Roadshow in Gisborne

STRAIGHT BAT: Northern Districts chairman of selectors Pat Malcon studies the technique of Nathan Trowell. Pictures by Liam Clayton

CRICKET

Northern Districts cricket ran training sessions for Gisborne’s top players and coaches on Thursday and Friday.

Chairman of ND selectors Pat Malcon said he enjoyed coming back to his home town during the annual roadshow around the district.

The roadshow was an excellent opportunity for players to experience a high-level coaching environment and for the coaches and selectors to get a look at the up-and-coming talent, he said.

“If we held a workshop in Hamilton, we wouldn’t see all the kids that might be out there; some might not be able to come.

“We make sure there’s fair coverage to everywhere (in the district). There’s no reason the next Black Cap can’t come from Gisborne.

“We want to get the message across to these young guys that you can make it through to the top level if you get good coaching and opportunities.”

Malcon has dedicated more than 20 years to ND cricket; he has worn many hats in his time with the organisation, including that of director of cricket.

In 2018 he was awarded New Zealand Cricket’s premier award for outstanding service to the game, the Bert Sutcliffe Medal.

He said Poverty Bay cricket had struggled in recent years, but the level of play was still incredibly strong in the region.

“The young guys grow up and leave in their peak years . . . they go to university or leave for better opportunities.

“Poverty Bay is an important part of Northern Districts. We have one of our age-grade tournaments here every year. Gisborne is still our best tournament ground.”

Poverty Bay Cricket Association operations manager Nicholas Hendrie said the point of the camp was two-fold.

PBCA had no paid coaching staff this year so having local coaches observe the workshop was a means of upskilling them. Meanwhile, it was giving young players high-quality coaching.