Cricket greats heading to Cornwall
For 60 years the One Tree Hill obelisk has been keeping a watchful eye on the Cornwall Cricket Ground.
Nestled in the valley which was formerly an olive grove, a number of wickets and an impressive pavilion take pride of place in the field that Cornwall Cricket Club calls home.
One of the largest and oldest clubs in the country, Cornwall has bred some of New Zealand’s greatest cricketers including Graham Vivian, Jeff and Martin Crowe and the current club president Mark Greatbatch.
‘‘I was in long white socks and short white shorts when I first played for Cornwall, I would have been about 6,’’ Greatbatch says.
He has fond memories of the club where he played 60 innings scoring 2212 runs between 1981-86.
‘‘It is such a
beautiful park, turning up to play cricket in those early days and getting a pie and a fizzy drink after the game was just great as a young lad.
‘‘When I got a bit older Martin Crowe and I met each other there and we played together when his father Dave was coaching.’’
Some of those greats are returning to the park this Friday for a one-off twenty20 match between a Presidents XI and the 1994/95 championship winning Cornwall side to mark the 60 years.
‘‘We are encouraging everyone to come down and watch,’’ Greatbatch says.
‘‘It will be a fun day and a great way to start a big weekend before the Black Caps play Aussie.’’
There will be entertainment for the kids, food and a special game.
David Storer, a member of the winning 1994 side is looking forward to having a hit with his old mates.
‘‘Meeting up with the people I used to play cricket with will be a lot of fun.’’
Winning the 1994 championship was a highlight of Storer’s cricket career.
‘‘We were a bunch
auction
after
the
of unknowns and we took out,’’ Storer says.
‘‘We had some good cricketers, better ones than me, but to win the championship was great.’’
Cornwall Cricket Club has a decorated history and now boasts 17 senior men’s teams including one women’s team and almost 100 junior teams.
‘‘It’s a great vibrant club with lots of young kids running around,’’ Greatbatch says.
Greatbatch is now involved with coaching a small group at the club along with a mentor of his and club stalwart Rex Smith.
‘‘The 1994 championship win began one of the finest eras of the Cornwall Cricket Club,’’ Smith says.
‘‘This match is designed to recognise that team and their achievements.’’
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