2 September 2002 Lincoln University to Field Cricket Team

A Lincoln University cricket team will take to the field this season following an agreement between the University and Christchurch's High School Old Boys' Cricket Club.

It will be the first time Lincoln has fielded a cricket team since it has been a full university, although it had a long history of involvement in the sport in its "College" days. Indeed a Lincoln College XI was on the Wahine when it went down in 1968 and members were later commended for their bravery.

The new Lincoln University team will play in the Canterbury Cricket Association under its own name but under the auspices of the HSOB Club.

"While it's a spin-off from the University's Sports Scholarship programme, of which cricket is part, it's not directly related," says Sports Scholarship Manager Geoff Ormandy.

"The University will however make the scholars aware of the HSOB's recruitment programme and Lincoln University will promote HSOB as its preferred cricket partner.

"Players for the new team will come from among those not already affiliated or committed to playing for another club," he says.

The link between the University and the HSOB Club will be looked after by a Player Liaison Co-ordinator recruited from among suitably qualified Bachelor of Recreation Management students.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by HSOB President Brian Spear and Lincoln University's Geoff Ormandy on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Frank Wood.

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