Hadlee, Howarth given funds from foundation

Press, 25 March 1981, Page 36

Hadlee, Howarth given funds from foundation

PA Wellington The test cricketers, Geo t Howarth, and lee, are to benefit flora $20,000 coaching .grant an nounced yesterday by the New Zealand Sports Foundation. The Foundation said th; grant to the New Zealani Cricket Council would

enable it to implement a new coaching programme under the direction of Hadlee and Howarth.

The council, concerned that the pair so vital to New Zealand’s international success might be kJt to overseas countries next summer, applied to the foundation for help. The $lO,OOO for each player is expected to be matched by the council and an unnamed sponsor. They would then receive $20,000 each.

The council will make -a statement on the _ coaching programme, on April 11. Asked to comment on the grant last evening Hadlee told “The Press” -any statement was "a bit premature. Like yourself I have only heard about the grant through the media.” “The cricket council was negotiating on Geoff’s and my behalf, but I don’t know what the scheme is that has been proposed. I have not accepted anything.” “Until I hear from Bob Vance I can’t make a statement, but I hope to have the matter settled before I leave for England next month. I am surprised I haven’t heard from Mr Vance tonight. 1 thought he would want to know our decision the same as I want to know the pro-' posal,” said Hadlee, who will leave for England bn April 10 or 12. Howarth, the New Zealand captain since last year’s

home series with the West Indies, said: “It’s a very nice gesture by the foundation, I’m very grateful. “But I can’t really comment further until something is finalised. Everything is still in the balance.”

Howarth, who last week led New Zealand to its second successive home test series victory, would not say if the foundation offer would keep him here next summer. Howarth has apparently been offered a three-vear contract, totalling $165,000, to play for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield competition. To do so would probably mean him being unavailable to play for New Zealand in home series for about threeyears. Mr Vance would not comment on the foundation grant. Hadlee and Howarth also both play for English county sides. The foundation made two other grants yesterday: $34,900 to rowing and gymnastics.

Rowing’s sum included $22,000 to enable the national eight, named last week-end, to enter a fulltime training camp for five months. Later this year, the eight will be attempting to win the world title at Munich, the scene of New Zealand’s gold medal performance at the 1972 Olympics.