or below in 2019 is eligible). There are two different venues for the programme, so you can choose to take part in either Lower Hutt or Wellington. Cost for the training programme is $120 per person. There will be an additional cost of $320 for players that go to the January tournament. Wellington Blaze player Dee Doughty and former Wellington U21 player and Hutt District Premier Women’s player Amy Foreman will lead the training programme. Dee will look after the Wellington sessions and Amy will look after the Lower Hutt sessions. Caitlin Eves, from the Victoria University club, will be the team manager. The Wellington programme will be conducted on a Friday afternoon at Westpac Stadium for the indoor sessions and at Alex Moore Park for the outdoor sessions, while the Lower Hutt programme will be held on a Monday afternoon at the Ricoh Sports Centre, Fraser Park for the indoor sessions, while the outdoor sessions will be held at Fraser Park. —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— WELLINGTON PROGRAMME Indoor Sessions – Westpac Stadium – 4.00pm-5.00pm 25 October 01 November 08 November 15 November Outdoor Sessions – Alex Moore Park Outdoor Nets – 4.00pm-5.00pm Friday 22 November – Friday 20 December REGISTER […] The post Registrations Open for U13 Girls Rep Programme appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • NZC umpiring pathway proving a success
      • Two promotions feature in NZC’s umpire appointments for the 2019-20 season, magnifying the success of the Umpiring Pathway Programme. At the national level, John Dempsey has been promoted from the Reserve Panel to the National Panel with Allen Stanley to fill his spot on the Reserve Panel. “It’s tremendously satisfying to have a lot of hard work pay dividends,” said Dempsey. “I’m humbled to have been chosen from such a strong group of talented umpires on our Reserve Panel,” he said. NZC Match Officials Manager Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri said Dempsey continued a proud tradition of First-Class umpires coming from the Counties region, following in the footsteps of Tony Hill and Ash Mehrotra. “John is a product of the NZC Umpiring Pathway Programme,” said Eden-Whaitiri. “He’s performed very well at the highest levels of domestic cricket over the past three seasons.” Stanley’s promotion to the Reserve Panel was especially pleasing, with his performances at NZC tournaments and Hallyburton Johnstone Shield matches over the past two seasons catching the eye of the selection panel. “It’s great to see umpires coming through the system and getting rewarded for consistent performances, said Eden-Whaitiri. “Allen deserves his spot on the Reserve Panel and we wish him well for the season ahead.” There’s no change for New Zealand’s top umpires with Chris Gaffaney remaining on the ICC Elite Panel while Chris Brown, Wayne Knights and Shaun Haig all retain their spots on the International Panel. NZC Umpire Panels are chosen by a selection panel consisting of Eden-Whaitiri and umpire […] The post NZC umpiring pathway proving a success appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • New Zealand Cricket and Indoor Cricket New Zealand sign historic Partnership Agreement
      • The standing ovation in Palmerston North last Saturday night said it all. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and Indoor Cricket New Zealand (ICNZ) officially signed a partnership agreement last week, featuring, among other things,  formal recognition of Indoor Cricket New Zealand as the governing body for the sport in New Zealand, but also importantly as part of the New Zealand Cricket family. The agreement has been driven by discussions between the Boards of both organisations over the last few months, which provided an opportunity to collaborate and derive the terms of a partnership. Both organisations wish to establish and progressively build a strong relationship and see this agreement as the start of that strategic partnership process. The initial focus of the agreement will centre on participation, to foster growth in relationships and interactions both regionally and locally between NZC and ICNZ members, whilst NZC will begin to promote the sport of indoor cricket in New Zealand. The agreement will continue on an ongoing basis. The agreement is seen as a significant step forward for indoor cricket in New Zealand, which does not have a formal affiliation with its outdoor counterpart. Martin Snedden, Board Member at NZC, and Tony Watkins, Chairman of ICNZ, met during the ICNZ Senior Provincial Championships last weekend in Palmerston North to sign the agreement. “One of the things ICNZ has been focusing on for the last 10 years has been involving ourselves with outdoor cricket, and I’m proud that the Board has had some foresight in this […] The post New Zealand Cricket and Indoor Cricket New Zealand sign historic Partnership Agreement appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Blaze winter training squad named
