Cricket: Pitching for members

One of Hamilton's oldest cricket clubs, Hamilton Star University, is looking to grow its player base for the new season.

Formed in the early 1900s, the club is one of Hamilton's oldest cricket clubs, and is formally aligned to Waikato University.

President Mark Donnelly says the club has one of the best structures in the city's club cricket scene.

"Over the last few years we have worked hard to develop and refine our set-up, from facilities to equipment, to player and club management," Mr Donnelly says.

"We co-own the covered cricket training facility completed at Waikato University in 2010, we have an effective board of past and present players from a range of personal and professional backgrounds, and a committed coach running training sessions."

Mr Donnelly says the club is proud of its cultural diversity. "Our player roster includes guys from several cricketing nations - West Indies, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England and Wales."

Mr Donnelly says the club has built a strong relationship with Waikato University in recent years and is the club of choice for many student cricketers.

"More than a quarter of our 50 players are student and we have alumni and staff from university and Wintec, as well as other tertiary institutions."

The club fields teams in all four Hamilton Cricket Association grades - premier, senior A, senior B and senior C, catering from serious high-level club players to social cricketers who prefer short-format games.

"We've built the bones of a great club and now we're ready to grow. We're looking for recruits to join our club, whether they're aspiring rep cricketers, social players or older guys returning to the game - growing the club and getting more people involved is our main focus this year.

"Our board is keen to enhance our traditions and club social culture - this season we're reviving the traditional cricketer's blazer, to go with our Star University CC baggy hats. We're fortunate to have a generous sponsor, The Quadrant, where we host social events."

The club has pre-season training under way from 1pm on Sundays at the university nets, as well as Tuesday and Thursday evening training.

For more information, email starvarsity@hotmail.com or on the club's Facebook page.