Operations area…. 

Operations Manager’s Report

The 2019/20 cricket season saw a growth of 4 teams from the previous year which is extremely exciting for our sport. The hard-work that goes in from our volunteers, club personnel, umpires, players, coaches, sponsors, funders and of course parents is simply incredible and we cannot thank you all enough for being the backbone of the sport we all love. Here is a short snippet of what this season had to offer and some of the highlights that came with it.

Club Cricket

The Tasman Premier League once again had representation from 6 Nelson teams with the inclusion of a combined Wanderers-Motueka Side. It proved to be a real success and provided a pathway for cricketers in those regions from school kids right through to premier cricket. The competition was tight all the way and was won in a tense final by Athletic College Old Boys who narrowly pipped Stoke-Nayland. Unfortunately the season was cut short due to Covid-19 and know it has affected everyone in some way. Our thoughts certainly go out to those that have suffered more serious strain on business or family life because of it.

Our 2^nd Grade competition was won by Wakatu after they managed to defeat Motueka in the final. Motueka had proved to be the team to beat all season, finishing top of the round robin. But it was another close final with the team from Victory Square taking the title.

The Presidents Grade combined 3 teams from Motueka this year as well taking it to a total of 16 teams in the social Friday night league. The competition was won by Wakatu so congratulations to them!

Thanks again to our Umpires for their work in helping club cricket be so successful. You all continue to give up so much of your time during the weekend which we are all extremely thankful for.

Indoor Facility

We have seen a fantastic increase in the use of our Indoor Centre this year. We encourage anyone to come and make the most of this world-class facility. We have been fortunate to see schools, community groups, football teams, baseball players and of course many cricketers come and enjoy the centre this season. If you or anyone you know is interested then please get in touch with us at Nelson Cricket.

International

November the 5^th proved to be a very special day in the calendar for many Nelson Cricket fans. The Black Caps played England in a big hitting T/20 that saw the NZ side come out on top. Posting a massive 180/7 off their 20 overs, it looked like England was cruising to victory, but some incredible bowling at the back end of the innings saw them fall 14 runs short. There was so much to enjoy about that day, with a big crowd treated to a day of sunshine, runs, plenty of food and drink and a good Black Caps win. A very special shout-out goes to the volunteers that helped out in the days leading up to the game and of course on the day itself. We cannot hold these events without their help, so on behalf of all the cricket fans that day, thank you. Also, a big thank you to Katie Woller and Gavin Larsen for their help in making the day such a success.

Thanks 

The Nelson Cricket Association has continued to work alongside all clubs in the region to grow the game of cricket. Each club has a host of individuals that volunteer their time to ensure cricket is available and accessible to many people in the region. Forming teams, sorting uniforms, gaining sponsors, finding equipment, taking payments, doing trainings, taking players to games and of course some even finding time to play themselves. We cannot thank you all enough for your efforts this year and, for many, the countless years before. It is your enthusiasm, your selflessness and your willingness to help others that drives our game forward from the grassroots level, so thank you.

Ryan and I would like to thank the Board for the support over what has been an eventful year. The nature of sport administration means that challenges are always around the corner, but we feel that the support you have given us both across the season has meant we can keep going. As volunteers in the role, your efforts are certainly appreciated and we understand the apparent difficulties that the role can also bring to your busy lives as well. We are thankful you are right there with us, every step of the way.

Ben Eder

Operations Manager