Back up ground choice clearer next week

Canterbury Cricket's commitment to a second-tier venue should be clearer next week after the presentation of a strategic plan next week.

Last night's annual meeting of the Canterbury Cricket Association heard from chairman Maurice Ryan that the CCA had developed a good relationship with The Management of Jade Stadium.

But that the CCA had still to commit itself to a second tier venue. Several games will be played at the Village Green at Queen Elizabeth II Park this season but that was not necessarily the preferred option.

Ryan also told the meeting that now a closer relationship had been achieved with junior cricket in the province, the future relationship between the CCA and the Christchurch Suburban Cricket Association would be visited.

Ryan said the relationships, and the introduction of the development programme being required of all associations by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), was the key to the future of the game.

He added that Canterbury needed to grow the business of cricket in the region.

Former New Zealand batsman, and now international match referee, Brian Hastings was returned to the presidency for a second two-year term. Under the constitution, the president usually serves only one term but the meeting without dissent last night approved an extension.

Board member Ann Urlwin, who has been on the board of Canterbury Cricket for four years, was returned while long-serving Lancaster Park Cricket Club identity Trevor Luke was elected to the board.

A former member of the CCA board of control, a senior player and club captain of Lancaster Park. Luke is expected to bring a good understanding of club issues to the board table at a time when club cricket is under intense scrutiny right across the country.

A feature of the evening was the presentation of the Sir Jack Newman Trophy to East Shirley stalwart Bill Duncan for services to junior cricket. Hastings presented the NZC award to Duncan.