      • Wellington Blaze head coach Ivan Tissera has named his 14-strong winter training squad in preparation for the upcoming summer of cricket. The squad boasts several familiar faces including current WHITE FERNS allrounder Amelia Kerr and former WHITE FERNS Thamsyn Newton and Liz Perry. Leigh Kasperek who re-joined the Blaze in May is absent from the squad as she takes part in the Kia Super League with the Yorkshire Diamonds, alongside Rachel Priest who will represent the Western Storm. Blaze stalwart Suzie McDonald is unavailable for the season due to work commitments, and Sophie Devine is taking an extended break before the season commences after her bumper 2018-19 summer which included Blaze, WHITE FERNS, WBBL and women’s IPL commitments. The squad also includes two new bowlers – 15-year-old Natasha Codyre who was selected as twelfth man for the Blaze’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield match against Canterbury last season, and Maneka Singh who returns to representative cricket with Wellington having made her debut for Central Districts in 2009 at the age of 14. Tissera said he was happy with the squad depth being built while key players are away. “I’m really pleased with the mix of players that we have selected in the wider squad and the level of enthusiasm that they have all shown throughout the first phase of the program,” he said. “They have displayed a strong work ethic and we’re now looking forward to the whole winter squad being together for team training sessions beginning in mid-August.” The Blaze successfully […] The post Blaze winter training squad named appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Tissera and Kerr to lead new Blaze coaching model
      • The Wellington Blaze have signalled their intent for continued domestic success with the introduction of a new coaching model led by Ivan Tissera and Robbie Kerr. Tissera returns to the head coach role after previously leading the Blaze between 2013 and 2016, alongside Kerr who will take on a part-time contractor role in a new integrated coaching and support model aimed at producing future WHITE FERNS and dominating women’s domestic cricket. Tissera, a world-class spin bowling coach, has been part of Cricket Wellington since 2007 leading its development pathways and the Wellington School of Cricket alongside his work with the Blaze. He will continue to provide specialist spin bowling support across the Firebirds, Blaze and pathway teams. Kerr, also a former Blaze head coach and former Wellington Firebird, returns to Cricket Wellington after two years away from the organisation. He will oversee the Blaze programme by leading the development of annual campaign plans for the Super Smash and Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. He was made high performance manager in 2010 and director of cricket in 2011 and worked alongside former coaches Jamie Siddons and Bruce Edgar in the high-performance arm until 2017 as the Firebirds won three national titles, including the T20 Super Smash crown two years ago. Cricket Wellington CEO Cam Mitchell said the new coaching model was a signal of intent to lead the way in women’s domestic cricket. “We want to produce more WHITE FERNS and dominate women’s domestic cricket and the new coaching model will provide us […] The post Tissera and Kerr to lead new Blaze coaching model appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Dry and Krishnamurthy added to Firebirds coaching staff
      • Current Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club head coach Lance Dry and current Taita Cricket Club head coach Sriram Krishnamurthy have been added to the Wellington Firebirds coaching staff for the 2019/2020 summer of cricket. Both coaches join recently appointed head coach Glenn Pocknall at the helm of the Firebirds, Dry as assistant coach and Krishnamurthy as pathway and specialist batting coach. It will be the first taste of professional cricket coaching for Dry, a former Wellington player and selector, having proved his credentials at club level with the highly successful Eastern Suburbs club, winner of the prestigious Pearce Cup in 16 of the last 18 years. Dry brings a wealth of cricket knowledge to the role having made five first-class appearances for Wellington and has a strong understanding of the local crop of players. Krishnamurthy has worked his way through the Cricket Wellington coaching system and has supported the development of some of Wellington’s best emerging talent as head coach of the under-19 and provincial A teams. His coaching talents have also been recognised at national level, where he has been involved as the New Zealand A batting and spin bowling coach for the tour of the UAE and the one-day home series against India last summer. He was also batting coach for last year’s Women’s Emerging Talent Programme and was head coach of the New Zealand XI for their tour match against Bangladesh last summer. Krishnamurthy will also act as the head coach of the Wellington Provincial A team, as […] The post Dry and Krishnamurthy added to Firebirds coaching staff appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Club talent recognised at Cricket Wellington Club Awards
      • Wellington’s top club cricket performers were recognized at the Rob Law Max Cricket Wellington Club Awards held at the Basin Reserve on Friday evening. Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club was the big winner on the night as they were presented with the Pearce Cup and Ewen Chatfield Cup, capping off another memorable summer for the club. In the women’s competitions Wellington Collegians took out the Senior Women’s Maureen Peters T20 competition while Johnsonville took-out the Senior Women’s Joy Lamason 40 over competition. Easts were also well represented in the individual awards, with allrounder Jamie Gibson taking out the Bruce Murray Medal and the Premier Men’s Club Cricketer of the Year Award. East’s Charlie Thurston’s performances this summer were also recognized as he was presented with the May Cup for highest score of the summer and the Sam Platt Cup for best performance of the summer. Johnsonville’s Maneka Singh was the big winner of the night for the women – claiming the Senior Women’s Club Cricketer of the Year, while Wellington Blaze star Whetu Charteris picked up the Trish McKelvey Medal. Wellington Cricket great Ewen Chjatfield was also in attendance and reflected on his stellar career after being awarded the Bert Sutcliffe Medal at the recent ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards.   CRICKET WELLINGTON CLUB AWARD WINNERS Club Prizes Pearce Cup – Eastern Suburbs Hazlett Trophy – Upper Hutt Ewen Chatfield Cup – Eastern Suburbs Senior Women’s Maureen Peters T20 – Wellington Collegians Senior Women’s Joy Lamason 40 overs – Johnsonville Alan […] The post Club talent recognised at Cricket Wellington Club Awards appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Neesham, Blundell, Bennett to face Australia
