BEST PITCH IN THE WORLD: Peter Barnett and the Walters-Price sisters - Renee, Diane and Ursula - take advantage of an empty foreshore to enjoy a game of beach cricket.
BEST PITCH IN THE WORLD: Peter Barnett and the Walters-Price sisters - Renee, Diane and Ursula - take advantage of an empty foreshore to enjoy a game of beach cricket.
With the countdown for the ODI world cup next month now under way and the dulcet sounds of test cricket commentary once again providing the soundtrack to summer across the nation, Ahipara beachgoers have been making the most of the recent patch of fine weather by taking part in casualgames of beach cricket.
The games, which are free and open to the public, are being organised by Far North Cricket Association founder Pete Barnett, part of his ongoing attempts to promote and develop the code in the Far North. He reported a fair to middling turnout on the opening day of the event last Thursday, but a reduced response on Friday where a balmy but blustery northerly wind saw the foreshore virtually empty.
With no one interested in swimming between the flags mid-morning, the three regional lifeguards on patrol were invited to join in and boost numbers. The trio reluctantly declined the invitation after checking with HQ, which advised that no paid lifeguard is allowed to take part in any type of beach activity while on patrol.
Barnett said he will continue to organise free games of beach cricket from 10am on Thursdays and Fridays until the end of the summer break.
On a slightly more serious note, the FNCA senior men's rep team took part in a triangular tournament at Cobham Oval in blistering conditions on Sunday. The side eventually lost both of its 20/20 matches, against Counties Manukau and Northland B respectively. The Far North side was chasing 145 but was eventually bowled out for 120 in the first game; and ended up chasing 122 in its second match before running out of overs, finishing short of the target with 112/8.
The Far North XI included Mangonui/ Kaitaia players Hazely Windleborn, Josh Ashley, Chris Bell, Bernard Coogan, Rob Toren and Jim Roberts; along with Duncan Robertson, Rob and Pete Drummond, Richard Hislop and one other from the Bay of Islands. The side was accompanied by Barnett, who said the tournament provided a fantastic opportunity to play on Cobham Oval's "impeccable" wicket, and adding, "All the boys looked really smart and presentable."
This Sunday sees the local teams returning to their domestic campaigns, with the FNCA senior club competition (albeit still scrabbling for a foothold), entering week 7 (week 1 of Round 3-Fleming) of its 40/40 event; where Kaitaia is hosting Mangonui at Kaitaia College and Kaikohe hosting Kerikeri at Northland College. Matches to be confirmed but due to start at 10am.
