New Zealand: QEII Village Green passes initiation (9 March 1999)

9 March 1999

New Zealand: QEII Village Green passes initiation

John Coffey

Jade Stadium officials are eager to continue hosting Shell Cup, as well as international matches, if the Canterbury Cricket Association develops the QEII Village Green.

Canterbury seems set to use the Village Green more after favourable comments - apart from some reservations concerning the first-up pitch - following the ground's Shell Trophy initiation last weekend.

Although Otago beat Canterbury in a low-scoring encounter within three of the four scheduled days, the picturesque surrounds and scope for development drew unanimous approval from players and officials.

Only one trophy match has been played at Jade Stadium in the last two seasons, and it seems the 116-year link between domestic first-class cricket and the Lancaster Park area is nearing an end.

Jade Stadium Ltd general manager Campbell Prentice said an atmosphere with spectators enjoying picnic lunches and sitting under trees, or in cars, was more suited to trophy and similar grades of cricket.

"Holding Shell Trophy games which attract a very limited number of spectators in a venue like this - which in essence is a concrete jungle - isn't that pleasant," said Prentice.

But retaining one-day internationals, test matches, and Shell Cup fixtures was necessary to "sell" Jade Stadium to corporate clients.

"If we are going to embark on a major redevelopment programme we need fixtures to offer our customers, to make suites work," said Prentice.

CCA chief executive officer Tony Murdoch said the future allocation of Shell Cup fixtures was "a matter for conjecture". His board would later this month consider enclosing the QEII ground to construct embankments, changing rooms, and toilets.

"We have gone through two very difficult years using Jade Stadium and a range of second-tier venues. We are now looking for a second metropolitan venue which can be enclosed."

It would be suitable for matches against touring teams, Shell Trophy, youth and women's internationals, second XI men's and women's games, and age-group events.

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