Doubt over contract

Press, 28 June 1989, Page 31

Doubt over contract

NZPA-AAP Canberra Plans for the West Indian opening batsman, Gordon Greenidge, to play the 198990 season in Canberra have been placed in doubt by the forced amalgamation of four Canberra cricket clubs.

Greenidge, aged 38, was to have played first grade, and coached juniors at CityDaramarlan club, which has been forced by the A.C.T. Cricket Association to amalgamate with the troubled Norths club.

The amalgamation followed A.C.T.C.A. concern over falling junior support for the four inner Canberra clubs, which include the club champion, Easts.

City-Daramarlan officials are still keen to have Greenidge arrive in October for the Toohey’s Cup one-day series and club matches.

But they admit the amalgamation has angered supporters and could have placed sponsorship for the Greenidge contract in doubt.

Greenidge’s deal had been agreed between the player and the club early this year, but was placed on hold after one prominent media sponsor withdrew support. “But. we’ve got the money now, and we're keen to go ahead,” said one CityDaramarlan official. The deal is believed to involve about $30,000 plus car

for October to February, when Greenidge has to return to the West Indies to qualify for the 1990 tour of England.

Greenidge, born in Barbados, has also been signed up with a local accounting firm after he requested a parttime job to help him with formal experience in handling his local players’ association accounts. He holds the record with Desmond Haynes for a West Indies first-wicket partnership of 296, and has scored 15 test hundreds during his career including one on his test debut.

Greenidge has played for Barbados, the West Indies and in English county cricket.