      • Wellington Firebirds Jimmy Neesham, Tom Blundell and Hamish Bennett have been named in a New Zealand XI squad named to face an Australian XI in Brisbane early next month. Neesham and Blundell, who were selected in the BLACKCAPS World Cup squad last week, are joined by Bennett, along with a handful of other players vying to be considered as back-up options for the World Cup. Tom Latham will captain the side for three 50-over matches on May 5, 7 and 9. Selector Gavin Larsen said the games would provide a valuable opportunity for the squad. “It’s an exciting challenge ahead of this group who I know will relish the chance to take on the Australians at home,” Larsen said. With nine World Cup squad members currently at the IPL and Ross Taylor set to play one-day county cricket in England before the tournament, the games are an exciting opportunity for those players who missed out on World Cup selection. “The matches will be a stern test and provide quality preparation for those players bound for England and a great opportunity for the rest of the squad to show their wares. “Every player in the squad, apart from Will Young, has played for the BLACKCAPS and we’re backing them to give a good account of themselves.”   New Zealand XI  Tom Latham (c) Todd Astle Hamish Bennett Tom Blundell (wk) Doug Bracewell Matt Henry Daryl Mitchell Jimmy Neesham Henry Nicholls Hamish Rutherford Blair Tickner George Worker Will Young   *Tim Seifert, Adam Milne and Corey Anderson were […] The post Neesham, Blundell, Bennett to face Australia appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

      • Knights 215-6 in 20 overs (Dean Brownlie 99, Tim Siefert 46) beat the Wellington Firebirds 170 all out in 18.1overs (Devon Conway 45, Anton Devcich 4-27) by 45 runs at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Dean Brownlie’s 99 led his side to a formidable 215-6 from their 20, and despite a spirited start, the Firebirds chase ran out of steam to hand the defending champions a 45 run win to start their campaign. Anton Devcich went second ball trying to hit Luke Woodcock out of the park, before Tim Seifert and Dean Brownlie combined for 72 runs at a good clip, hitting cleanly through the field and then going over it. They took 22 runs from Woodcock in the eighth, before Seifert fell chipping Jeetan Patel back to the bowler for 46 from 28. Daryl Mitchell took his toll on some over-pitched bowling, striking three big sixes before English import Adam Hose took a stylish running catch at fine leg to remove him for 29 from 17. Brownlie was on fire, rocketing into the 90s, showing no nerves to hit the attack all around the ground before being dramatically bowled by Jimmy Neesham on 99, missing out on a deserved century. Mitchell Santner, making a return from a long term injury, got 22 from 13 at the death to bring the Knights to 215-6 from their 20. Devon Conway got stuck in early, taking 17 from a Scott Kuggeleijn over, while Michael Bracewell was removed by a flying Brett Hampton catch, racing […] The post appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Blazing to the top
      • Wellington Blaze 144-2 in 20 overs (Doolan 70) beat Northern Spirit 118-9 in 20 overs (Deanna Doughty 4-16) by 26 runs at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Lucy Doolan’s 70 from 62 balls and two wickets helped the Wellington Blaze to 144-2 from their twenty overs, and a 26 run win. Sent in by the Spirit, the visitors only lost two wickets in their innings, but didn’t have it all their own way. Rebecca Burns and Amelia Kerr backed themselves to go over the top early, but Burns went to the well too many times and was caught on the rope by Felicity Leydon-Davis for 28 from 23. Kerr followed for 25 from 19 when she was run out pushing too hard for a single. Doolan cashed in for eight fours through her innings, but the Spirit’s death bowling was accurate enought to put the brakes on and prevent the Blaze putting a really big total on the board. In reply, Spirit opener Kate Gurrey looked in a dangerous, striking 20 from 13 balls before keeper Jessica McFadyen took the first of her four stumpings to send her on her way. After getting her eye in, Leydon-Davis went hard at anything loose and took several boundaries behind square, with Samantha Curtis getting in on the act with a big six from Deanna Doughty in the 13th. The Spirit chase faltered when Curtis was stumped for 29, shortly followed by Leydon-Davis for the same score to a juggling catch behind the stumps by […] The post Blazing to the top appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • T20 champions to get the party started
