Cricket: Far-flung Furlong goes distance

Blair Furlong has always had balls in the air - rugby or cricket - these days juggling the vagaries of running a major cricket association.

With John Turkington's retirement as chief executive of the Northern Districts association this year, Furlong is now the longest-serving chief executive in New Zealand's six major associations.

He joined Central Districts as their executive director in 1988, becoming chief executive following their constitutional changes about four years ago.

Not afraid of hard work, Furlong is very much a "roll up your sleeves and get stuck in" type who oversees the far-flung association from his McLean Park office in Napier.

Unlike the four majors, the Central and Northern associations are spread far and wide. Furlong has eight minor associations to keep happy.

There are a lot of good people involved, he said, during a week in which he was in Palmerston North for the first round of the State Shield, preparing for the ill-fated one-dayer against Sri Lanka in Napier, ensuring his women's team were on deck for their State League match in New Plymouth and watching as the senior side got to Nelson in time for yesterday's Shield match.

"We have to take games to five different places this summer," said Furlong.

"We tend these days to play the State Championship matches in Napier and New Plymouth but look to get around to other grounds for the one-dayers.

"It can be a bit of a juggling act but the district administrators are always keen to help out."

Furlong broke new ground a few years ago by taking a game to Waikanae, a move successful enough to keep them on the schedule regularly.

Furlong has been around sport for most of his 59 years, having played one test and 10 other matches for the All Blacks in 1970 after making his debut for Hawkes Bay against England in 1963.

A few months later, he played his first game for Central Districts as a spin-bowler against New Zealand in a warm-up game as they prepared to play South Africa.

He was a member of Bevan Congdon's CD side who won the 1970-71 Plunket Shield.

Sons John and Campbell followed their father into the Central side, with Blair taking a watching brief when his administrative duties allowed.

From a staff of one overseeing a budget of about $20,000 a year, CD, like the other associations, has blossomed. Furlong still runs a tight ship but now has a staff of six and an annual budget of $1.5 million.

He has to deal with on-going requirements of fundraising, administering the game and the logistics of hosting matches at all levels.

The funding from NZ Cricket has been one of the most radical changes as it lets players stay in the game.

"Our aim is to get as many players as possible into the Black Caps, giving them the chance to earn the big dollars.

"There is real satisfaction for us in seeing players like Michael Mason, Jacob Oram and Mathew Sinclair step up. Sure, it might weaken CD at times but I would like to see more players playing for New Zealand," said Furlong. "That's what we are here for."

Having international matches at McLean Park is the icing on Furlong's Christmas cake.

"To get a crowd of 10,000 for an ODI is fantastic," he said. "With a good wicket we can expect 250 runs and a great game."

He is well-organised for the March 5 clash with Australia.

"We are hosting a luncheon for 800 people that day," said Furlong.

"Matches like that are big for us. With the match fee, hospitality, beer and other sales, we budget for a significant slice of our income from these matches."

Given the odd blimp in their accounts over the years, CD need every dollar they can get - something Furlong and his staff have become pretty good at. As he says, just another juggling act. 

Blair Furlong

Born: March 10, 1945, Dannevirke.

Education: Dannevirke High School.

Rugby: First class debut Hawkes Bay v England 1963. International, 11 matches including one test v South Africa 1970.

Cricket: First class debut Central Districts v New Zealand 1963-64. Member of CD team who won Plunket Shield in 1970-71 season.

Administration: Executive director Central Districts from 1988 (chief executive officer last four years).