Pirates eye competition but they need your help

Proud Rotorua cricket club has resurfaced following years away from premier or reserve grade competition.

The Eastern Pirates, which was established in 1989, has entered a team into the Rotorua/Taupo senior reserve grade competition starting tomorrow.

Eastern Pirates captain Des Beckett said it was the first time in about three years the club had entered a cricket team in any grade.

"The club used to play in the reserve and premier grade, they were one of the biggest clubs in Rotorua," he said.

"I'm trying to get the team going at the moment. I used to play for Eastern Pirates as a young fella."

The reserve grade has received a big boost this year with 10 teams entered, up from four at the end of last season.

Beckett said when clubs such as Eastern Pirates, St Michael's, and Whaka closed down years ago it marked a hard time for Rotorua cricket.

"Rotorua cricket was dying really but we have got a few good people now who are looking to change that and get it back to a good state, and that is starting to happen."

Having a full-time Rotorua Cricket development manager, in Dave Richardson, helped a lot, he said.

Beckett said he had received a lot of support and coaching as a player in Rotorua and felt starting Eastern Pirates up again was a good way to give back to the game.

"I definitely want to see Rotorua cricket on the up again. Whether that is by having more clubs or better structures I'm not that sure."

He said most of the players in the Eastern Pirates team had not played in a few years.

Beckett encouraged people to get out and join a club.

"We have about 12 or 13 but not all of them will be able to play every weekend. You need about 22 to 23 just to do a season."

Rotorua Cricket development manager Richardson said four new teams had entered the reserve grade this year.

He said old clubs Eastern Pirates and Taupo Old Boys had resurfaced while new teams Taupo Indians and a second Geyser Cricket Club side had entered this year.

However, Rotorua Boys' High School who won the pre-Christmas competition last year, have pulled out.

The pre-Christmas competition this year will include five rounds followed by two rounds of playoffs.

Anyone wanting to play senior reserve grade cricket this year is encouraged to contact Dave Richardson on 027 580 0149.