Cricket stars heat up competition
Wairarapa club cricketers face the prospect of meeting some of New Zealand’s best young talent.
In a move that Cricket Wellington supports, the Hutt Cricket Academy has entered a team in the Wairarapa competition.
The academy is based at the Hutt Rec and has close links to the Hutt Districts Cricket Club and Hutt International Boys (HIBs).
It is not affiliated to Cricket Wellington.
Chairman Russell Cookson approached Wairarapa looking for an opportunity to play some games.
Wairarapa has five senior clubs, including Rathkeale College and Wairarapa College. After January the two school teams play traditional college fixtures, leaving three teams (Red Star, Greytown and Landsdowne).
Wairarapa Cricket board member Brian James said having the HCA avoided the need for a bye and it would also create interest.
The competition is played on a Sunday and the HCA would be able to call on the likes of Rachin Ravindra and Ben Sears who last year played for the New Zealand Under 19s at the World Cup.
Ravindra was a star, captaining the team, taking nine wickets and scoring 366 runs.
He also played a big role in HIBs winning the national title.
HCA players will not be eligible for Wairarapa rep duties.
If the move proved a success, James said other Wellington based teams could be invited to play.
‘‘You never know, a lot of other sports have Wellington and Wairarapa teams doing quite well, hockey for instance with Dalefield.’’
He understood that the intention was to play ‘‘some decent’’ players and he expected the HCA players to enjoy the fast wickets and traditionally hot February weather.
‘‘That sort of experience, for some of the younger HIBs boys, will be beneficial.’’
Cookson said it was all about giving young cricketers as many opportunities as possible.
‘‘They will be playing on good wickets but the advantage is that a lot of young guys will play on a Saturday and Sunday.
‘‘If they play on a Saturday and they get rolled for a duck, they will get another chance on the Sunday.’’
As well as HIBs, the academy would also be calling on players from Hutt Districts.
Cricket Wellington boss Peter Clinton had no problem with the HCA playing in the Wairarapa.
‘‘I cannot see any downside and the upside is they are getting additional cricket, which is a good thing.’’