Cricket: School bowled over by cricket grant

Practising on worn-out turf is set to be a thing of the past for Tauranga Intermediate pupils after being awarded an ANZ Cricket Grant of $3000.

Themoney will be used to replace the worn out turf in the school's cricket nets, which will cost $6000 to complete.

The cricket nets at Tauranga Intermediate are where Black Caps Trent Boult, Daniel Flynn and Doug Bracewell learned their craft and the current talented bunch of players who have won two of the last three national ActivePost (Primary) titles.

ANZ business manager Rob Yeoman says the bank launched the programme to help New Zealanders get the most out of their favourite summer game.

"The ANZ Cricket Grant Scheme was set up to support players and fans at all levels, whether they're playing competitively or in the backyard with their families.

"We hear of keen cricketers from all around the country who love the game but struggle to reach their full potential due to a lack of gear or equipment. We want to help change that.

"Tauranga Intermediate School showed the judges how passionate they are about cricket in a really cool video that received almost 1000 votes from the community. The school fields seven teams and boasts some impressive national titles. We hope the new turf will help the school to continue thriving at the game they love."

Northern Knights allrounder and Tauranga Intermediate teacher Brett Hampton, who applied on behalf of the schools, says the grant would make a huge difference.

"The kids can't wait to practise on the new turf. We're hoping it can all be complete in time for term four."

ANZ is awarding $100,000 in cricket grants to schools, clubs, social teams and players, for more information see www.anzcricketworld.co.nz