Globe-trotting cricket coach returns to Chch

Press, 28 July 1989, Page 48

Globe-trotting cricket coach returns to Chch

BY

KEVIN TUTTY

After seven years as a globe-trotting cricket coach, including a successful five-year stint in South Africa, David Trist, a former Canterbury and New Zealand representative, has returned to Christchurch intent on lifting the sagging fortunes of Canterbury cricket. ft Mr Trist was apipointed as the director of coaching and development by the Canterbury Cricket Association in March and returned to the city on Monday ready to start his daunting task on August 1 — next Tuesday. A certificated coach for the last 20 of his 41 years, Mr Trist has built a notable reputation overseas. He is still contracted to the Dutch national team, but his greatest accomplishment has been in the last five years in South Africa. He was the coaching

director in the Eastern Province. The goal when he accepted the: position was to take Eastern Province to its first Currie Gup win in 100 years. ’Lin the last southern hemisphere season the province achieved its goal and Mr Trist made the decision to move on when the position in Christchurch was offered to him. He said there were several reasons for leaving South Africa. . ; “The I.C.C. (International Cricket Conference) decision to grant anamnesty to players and coaches was a major reason for my leaving. Anyone who stayed in South Africa after April 1 was to be banned by the I.C.C. Also I had a desire to return to New Zealand. “I had achieved what I set out to do in the Eastern Province. What else could I do there?”

Mr Trist has a threeyear contract with the Canterbury association but will be given leave next year to prepare the Dutch national side for the World Cup qualifying tournament in the Netherlands. Mr Trist has spent the last three months working with the Dutch squad in the Netherlands. His first duties next Tuesday will be to meet with members of the C.C.A. to discuss his role and formulate ■ some strategies. Mr Trist said for a coaching programme to work successfully it was important to have administrative backup. “The one thing I am interested in now is improving Canterbury cricket over the next three years. It will take a lot of planning and organisation but l am looking forward to the challenge.”