      • Both the men’s and women’s T20 champions will get the party started tomorrow afternoon when the first Burger King Super Smash double-header of the season gets underway at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Women’s T20 champions the Wellington Blaze will continue their Super Smash campaign against the Northern Spirit, before the Wellington Firebirds get to work against last year’s champions the Knights. The 2018/2019 Super Smash season will be a special one with the women’s teams now playing alongside the men in 16 double-headers scheduled throughout the season. Blaze captain Liz Perry said the opportunity to play on the same stage as the men was a big step forward for women’s cricket at all levels of the game. “We’re really excited to be able to show our skills at the highest level and playing in the double-headers with the men’s teams and getting the TV time will go a long way towards improving the women’s game and inspiring young women to pick up a cricket bat or ball.” The women’s Super Smash competition started in October at the New Zealand Cricket High Performance Centre in Lincoln, where all teams played each-other once in the competitions central opening rounds. The Blaze came away with three wins and one loss from their four matches, leaving them tied for first place on the ladder with the Canterbury Magicians and the Auckland Hearts. But they’ll be out for payback this weekend after going down by four wickets to the Spirit in their opener. Despite the […] The post T20 champions to get the party started appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • National Women’s Under 21 tournament – Day Four and Five
      • DAY FOUR Central Districts U21 beat Canterbury U21 by 50 runs Defending champions Central Districts completed the one-day phase of the tournament going three from four, enough to regain the interim lead before leaders Auckland swept to victory on the adjacent ground. CD successfully defended a low total against Canterbury, by a surprising margin of 50 runs, with a superb bowling performance that saw Georgia Atkinson on a hat-trick at drinks. Earlier, CD’s top order had struggled after having been sent in by Canterbury, things not looking promising at 49 for five. However, Kate Gaging managed to hold on for almost an hour at six, but her vigil for 23 runs took CD only to 79 for seven. Fortunately for CD the young tail wagged, Napier’s Margot Scoular slamming a quick 20 while Nelson’s Claudia Green clung on for an unbeaten 27*, with Taranaki’s Taila Hurley adding 17 at ten to nudge CD up to 151 for three. Canterbury U19 would have fancied their chances at the innings break but after a tight bowling performance, but the complexion of their chase changed rapidly as opener Emma Kench lost a stream of partners. Kench (41 off 103 balls) put up a terrific fight to get the Canterbury 100 on the board, but by then they were eight down and Kench was about to join them back on the sidelines. All but the opening pair had been dismissed for single figure scores as Central kept the pressure on almost every over, with […] The post National Women’s Under 21 tournament – Day Four and Five appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • National Women’s Under 21 tournament – Day Three
      • Another controlled knock from the tournament’s leading runscorer Saachi Shahri ensured Auckland’s Under 21 side remained undefeated after today’s Round Three in the annual NZC Women’s Under 21 National Tournament, while defending champions Central Districts sounded a big warning with a comprehensive victory over Wellington. Central captain Rosemary Mair, of Napier, produced an unbeaten 114, a maiden century for the Under 21 veteran. The captain’s knock ensured her side posted a defendable tally against Wellington before Wairarapa’s young Georgia Atkinson produced a devastatingly quick five-wicket bag to dismiss their opponents with head-turning figures of 2.2-1-3-5. DAY THREE RESULTS Central Districts U21 beat Wellington U21 by 91 runs Central skipper Rosemary Mair’s maiden unbeaten century was backed up by young Wairarapa Koru and fellow Central Hind Georgia Atkinson with the ball as defending champions Central grabbed their second win of the tournament. Atkinson’s 5-3 off just 2.2 overs (including a maiden) cut short Wellington’s chase in the 44th over after Central’s first-up tally of 223 proved insurmountable. Sent in, earlier Napier Central Hind Mair entered the game in the sixth over and this time found enough support to reach three figures for the first time, the experienced young allrounder having first debuted in the tournament in 2013. Ashtuti provided the anchor with 46 at the top as the two layered on a 117-run stand for the third wicket after Beth Molony and Natasha Codyre had made early breakthrough for the Wellington side. Despite losing partners after Ashtuti’s dismissal and Molony’s tidy work with […] The post National Women’s Under 21 tournament – Day Three appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • 2018 Gillette Cup – Day Four and Five
      • ROUND FOUR Tournament Points After Round Four: Wellington College 8, Christchurch Boys High School 6, Hamilton Boys’ High School 4, King’s College 2, Palmerston North Boys’ High School 2, Kings’ High School 2 King’s High School 167 all out off 49.3 overs (J Gilbert 37, L Foulkes 3-30, L Chapman 3-49) lost to Christchurch Boys’ High School 171-3 off 29.4 overs (L Chapman 77*, T Sutherland 48, N Hastie 2-36), Bert Sutcliffe Oval Christchurch Boys’ High School are still in the hunt to retain the Gillette Cup after a dominant win over Kings’ High School by seven wickets. King’s High School batted first and made 167, Jacob Gilbert top scored for King’s making 37 runs but they were no match for the Christchurch spinners restricting their progress and taking regular wickets. Off spinner Liam Foulkes ( 3-30) and left arm orthodox Louie Chapman (3-49) were the main destroyers. In reply Christchurch Boy’s made light work of King’s first innings total reaching it with 20 overs to spare. Louie Chapman stood out again with the bat making an unbeaten 77 to lead his team to victory and a large boost in the teams run rate. Palmerston North Boys’ High School 220-9 (S Russell 48, M Harris 38, J Dinan 3-40) beat Hamilton Boys’ High School 183 all out off 47.1 overs (J Parker 85, T Kirk 3-37), Lincoln Green Palmerston North Boys’ High School entered this match still looking for their first victory and with a clinical performance they bet one […] The post 2018 Gillette Cup – Day Four and Five appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Wellington A select strong side for T-20 tournament
