The Wanganui Renegades now have the look of champions after receiving an ANZ Cricket Gear Grant worth $2000.
The team, set up just four years ago, won last season's Wanganui Premier 2 competition using hand-me-down equipment donated by a generous benefactor. But this season the Renegades applied for funds throughthe ANZ nationwide offer to award $100,000 worth of grants to clubs, schools, fans and social teams around the country to help Kiwis get more out of our favourite summer game.
ANZ branch manager Shelley Walls said the bank wanted to support cricket at every level, from junior clubs right through to the professional series.
"The ANZ Cricket Grant scheme was established to celebrate and support New Zealand's love of cricket. Many players and fans need a helping hand, whether it be new gear for a school cricket team or tickets to the test series. We want cricket-mad Kiwis from every corner of the country to benefit from the ANZ Cricket Grant Scheme.
"We wanted to help the Wanganui Renegades look sharp when they competed in the league this season. Last year they won the Premier 2 cricket competition in Wanganui, which is a fantastic achievement. We hope the gear grant will help these renegade cricketers reach the top again," she said.
Captain Ben Heap said the grant would make a huge difference to the team.
"My brother and I formed the Wanganui Renegades four years ago with some friends after we left school. We've been playing with gear that had been donated to us when we first started. All of our stumps were mismatched with tape to cover the cracks.
"Winning this ANZ Cricket Gear Grant means we have all the gear we need for the first time since starting the club - we're so rapt," he said.
