Good opportunities for young N.Z. cricketers

Press, 26 November 1980, Page 42

Good opportunities for young N.Z. cricketers

With the New Zealand! team away in Australia, opportunities for the young | cricketers taking part in the annual Rothman’s under 23 i tournament, which begins in Christchurch on Sunday, are particularly good. The absence of the New Zealahd side has left gaps in most of the Shell Series] teams, and success in the Rothman’s tournament —I which ends on December 5 — could well lead to selection for the Shell Series matches which do not begin: until December 27. j The Rothman’s tournament] will again consist of three rounds of two-day matches, with the six major associa-| tions represented. A chance to win a Shell Series place will not be the only incentive for these top young 1

I players. There is a Rothman’s Cup for team Competition, and the Ken Simich Cup for the . outstanding player of the tournament. The Ken Simich Cup is in memory of a man who was head of the Rothman’s ' Sports Foundation, and- did much to promote cricket among youngsters. He was ■ closely involved in establishing the tournament 18 years ago. Apart from these considerations, there is the prospect of winning a place in the New Zealand under-23 I team, which will play a 'first-class match against', j Canterbury at Lancaster Park on December 7,8, and 9. I The three men who will select the national under-23 'team are Graham Dowling, af

former test captain, Bruce Norman, who played Plunket Shield cricket for Auckand, and . Brian Adams, of Canterbury. An innovation is that one full round of matches will be played at Burnham Military Camp. The draw is: November 30, December 1: Otago v Wellington at Hagley' 1; Central Districts v Auckland, Hagley 3; Northern Districts v. Canterbury, Christ’s College. December 2,3,; Northern Districts v. Central Districts, Burnham 1; Auckland v. Wellington, Burnham 2; 'Otago v. Canterbury, Bur- ■ nharn 3. Decmeber 4,5; Auckland v. Canterbury, Hagley 1; Otago v. Northern Districts, : Hagley 3; Centra Districts v. ‘Wellington, Christ’s College.