      •  Wellington will send an exciting mix of experience and youth to the Provincial A Quadrangular T-20 tournament in Taupo next week. The tournament, now in its third year, sees A teams from Auckland, Norther Districts, Central Districts and Wellington descend on Owen Delaney Park in a round robin plus final format. Cricket Wellington pathway manager Chris Nevin said the tournament was a great opportunity for some of Wellington’s most promising players to prove themselves at the perfect time. “The tournament gives a great platform for these guys to showcase their T-20 skills at the next level, with the Burger King Super Smash only a couple of weeks away.” Eastern Suburbs’ Jamie Gibson and Karori’s Jono Sole will add experience and power to a strong looking batting line-up and Upper Hutt’s Nish Desai has forced his way into the side following a boundary laden 56 off 33 in the second Black v Gold T-20 match last Sunday. Desai is likely to partner Firebird Michael Pollard at the top of the order following his strong contribution in the Firebird’s Ford Trophy win in Dunedin on Saturday. Nevin said he was looking forward to seeing what Desai could produce at A level. “Nish’s power game was evident last weekend and we look forward to seeing what he can do in his first opportunity at this level.” Joining Desai in the Wellington A team for the first time are Victoria University all-rounders Adam Leonard and Josh Mann. The side will be captained by Hutt […] The post Wellington A select strong side for T-20 tournament appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Strong Wellington presence in NZ XI to face Sri Lanka
      • The chance of a lifetime awaits a youthful New Zealand XI this weekend when they take on Sri Lanka in a three day match at McLean Park. Among them is a strong Wellington presence lead by Firebird Peter Younghusband who will captain the side, as well as coach Glenn Pocknall, both fresh off their memorable Ford Trophy triumph in Dunedin at the weekend. 19-year-old allrounder Luke Georgeson has also been selected in the squad following good performances for the Wellington A team. NZC selection manager Gavin Larsen said the warm-up match shaped as a chance to test depth and look at a younger crop of talented cricketers. “There was an emphasis on offering another meaningful opportunity to players from the recent Under 19s. It’s a good chance to continue looking at these younger players against quality opposition,” he said. Among the squad is 26-year-old pace bowler Michael Snedden who burst onto the domestic scene earlier this season. “Michael made his debut for the Auckland Aces this year and we are interested to see what he can produce against a strong touring side,” NZC selection manager Gavin Larsen said. Northern Districts batsman Bharat Popli also offers first-class batting experience in the top order. It’s a busy time of year for NZC with the BLACKCAPS, New Zealand A and round three of the Plunket Shield all running concurrently. The New Zealand XI play Sri Lanka in a Three Day Match at McLean Park on Saturday 8 December starting at 11am.   New Zealand XI squad to face Sri […] The post Strong Wellington presence in NZ XI to face Sri Lanka appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Firebirds edge the Volts in a dramatic Ford Trophy Grand Final
      • They’re calling it one of the great Ford Trophy Grand Finals after a dramatic, see-sawing match went down to the final overs in Dunedin. Both teams suffered top order collapses, both teams fought back tenaciously with the bat, and both teams bowled their hearts out in front of a spellbound University of Otago Oval crowd. They left still rubbing their eyes after a fascinating day of cricket, the Wellington Firebirds breaking Otago hearts with a tight three-wicket win to claim the championship. Despite having been asked to bowl, Hamish Bennett’s Firebirds made a brilliant start with a $45,000 first prize, personal pride and national glory on the line. They had top qualifiers the Volts reeling at 37 for four after Bennett had put himself on a hat-trick in the 10th over. Jimmy Neesham had just taken his second catch, grabbing the relay fended off his teammate in the slips to remove young number four Nathan Smith for just five. Next ball, Shawn Hicks played on for a golden duck. New man Anaru Kitchen took a two down the ground first ball to avert the hat-trick, denying Bennett the chance to be the first bowler in his team’s List A domestic history to achieve the rare feat. But Bennett was just one ball late. It was a catastrophic over for the Volts, Kitchen bowled off the very next ball to have the menacing Bennett sitting on 3-17 off 4.4 overs — and bowling to four slips in a one-day game with steam […] The post Firebirds edge the Volts in a dramatic Ford Trophy Grand Final appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Firebirds youngsters prove their talent
