Cricket: Kerikeri back on the club cricketing map

Leg spinner Max Hart is part of the newly reinvigorated Kerikeri Cricket Club. Photo/John Stone

After 10 years in the wilderness, Kerikeri Cricket Club has returned to the club scene for the 2016/17 season.

A renewed interest in playing, coupled with a new coach, has allowed the Northland side to compete in the reserve grade.

Club representative Simon Hart said the players were the ultimate catalyst for their return to competition.

"At the end of last season, a number of the boys in the school team finished school, and so when it became apparent that they did not have the numbers to continue with a school team this season, the decision was made to resurrect the Kerikeri Cricket Club," he said.

"This meant we'd field a new combined team that could include both high school students and non-students, as we were aware that there were a number of cricketers in the community at large who were keen to play."As a result, a new club committee has been formed, and a Kerikeri Cricket Club Facebook page has been set up, featuring team information, updates and weekly match reports."

Back in the 'halcyon days of club cricket back in the 80s and 90s', Kerikeri had both a club (Homestead Kerikeri) and school side competing in the Bay of Islands and Whangarei cricket leagues.

But a lack of numbers forced Homestead to be disbanded.

Now with a new coach on deck in former Kerikeri High School student Lowell Gundry, Hart said they were ready to go.

"Lowell has had the team practising twice a week for the last six weeks. Kerikeri High School has generously allowed us use of their pitch as our home ground, as well as their nets for practises," he said.

"The club's long-term goal is to return to their original home ground at the Kerikeri Domain. Through word of mouth, we were able to find new additions to the team in time for the regular season."

Kerikeri put in a solid showing through the reserve T20 competition, winning two of their four matches.

Now they're priming themselves for the 40-over competition, which starts with a home match against Duracrete Products City Reserves.

Hart said expectations were tempered, with an eye looking to the future.

"At this stage, the club is close to having a settled team for the season, but is looking for more players to commit to the entire season, rather than relying on 'ring-ins' each week," he said.

"Coach Gundry believes that having a team (ranging in ages from 15-51) that boasts both younger players (including at least five Northland age-group representatives) and more 'seasoned' players makes for what he hopes will be a winning combination."Although not yet confirmed, there is also the chance that ex-Black Cap Bruce 'Bucko' Martin - having moved back to Kerikeri - will be playing the odd game for the new team.

"The Club is also looking closely at the possibility of establishing a 2nd XI team to play in Whangarei's 3rd grade competition in future so that junior players [aged 13-17] from throughout the Bay can also play Saturday cricket."

In the meantime, Kerikeri are looking to raise funds for team uniforms.

The new team is a coup for a town where people clearly enjoy their cricket and for anyone interested in playing, now there's a place to go.

*Anyone wishing to play for or sponsor Kerikeri Cricket Club, email kerikericricket@gmail.com or head to the Kerikeri Cricket Club Facebook page