Bright sports star leaving

Press, 17 August 1977, Page 38

Bright sports star leaving

By

TIM DUNBAR

Lyn Sparks, the prominent all-round sportsman who came to Christchurch from Marlborough about five years ago, will transfer to Auckland next week.

Sparks, the physical education instructor at the Wigram R.N.Z.A.F. base, will take over the equivalent position at the force’s base at Whenuapai, Auckland. The very fit 32-year-old came to Christchurch as a noted rugby player and cricketer having filled the full-back spot for Marlborough and having played for a number of seasons as a medium-pacer for Central Districts. But in recent years he has made more impact with his deeds on the squash courts

and impressed many with his “gutsy” displays against higher-rated players in national tournaments.

Sparks has been part of the Canterbury representative team for the last two years and this season filled the No. 2 spot behind Rod Hayes. At the end of last season he was included in the national training squad of 25.

He intends to play for the Henderson club in Auckland, which boasts players like Trevor Colyer and Neven Barbour. “There are a hell of a lot more tournaments up there so I hope to continue to show a gradual improvement in my play, but I also want to get into coaching a bit

more,” said Sparks yesterday. “Ultimately I would like to go in for the same sort of thing as Rob Crothall — the fitness training of top squash players.” Crothall, Spark’s predecessor in Auckland is the national director of squash training and has left the services. He will leave soon with the New Zealand team for the world amateur championships in Canada. Sparks thinks that he has another three years of competitive play left in him and added: “Don’t believe the stories that all the young guys are going to burn past us.”

He expects to be ranked about No. 5 or 6 in Auck-

land, a very strong squash province, and should benefit from the more even spread of strength among the teams.

When discussing local players Sparks made special mention of the young Christchurrh player, Barrie Matthews. “Barrie has suddenly come of age this year after a bit of a shake-up and his attitude has really improved.” Sparks said his new job is much more “an eight to five affair” than it was in Christchurch and he expects to have more time to play rugby. He will probably also join the North Shore or Takapuna cricket club.