      • The Wellington Firebird’s decision to give youth a go has been justified as they aim to claim their first Ford Trophy title in five years when they take on the Otago Volts in the grand final tomorrow. Firebirds management made the decision at the start of the season to give a younger crop of talent an opportunity in the Ford Trophy, bringing in debutants Andrew Fletcher, Lauchie Johns, Jakob Bhula and Ben Sears and resting veterans Jeetan Patel and Luke Woodcock. The decision has been a good one – the Firebirds are just one win away from the title and all four of the youngsters have played their part in what has so far been a memorable campaign. The obvious highlight has been Andrew Fletcher, who has led from the front at the top of the order, already claiming the Wellington List A record for most runs in a season, formally held by Michael Papps. Wicketkeeper Lauchie Johns has also been Mr Reliable behind the stumps. Johns equaled the List A record for most dismissals in a match, taking seven in their round one match against Canterbury – just one off a world-record. And in the elimination final against Auckland on Wednesday, the 22-year-old equaled the Wellington List A records for most catches and most dismissals in a season. Sears and Bhula have also contributed – Bhula proved his class with a well-made 99 against the Central Stags and Sears has taken his opportunities with some fierce bowling spells throughout […] The post Firebirds youngsters prove their talent appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • NZ A name strong squad for India A one-dayers
      • Nine current or former BLACKCAPS have been named in the New Zealand A squad to play India A in three one-dayers at Bay Oval in early December. NZC selection manager Gavin Larsen said the side was well balanced and featured an in-form top order alongside some talented all-rounders who could push their case for higher honours. “This is the start of an important period of cricket for these players and an opportunity for them all to further their claims,” Larsen said. “There’s plenty to play for in the top order. George Worker has been passed fit after HIA protocols and has shown his value over a number of strong domestic seasons. “Will Young had a very good tour of the UAE where he scored consistent big runs before backing that up with an excellent century against India A in Hamilton last week. “Hamish Rutherford scored a century in the Mount Maunganui match and his form at the start of this domestic season has been compelling,” Larsen said. The squad features four all-rounders, including Jimmy Neesham who has been leading the way with the bat for his new side the Wellington Firebirds. “He’s certainly in good form and hitting the ball as well as ever,” Larsen said after watching Neesham guide his side to victory with an unbeaten century in the Ford Trophy Elimination Final at the Eden Park Out Oval yesterday. Canterbury captain Cole McConchie has earned his maiden call-up to NZ A while recalled Northern Districts all-rounder Daryl Mitchell also gets his chance with Larsen saying both selections were well deserved. […] The post NZ A name strong squad for India A one-dayers appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Firebirds unchanged for first knockout fixture of the season
      • The Wellington Firebirds are once again unchanged for their Ford Trophy elimination final against the Auckland Aces at Eden Park Outer Oval in Auckland tomorrow. The Firebird’s round ten fixture against Northern Districts at Cobham Oval in Whangarei was washed-out after just 5.3 overs on Saturday, allowing the players and staff extra time for recovery and preparation leading into the sudden death matchup. Wellington had to settle for the two points of a no-result in Whangarei and were leapfrogged to the Ford Trophy top spot by the Otago Volts, who overcame Auckland by three runs in a thriller in Invercargill over the weekend. Despite missing out on the automatic route, the Wellington camp is in typically high spirits, opting to travel directly to Auckland from Whangarei without returning to Wellington to prepare for the elimination final. “It’s an exciting time of the season being involved in finals and we have had a good few days of training at Eden Park getting ready for Wednesday,” said Firebirds coach Glenn Pocknall. The Firebirds have been one of the most consistent teams in this year’s Ford Trophy and boast some of the competition’s form players. Rookie Andrew Fletcher is the competition’s leading run-scorer with 628 runs and an average of 68. The 25-year-old has already broken Michael Papps’ record for most List A runs for Wellington in a single season and is closing in on the New Zealand record held by Nathan Astle. Captain Hamish Bennett and allrounder Jimmy Neesham have also been […] The post Firebirds unchanged for first knockout fixture of the season appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Firebirds focused leading into business end of Ford Trophy
      • Wellington Firebirds captain Hamish Bennett says the tight DLS loss to the Central Stags last Sunday has helped his team refocus for their decisive Ford Trophy clash with Northern Districts at Cobham Oval tomorrow. The Firebirds looked on track to chase down the Stag’s first innings total of 279 thanks to a strong opening knock from 18-year-old Jakob Bhula – but when Bhula fell and the rain came, the DLS method was brought into play and the Firebirds lost by just seven runs. “We know that you have to be in control of the majority of the game, you can’t just do bits and pieces right, you’ve got to be able to do the processes right the whole time,” said Bennett. “Cricket is a great humbler and, if anything, the loss on Sunday humbled us and really helped us refocus moving into this game on Saturday.” Despite the loss, Bennett was focused on the positives leading in to the business end of the Ford Trophy competition. “There’s plenty of good stuff to take from the game – Iain McPeake bowled really well and obviously Jakob Bhula showed why he’s playing at this level, so as a team I think we actually moved forward.” The Firebird’s fate is in their own hands tomorrow knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the final on December 1, but Coach Glenn Pocknall says the team’s preparation has remained the same. “After a big week down South, we’ve had a couple of quiet […] The post Firebirds focused leading into business end of Ford Trophy appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Age and Stage & CricHQ rule clarifications
