Shock for crowd as cricketer dies on pitch

Rotorua cricketer Bryan Carter had been batting with his younger brother Craig when he collapsed and died on the Kuirau Park pitch in front of about 30 players and spectators.

Mr Carter's death late on Saturday afternoon has left the city's tight-knit cricketing community reeling in shock.

The 38-year-old father of two had just completed a run about 5pm when he collapsed and died. His team, ITCO Central 3rd II, had been playing against Marist St Michaels.

Fellow team member Ben Fraser, who was scoring, said Mr Carter was batting with his brother Craig.

"He hit the ball. He took a run and got back to the crease. I just looked up and saw him on the ground. A few of us thought he had tripped over."

Mr Fraser said when he heard someone yell "call 111" he knew the situation was serious.

About four of the players began applying CPR to Mr Carter including the captain Andy Hardy, who has a certificate in First Aid, and John Joseph, a psychiatrist at Rotorua Hospital. Other team members comforted Mr Carter's brother. "Everyone was pretty upset. There were a few tears," Mr Fraser said.

Team members, as well as emergency services, spent more than 30 minutes trying to resuscitate Mr Carter but to no avail.

The cause of Mr Carter's death is unknown and the matter has been referred to the Coroner.

Mr Hardy said he cried on Saturday night and was feeling numb yesterday.

He said he and the other players who carried out CPR had done what he hoped someone would do for him if faced with the same predicament.

"I don't want to be made out as a hero.

"I would do it for anybody."

He said the incident also highlighted the importance of people being trained in first aid.

Mr Hardy said Mr Carter had not complained about being unwell and was batting and bowling well throughout the game which had started at 12.30pm.

Mr Hardy said Mr Carter loved cricket.

He was a top player and quality left arm bowler.

He could always be counted on.

"If I had 11 Bryan Carters in the team it would be ideal. He never let you down.

"He didn't have transport and he would walk from one side of town to the other to play cricket."

Mr Hardy said Saturday's game, which was called off, may be replayed as part of a tribute to Mr Carter, but Mr Hardy said he needed to speak to Mr Carter's family first.

Mr Carter is survived by a teenage son and daughter.

Mr Carter's funeral will be held at 1pm on Wednesday at the Rotorua Crematorium Chapel.