Friends and family of the Blacks Caps after their semifinal victory against India. Photo / Photosport
Friends and family of the Blacks Caps after their semifinal victory against India. Photo / Photosport
A lucky Black Caps fan is "on top of the world" and hopes his favourite team can join him after winning a trip for two to London ahead of the Cricket World Cup final.
"Are you f****** joking?" was Colin Kelly's first reaction when Radio Sport told him this morninghe had won the competition, followed by a rapid apology for his live outburst.
But the Aucklander could easily be forgiven for his excitement following the Black Caps' dramatic semifinal win against India.
Kelly was on his way to work when the Herald called, but had pulled over to the side of the road to gather himself.
While his time at the wicket was limited to a few indoor sessions, his four children had all played and son Conor had represented Auckland in age group levels.
Kelly was originally going to take his wife, Marie, but she couldn't get time off work so she passed the honour on to Conor, the only one of the children who could make it.
"He is a lucky boy," Kelly said. His daughter was currently living in London and they were looking forward to catching up with her also.
Colin Kelly and his son Conor have won the NZ Herald trip to watch the Black Caps play England in the World Cup cricket final.
It would be their first time at a world cup, and first time to Lord's as well, the "home of cricket".
"It has been amazing watching them through the tournament, no one gave them a chance the other day against India, I just hope they can go one better this time."
The competition for NZ Herald subscribers included a prize of two Air New Zealand return premium economy flights, three nights' accommodation in London and $1000 spending money.
Other diehard cricket fans have sprung into action as the Black Caps seek to go one better than their 2015 defeat to Australia in the final.
The Black Caps will be taking on hosts England after their annihilation of Australia this morning.
Radio Hauraki content director Mike Lane was so inspired after watching the Kiwi side defeat India by 18 runs that he booked a flight to England in the hope of seeing New Zealand lift the trophy on Monday (NZT).
"I booked them at 3am last night (Thursday) and then I had to tell my family this morning over the breakfast table which didn't go down overly well," he told the Herald yesterday.
"I spend more time in the air than on the ground. I fly out at 2pm tomorrow, get there at 6am on Saturday. I have Saturday there, then the final and off on Monday.
"If I didn't go and New Zealand won the World Cup I'd never forgive myself so I have to go."
Reporter Herikō is at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngaa Papaonekura, where tamariki from kura all over the motu are running their hearts out in cross country races.