      • Cricket Wellington has been made aware of a series of teething issues with the new Age & Stage Junior Formats & CricHQ. These are to be expected with any new formats – please see below a series of clarifications bought about from week 1 – please note these are designed to increase the speed and enjoyment of the game for ALL involved: Returning Batter – Year 7 & 8 (including rep) Any batter that reaches retirement (30 balls) can return to bat once all other batters have been dismissed/retired. This is irrespective of their dismissals in the first six balls. Retired batters can return chronologically (based on first retired, second retired etc) as further wickets fall. The innings will be deemed finished once all overs are completed or all batters are dismissed. No Balls & Subsequent Free Hits Free hits only apply in Year 7 & 8 cricket (including rep). Free hits will only apply after the first no ball of the over. Any subsequent no balls will not result in a free hit. If a wide or no ball is bowled on the free hit, the free hits rolls over to the next legitimate delivery. If a no-ball is bowled off the eighth ball of the over, the free hit will not roll over to the first ball of the subsequent over & becomes void. The only mode of dismissal of a free hit is run-out. A no ball is defined as follows: “a ball that without having touched […] The post Age and Stage & CricHQ rule clarifications appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Firebirds out for revenge against Aces
      • The Wellington Firebirds will be out for revenge when they take on the Auckland Aces at the Basin Reserve tomorrow in what is undoubtedly the pick of the round five Ford Trophy fixtures. The two teams met just over a week ago at Eden Park Outer Oval where the Firebirds looked destined for victory before losing six wickets in the final six overs to lose by 13 runs. Since then Wellington have recorded comfortable home wins over the Otago Volts and Northern Districts, and are quickly turning the Basin Reserve into a fortress having not lost there this summer. Firebirds captain Hamish Bennett said the squad were relishing another opportunity to go toe-to-toe with the Auckland outfit. “We always have competitive games against the Aces which are played in good spirits and we’re striving to get one back over them for the loss the other week.” One player who is finding form at the right time in the season is Firebirds all-rounder Jimmy Neesham. Neesham was the pick of the bowlers in his team’s win over the Volts last Wednesday taking three wickets for just 17 runs off his seven overs. The 28-year-old has also found form with the bat posting an impressive 86 off 67 balls against Northern Districts on Sunday and a solid 63 off 59 in the loss against the Aces. Auckland come into the match off the back of two nail-biters against Canterbury, where they were beaten at Hagley Oval by six runs before bouncing back […] The post Firebirds out for revenge against Aces appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Teenager Rachin Ravindra stands tall for New Zealand A
      • Talented Wellington teenager Rachin Ravindra was the star turn for New Zealand A on a demanding second day of their four-day fixture against Pakistan A in Dubai. The day began well for the New Zealand bowlers, who chipped out four wickets for 46 runs in 13 overs before the Pakistan declaration at 346 for nine. By stumps, New Zealand A were 168 for six off 68 overs when bad light once more cut the day short. Allrounder Todd Astle was on 16 and seamer Kyle Jamieson on one. However the 18-year-old Ravindra was the standout figure, making 70 on his first-class debut. Pakistan’s bowling was demanding through the hot day and the runs were hard to come by, the rate dropping to one an over late in the afternoon. Captain Jeet Raval went early, bowled for one off 13 balls, while the other four dismissals were all to catches by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Opener George Worker grafted to 30 off 93 balls, putting on 40 with Will Young for the second wicket. Young, a century-maker in one of the 50-over matches earlier in the tour, got to 23, while Dane Cleaver made four and test wicketkeeper BJ Watling 18 off 55 balls. The 42-run stand between Ravindra and Watling for the fifth wicket was the best of the day. All the while, double ICC Under 19 World Cup international Ravindra progressed past his half century and, scoring at a relatively decent clip, got to 70 before falling to left arm […] The post Teenager Rachin Ravindra stands tall for New Zealand A appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Devine & Kerr Offered WHITE FERNS’ Contracts
      • Wellington Blaze all-rounders, Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, who have each made plenty of headlines in recent months, have been offered WHITE FERNS’ contracts for the 2018-19 season. Joining the Wellington pair are four newly contracted players including exciting-young Central Hinds all-rounder Jess Watkin and Northern Spirit wicket-keeper Bernadine Bezuidenhout, who have been offered national contracts for the first time.  Watkin and Bezuidenhout both debuted on the recent tour of Ireland and England, where the former was able to cement her place in the WHITE FERNS One Day and T20 side with some impressive performances with bat and ball. “It really is a dream come true to be offered my first full-time professional contract,” Watkin said.  “Getting a taste of international cricket in Ireland and England left me wanting more and it’s awesome that I’ll now be able to train and play all year round.” The other two players added to the list from last year are Canterbury Magicians all-rounders Hayley Jensen and Kate Ebrahim, who both made successful come backs to the WHITE FERNS this year. Those offered contracts have until Monday, August 6, to accept.   The 15 players offered WHITE FERNS contracts for the 2018-19 season are: Sophie Devine (Wellington Blaze) Amelia Kerr (Wellington Blaze) Suzie Bates (Otago Sparks) Bernadine Bezuidenhout (Northern Spirit) Kate Ebrahim (Canterbury Magicians) Maddy Green (Auckland Hearts) Holly Huddleston (Auckland Hearts) Hayley Jensen (Canterbury Magicians) Leigh Kasperek (Otago Sparks) Katey Martin (Otago Sparks) Katie Perkins (Auckland Hearts) Hannah Rowe (Central Hinds) Amy Satterthwaite […] The post Devine & Kerr Offered WHITE FERNS’ Contracts appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Cricket Wellington Appoints Age-Group Coaches
