Canterbury's Shell Cup to be played under lights (21 Aug 1997)

August 21, 1997

Cup games under lights

From The Press

All but one of Canterbury's Shell Cup one-day cricket matches will be played under lights at Lancaster Park this season.

Four of the five round-robin games will be day-night affairs following the introduction of floodlights to the ground late last season. One daytime match, on December 30, will be played. All of Canterbury's Cricket Max encounters are also to be day-night encounters, including one match at Timaru's Alpine Energy Centre.

Should Canterbury qualify for home play-off matches they will also be played under lights.

The desire of Sky Television to screen the fixtures as day-night matches influenced the decision, said marketing director Alan Jamieson.

"But we are also attempting to gauge spectator interest in day-night matches. Our attendances have increased steadily over the past two seasons and we are keen to see that maintained."

If Canterbury makes the Trophy final, the match cannot be played at Lancaster Park because of Super 12 rugby commitments and Dudley Park, Rangiora, would be the probable venue.

Meanwhile Canterbury has established a First XI Club to address the loss of leading players to other provinces. It is seeking 11 key sponsors and targeting $200,000 to retain and develop the province's talent.

A pilot coaching programme for secondary schools has also been established with Aranui High, Christchurch Girls High, Hornby High, St Bede's College and Riccarton High taking part. Canterbury cricket will pay for a qualified coach at each school.

Gary Stead has been confirmed as Canterbury cricket's new coaching director taking over from Ben Harris.

Domestic cricket dates in Canterbury for 1997-98:

Conference cricket.-- Nov 23: Southern v Northern, LP; Nov 24-27: Southern v Northern, LP; December 7: One-day final (subject to qualification), LP; Dec 14-17: Four-day final, (stq) LP.

Cricket Max.-- Nov 14: Canty v Auck (D/N) LP; Nov 28: Canterbury v ND (D/N) LP; Dec 5: Canty v Otago (D/N) LP; Dec 19: Canty v CD (D/N), Timaru; Feb 6: Canterbury v Wgton (D/N) LP. Feb 20: Semi-final subject to qualification (D/N); Feb 27: Final stq (D/N), LP.

Shell Cup.-- Dec 26: Canty v Otago (D/N), LP; Dec 30: Canty v ND, LP; Jan 5: Canty v Wgton, (D/N) LP; Jan 8: Canty v Auck (D/N) LP; Jan 10: Canty v CD (D/N) LP. Jan 17 and 21: Semi-finals stq LP; Jan 24: Final stq LP.

Shell Trophy.-- Feb 2-5: Canty v Wgton, LP; Mar 10-13: Canty v ND Dudley Park, Rangiora; Mar 22-25: Final stq , Rangiora.International.-- Feb 8: NZ v Aust, (D/N) LP; Feb 13-16: Canty v Zimbabwe, LP; March 4: NZ v Zimbabwe (D/N), LP.

Source :: The Canterbury Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)