ND players to put their pumpkins on the line

State Northern Knight Players have lent their gardening skills to the Westpac-sponsored Life Education Trust pumpkin growing competition.

Four players from the Northern Knights have agreed to test not only their cricket skills this season, starting on December 4 at Westpac Park, but also their gardening skills. Captain and Test Black Cap Rob Hart, new boy to the Northern Knights Grant Robinson and Indian tourists Scott Styris and Ian Butler have all agreed to pit their pumpkin growing skills against one another off the pitch.

Hart said: "Life skills education amongst children is so important, if we can help in a small way by supporting this great cause then we are helping to make a difference". Mike Hanaray - Chairperson for Life Education Trust in Hamilton, is excited with the players involvement. "These guys are great role models with children and demonstrate the achievements you can have in life".

Pumpkin seeds can be purchased from Westpac branches with the money raised going directly to Life Education Trust. The players will be growing their seeds in individual barrels at Westpac Park, thanks to the help of Captain Compost in Frankton, and under the impartial gaze of ND Cricket Association staff. Cricket Operations Manager and Umpire Pat Malcon said, "Any tampering or Game Engineering (GE) is outside the spirit of the competition and the offending player will be given out".

The competition will be tracked over the season and fans will be able to check out progress for themselves during the State Shield and State Championship matches at Westpac Park. Final judging is set for April 2004.