      • Cricket Wellington are pleased to announce the age-group coaching appointments for the 2018-19 season. After advertising the positions in June, Pathway Manager Chris Nevin, Blaze Coach and Coach Educator Christie Van Dyk, and Firebirds Assistant Coach Glenn Pocknall conducted interviews for the roles in early July. Both Nevin and Van Dyk were pleased with the interest in the roles and with the fact coaches will now lead the training programmes and take the teams during their tournaments. Nevin noted the value in having these coaching appointments made well in advance of the season, “We see real benefits for our pathway players to have continuity of coaches throughout their training programmes and into the game and tournament phase of the season, so to be able to contract coaches for this will be a real boost for our programmes. In some cases, we’ve previously had coaches who turn up to take teams for tournaments and don’t know the players in the team they will be coaching so this will remove that issue.” A strong coaching team has been put in place around the female representative teams and a highlight is seeing a number of current Blaze players driving this through coaching and implementing the Blaze philosophies through the age-groups. Blaze coach, Van Dyk, pointed out the benefits of the consistency of this pathway approach, “It’s important for us to have consistent coach philosophies and work together to achieve the same results. We’re excited about the quality of coaches appointed and look forward […] The post Cricket Wellington Appoints Age-Group Coaches appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Firebirds’ Trio Leap In To National Squads
      • Selectors Gavin Larsen and Mike Hesson – in his last assignment for NZC before stepping down from his BLACKCAPS head coach role at the end of this month, today announced the Test, ODI, T20 and NZ A squads for the UAE tour, which will start in mid-October. As well as being selected for the full NZ A tour, Wellington Firebirds’ wicketkeeper, Tom Blundell has been included as a second wicket-keeper alongside BJ Watling in the Test squad. Blundell will be joined in the NZ A squad by Wellington Firebirds’ Player of the Year, Logan van Beek and one of the rising stars of NZ cricket, Rachin Ravindra. With two players to be added to the BLACKCAPS’ white ball squads later – either from the T20 or the NZ A sections of the tour – the Firebirds’ trio will be pushing hard for some limited overs internationals.   Larsen said with NZC placing a bigger emphasis on the “A” programme, it was an exciting time for the country’s emerging players, and an excellent opportunity to develop and expand their capabilities. “This is a great opportunity for us to spread the net a little wider and evaluate and monitor the next crop of potential BLACKCAPS coming through the system,” he said. “Given India A will also be visiting New Zealand over the summer, there is a lot to play for.”   Central Stags left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel is in line to make his BLACKCAPS’ debut after being named in the Test squad […] The post Firebirds’ Trio Leap In To National Squads appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

    • Wellington Firebirds’ Contracts Announced for 2018-19
      • The Wellington Firebirds’ squad for the coming season includes some new faces as three young local cricketers join the contract list for the first time. Lauchie Johns, Rachin Ravindra, and Ben Sears have all been offered contracts having progressed through the local pathway. Cricket Wellington Pathway Manager, Chris Nevin was delighted to see the young local trio rise to being contracted professional cricketers, acknowledging the impact that the path they have taken will have on other aspiring players, “I think it’ll be a real boost for other players to see that hard work, coupled with performances at club level, and then at A level, will be rewarded. “It’s now be up to them to continue to perform and force their way into the starting side.” Nevin went on to highlight the development of Johns in recent years, “Lauchie has performed well for the As over the last couple of years and had a break-out season in 2017-18, making his First-Class debut. “His consistency with the gloves, combined with heavy run-scoring at club, Dempster Shield, and provincial A level certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed.” Wellington Firebirds head coach, Bruce Edgar, is understandably excited by the potential of his new charges, “Ben Sears has outstanding capability as a pace bowler and is currently with the MCC Young Cricketers in the UK. If not for rain, he would’ve made his Firebirds’ debut last season. “Rachin is a superb spin bowler who can bat anywhere. He made headlines with the BLACKCAPS U19s last season and […] The post Wellington Firebirds’ Contracts Announced for 2018-19 appeared first on Cricket Wellington.

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