Chapman College's budding young Black Caps like 11-year-olds Waldo van der Merwe, Jeremey Jeffcote and Elijah Warnes have been given a boost to help hone their skills.
Cricketers at the Rotorua school will step out like champions this season after winning an ANZ Cricket Gear Grant worth $1500.
The grant,which includes bats, stumps, pads and helmets, will allow everyone who wants to play cricket the chance to hone their skills. It is part of $100,000 worth of grants being awarded by ANZ to clubs, schools, fans and social teams around New Zealand to help Kiwis get more out of the game.
Chapman College principal Graham Preston said the grant would make a huge difference to the school.
"Our school is only two years old and as we grow we want to encourage our students in sport, especially cricket. Last year we had our first team who did really well in the local competition," Mr Preston said.
"This year we have a lot of boys really keen to try their hand at batting and bowling, so we're really thrilled to receive an ANZ Cricket Grant. Now we're kitted out for the season and we can give all our keen young cricketers a chance to play," he said.
ANZ business development manager Harry van der Merwe said the bank wanted to support cricket at every level, from junior clubs right through to the professional series.
"The ANZ Cricket Grant scheme was established to celebrate and support New Zealand's love of cricket. Many players and fans need a helping hand, whether it be new gear for a school cricket team or tickets to the test series. We want cricket-mad Kiwis from every corner of the country to benefit from the ANZ Cricket Grant Scheme.
"Chapman College received this grant because they impressed us with their passion to get cricket going in their school.
"With a very keen First XI and lots more students wanting to play, we're hoping this grant will help Chapman College reach their goal of becoming a school known for its cricket," he said.
Applications for a grant are open until March 12, 2013 at anzcricketworld.co.nz.
