Fresh focus on sports news

You, our readers, have told us that you want to see more sports coverage in Hamilton News. So we're pleased to introduce a new sports reporter to the team this week.

Ben Guild will be writing for Hamilton News, focusing on match reports and profiles on sporting codes that you're interested in.

This week, he gives a run down on Hamilton's failure to recapture the Hawke Cup from Bay of Plenty and he meets a former Waikato man who has overcome harrowing health issues to make a name for himself as a triathlete.

Waiheke Island born and Tauranga bred, Ben studied English and history in Dunedin.

"Upon completing my degree, I shifted to the Gold Coast and then Perth for a couple of years before returning to complete my diploma in journalism in Dunedin," said Ben.

"That led to a gig in Oamaru for the Otago Daily Times covering everything from rodeos, court, cops and air shows etc. It was a massive patch and the nine or so months I spent there were very enjoyable."

Ben moved back to the Bay of Plenty, taking on the role of assistant editor of the Weekend Sun for almost a year before he was recruited to the Bay of Plenty Times' sports department. "I've done a year so far and love it."

Ben's fascination with sport comes from his father and says he's always wanted to play for his country in one sport or another.

"I had some success - making a junior Northern Districts cricket team, the odd rep rugby and football side, as well as getting down to a single figure handicap in golf at one stage.

"The photo - depicting Corey Anderson very nearly ripping my head off in an Attrill Cup fixture last season - is testament to the fact I was never cut out to play sport at the highest level.

"They say those who can't, teach. In my case substitute 'teach' for 'write' and you'll not be far wrong."

If you've got a sports news tip for Ben, email him at ben.guild@apn.co.nz.