Cricket: Hunt steps down after guiding Stags

Central Stags cricket head coach Alan Hunt has confirmed he will not seek an extension to his term at the end of the season.

Hunt has coached the Devon Hotel Stags for three seasons, starting in 2010 when he took the side to the Champions League in South Africa.

Since then the Stags have won the Plunket Shield in 2012/13, the Ford Trophy 2011/12 and made the final of the HRV Cup in 2010/11.

Hunt cited timing as the main reason for his decision.

"After giving it a lot of thought I have decided not to seek an extension due to the future needs of CD Cricket," Hunt said.

"I looked at what I have achieved in my time and think that it is the right time to pass the baton on to someone else and explore other opportunities."

Speaking from Hamilton where his side are preparing to take on the Sky City Northern Knights in the Ford Trophy, Hunt said: "I will miss the fantastic team spirit that the Stags have and I'm proud of what has been achieved.

"I also really appreciate the opportunity that CD Cricket has given me."

Central Districts chief executive Hugh Henderson spoke positively of Hunt's contribution in three seasons with the association.

"Alan has made an excellent contribution to CD Cricket, as his results reflect," Henderson said.

"Not only have we had success on the field, but we have also seen the development of a number of our younger players which augers well for the future.

"We are in the process of finalising a new CD-wide cricket plan and want the Stags head coach to be a constant for the next two to three seasons to implement that part of the plan.

"In talking this through with Alan we agreed that this would be too long in the role for him to commit to, and that it was better to make the change now."

The role will be advertised in the coming weeks.