1 December 2000 Scholarship link with University valued by local cricket association

Canterbury Cricket Association's delight with the success of its Sports Scholarship connection with Lincoln University is matched by the sense of achievement of the scholars themselves.

Fifteen cricket scholars from across New Zealand came into the inaugural programme in 1999 and this year they were joined by a second intake of 13 cricket scholars.

"The opportunities for young cricketers provided by Lincoln University's Sports Scholarships are unparalleled in New Zealand," says Canterbury Cricket Association's Chief Executive, Tony Murdoch.

"The scholarship programme with Lincoln University is a valued and integral part of our association's Cricket Development Programme. A number of the scholars are employed as either coaches or development officers and we expect the scholars to play leading roles in their clubs, working with committees and helping with the coaching.

"Despite sport in general facing problems in recruiting administrators, Canterbury Cricket is confident that its Lincoln graduates will remain committed to the game and provide future leadership."

Canterbury Cricket provides on-going coaching tuition for the scholarship holders and all of them have the opportunity to qualify as Level II coaches.

The emphasis on combining the cricket programme with the students' educational goals, and the priority given to academic success, are key ingredients in producing future leaders for the sport, says Mr Murdoch.

In terms of women's cricket, the scholarship programme this year has enjoyed the excitement of scholar Kate Pulford being selected for New Zealand for the Australian tour and against England in New Zealand, and scholars Selena Charteris and Fiona Fraser making the New Zealand Development Squad.

"It has been an outstanding year for the women on the scholarship programme," says the Sports Scholarship Programme's Fitness Manager, Peter Magson of Lincoln University, "and everyone is now looking forward to the Criclnfo Women's World Cup tournament starting at the end of this month."

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand