Smith brings home the bacon

SCORING WELL: Cheryl Smith has picked up a $2000 "thank you" for her commitment to Kaikohe Rugby. PICTURE/DEBBIE BEADLE

Former Black Fern Cheryl Smith - "a woman in a man's world" - is the toast of the Kaikohe Rugby Club after receiving $2000 in sports merchandising vouchers through the "Thank a Sport Maker" programme.

She is among 10 people around the country who received the grants through the programme, launched at the end of August by Lotto and Sport NZ.

Volunteers involved in any grassroots sport are eligible for prizes distributed quarterly - all they need is for someone to nominate them online at lottovolunteers.co.nz and describe why they are an outstanding Sport Maker.

SCORING WELL: Cheryl Smith has picked up a $2000 "thank you" for her commitment to Kaikohe Rugby. PICTURE/DEBBIE BEADLE

Smith was nominated for an award by Polly Doddrell, who wrote that Cheryl was in the Black Ferns' 1998 and 2002 squad that won the Women's Rugby World Cup.

"She became the first woman in Northland to coach a senior men's club rugby team," Doddrell said.

"Now a mother of two, she still continues to put her heart into Kaikohe rugby. She is the president of the Kaikohe Rugby Club, quietly working behind the scenes, arranging fundraisers, working tirelessly to upgrade the club rooms after so many setbacks like an accidental fire that gutted the changing rooms.

"She is throwing energy into junior rugby, driving the kids to their games if parents are unable, manning club functions like covering the bar or sober driving."

Doddrell said the club would get a new commercial kitchen next year through Cheryl's hard work.

"I admire this woman for her commitment to rural rugby and to a community and game she loves. She is a woman in a man's world."

Lotto assistant community benefits manager Samantha Parker said the judges had been just as impressed with Smith's efforts as Doddrell was.

And Kaikohe senior rugby players and officials were also impressed with their president's $2000 haul of sports gear. They held a surprise presentation for Smith at the Kaikohe Rugby Club recently to acknowledge her success.

Last year, Lotto players raised $231 million for the community. Through the NZ Lottery Grants Board, this essential funding helps support over 3000 community groups and projects every year, including Sport New Zealand.