“It was perfectly round when Russell first introduced it and it’s lost its original shape but it’s still a proud aftermatch ritual after 53 years.
“I’ve seen players score centuries and still get awarded the ball and chain. I tell every new player they’re not a real Pirate until they’re won the ball and chain.
“Matt qualified in record time but shouldn’t lose any sleep over it (he’s not). It was just our way of welcoming him to the club and he enjoyed it.”
Crampton accepted the award with a smile.
“I didn’t know what the boys were talking about when they mentioned something about the ball and chain,” said the 19-year-old. “Then I heard I was among the nominees and was surprised to win it, but it’s all in good fun and I didn’t mind. It was a fun way to be welcomed to the club.
“Everyone at the club has been fantastic. They have made me feel like I’m one of the boys already.
“Gisborne is a beautiful place; the people are so friendly.
“We’re all (fellow South Africans Nicholas Hendrie and Bruce Kerr) staying with Isaac Hughes (a teammate of Kerr, who plays for Bollywood High School Old Boys) and loving it.”
Crampton, who with Hendrie and Kerr wil play for Poverty Bay against Northern Districts Maori at Harry Barker Reserve on Sunday (40-overs game) and Monday (T20), arrived in Gisborne after a stellar season with Barton Cricket Club, who play in the B division of the Devon Cricket League in England.
“We won four of the five trophies — the main league, the Sunday League, against different teams and two T20 cups,” said Crampton.
“We had to win our last game in the main league, against Filleigh. I scored 74 and took 3-28 off nine overs. I was really happy with my first season at the club. I was third-top wicket-taker in the league with 32 and eighth in the batting with 466 runs.”
After a short stay at home, Crampton, who wants to study sports journalism, was soon packing his bags again to come to Gisborne.
“When I got the offer from Nick, asking me if I was interested in playing cricket in new Zealand, I was like ‘absolutely, when can I come?’ ”
“I’ve been here two weeks and it’s incredible. We haven’t even been surfing, which I am told is great here, and can’t wait for summer.”
Kerr (23) has also made a good impression.
“He’s a class player who hits the ball cleanly,” said HSOB captain Scott Tallott.
“He’s a good guy, who has fitted in well with the boys,” said Tallott, who shared an unbroken third-wicket stand of 48 with Kerr to guide HSOB to an eight-wicket win against Gisborne Boys’ High School on Saturday.
Kerr smashed 77 off 63 balls, including three sixes and eight fours.
Hendrie — who will captain the Bay — Kerr and Crampton will be valuable members of the Lance Cairns-coached Bay coach team for the double header this weekend.
Crampton is looking forward to the games.
“We’ve had three sessions and the squad looks strong,” Crampton said.
“We’ve got some good bowlers at Pirates. Dane (Thompson, captain), Sam (Patterson) and Tom (Needham) bowled well at the weekend to set up the win against OBR.
“Josiah Turner (Gisborne Boys’ High School player-coach) and Scott (Tallott) also look to be good cricketers.
“There are others but I’m still getting to know all the guys.”
Former Poverty Bay cricketer Thorn Parkes is a member of the ND Maori team. Parkes is captain of the King’s College first 11.
