Noel Burtt was a keen sportsman

Press, 4 March 1983, Page 19

Noel Burtt was a keen sportsman

Canterbury cricket is the poorer for the death of Noel Burtt; the game has not had a more enthusiastic supporter. But bowls and hockey will also suffer, for in all three sports he was not only a good performer, but an able and conscientious administrator.

Noel Burtt played senior cricket for a long time; there were 23 years between his first and last appearance. His last two matches were for West Christchurch. The rest of his career was spent with Sydenham, and on the arts and crafts of right-hand legspin bowling. Noel Burtt was a theorist, but claims from others that he had five different types of googlies are probably farfetched. He was vitally interested in the summer game, and on the advancement and education of youngsters in its mysteries.

With his sharp leg-breaks and violent wronguns. Burtt

took about 500 wickets in senior cricket, and made well in excess of 1000 runs. In three consecutive post-war seasons, he took seven wickets in an innings. His greatest success, however, was against East Christchurch in 1936-37, when he had eight wickets for 88 in an innings.

Burtt played for Canterbury, for the South Eland, and was in the final trial before the selection of the 1949 team which toured England.

Noel Burtt was a prime mover in the establishment of the Canterbury Cricket Supporters’ Club and a keen member of it until he died, with special interest in the “family day" held each year at Hagley Oval. He was a Canterbury hockey player, and hE sons showed a lively interest in the game. Wayne, who played cricket for Canterbury-. was a senior player. Craig is a present provincial

representative, and Mark played for Canterbury and New Zealand.

Noel Burtt spent many years in hockey coaching, and had a special interest in the Selwyn club’s senior side, and the Canterbury Colts team. He was a member of the Canterbury Hockey Association and gave long service on the New Zealand body.

He was an above average lawn bowler. He started with the Spreydon club, but spent most of hE years at Cashmere. There he won all the titles. HE most notable success was in 1964 when, in partnership with Alan Roberts, he won the Canterbury open pairs. He made a close study of the game, and was an excellent coach.

A gentle man, Noel Burtt will be missed by cricketers, bowlers, hockey players, and manv others'.

R. I. Brittenileii