From adviser to manager for U19s

Cricket

Wairarapa cricket development officer Sam Curtis is making a favourable impression in Samoa.

There as part of a Cricket New Zealand initiative to build the profile of the sport in that part of the world, particularly at junior level, the Samoan hierarchy has asked him to accompany their side as manager and co-coach to the Asia-Pacific under-19 tournament on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, from July 1-9.

Curtis says the top Samoan age group players have a lot of natural ability with their bowling and fielding their main assets.

There were a few technical issues to sort out with their batting but they were keen to learn and, importantly, took great pride in representing their country.

"It's a big honour for these boys, some of them haven't been outside their villages let alone overseas," Curtis told the Wairarapa Times-Age.

"They are really excited about it but also don't know quite what to expect."

Curtis said much of his work in Samoa had involved time on a computer writing documents which would enable Samoan cricket to progress in a structured manner.

"They don't have many formalised programmes or competitions for the primary and secondary school age groups and that's what we need to put in place," Curtis said.

"We need to provide a pathway for players so they understand what lies in front of them."