Knight taking position at Makaraka

PB Cricket Association appreciates what Mel Knight has done for the sport in the district. Knight is pictured in action. File picture

MEL Knight will not be lost to Poverty Bay cricket following the appointment of Nic Hendrie as Poverty Bay Cricket Association’s operations manager, says chairman Christopher Slater.

Knight, the Poverty Bay women’s player-coach and women’s development officer, took on the district manager’s role when Mohit Rao left in September for family reasons.

“While Mohit’s departure was a big loss, it was also an opportunity for Mel to step up,” Slater said.

“But in the end she said, ‘it wasn’t quite me’.

“We appreciate that and the work Mel did when she was in the role.

“She also had a good offer from Makaraka School, and I have no doubt she will be a big asset to the school. Mel will also continue to develop our women players, where she has done a great job.

“Mel came into the district manager’s role at a difficult time and we wish her all the best in her new position with Makaraka.”

Slater said that since Knight’s decision “around Christmas” to commit to Makaraka, the association had been “just ticking along”.

“We’re looking to reignite enthusiasm for the game, and see the appointment of Nic, who has been in charge of junior development at Grafton, as part of this.

“Nic’s brief will be to deliver programmes, develop coaches and players, and kickstart our academy.”

Slater said that should Hendrie be picked up by the Northern Knights, it would be a catch-22 situation for the association.

“On one hand, it would mean Nic would not be available for all Poverty Bay games but, on the other, having a Northern Knights player in the district would be huge for our young players.

“Ideally, we’d love to see him as a Black Cap.

“Having Lance Cairns and Nic (who played for Poverty Bay in their win against Bay of Plenty) involved in the rep set-up I believe has put extra spring in the step of Craig Christophers, Jimmy Holden and Glen Udall.”