Successful season for Northern Districts Cricket on both sides of the pickets

An operating surplus complemented by unprecedented success at both team and individual level through the 2002-03 season has enabled Northern Districts Cricket to maintain its position among the very best cricket organisations on both sides of the pickets.

In a season described by chief executive John Turkington as having had its "ups and downs" a financial result which shows a small operating surplus in a rather challenging season can be viewed as a positive outcome.

The season highlights in financial terms included:

• A turnover of almost $2 million.
• Administration costs held to the level of the previous season.
• Increased spending in "Cricket areas" particularly with competitions, coaching and development.
• The annual report and statement of accounts will be presented at the 47th annual general meeting of the association to be held at Westpac Park in Hamilton on Saturday, June 28.

The season highlights from a playing point of view were many and varied:

• Five Northern Districts players (Ian Butler, Robbie Hart, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey and Daniel Vettori) received contracts from New Zealand Cricket.
• The State Northern Knights were meritorious in coming from behind to take out New Zealand's most prestigious domestic competition, the State Shield.
• Two Northern Districts women players (Nicola Browne and Louise Milliken) were selected for the New Zealand TelstraClear White Ferns.
• Northland successfully challenged for and still holds the Hawke Cup.
• The Northern Districts Under-17 team was New Zealand Under-17 champion.
• Hamilton Boys High School won the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand secondary school cricket, the Gillette Cup.
• Tauranga Intermediate Girls' first XI were winners of the Milo Shield.
• By winning against India in the first Test in Hamilton the TelstraClear Black Caps maintained a wonderful winning record at the venue.

The annual general meeting will see five Northern Districts administrators and players rewarded for their magnificent contribution to cricket in the region. Life memberships will be awarded to Michael Sandlant and Ian Steele; while Mark Bailey, Grant Bradburn and Barry Cooper will be made honorary cricket members of the Northern Districts Cricket Association.

Michael Sandlant has been on the Northern Districts Board of Control since 1978 and was chairman for the 1989-90 season. Michael also achieved national recognition being appointed as manager of the New Zealand team to India and South Africa in 1994-95.

Ian Steele has been on the Northern Districts Board of Control since 1994 and was the chairman, and driving force, behind the "Vision for the 90's" fundraising campaign. The end result of this campaign was the building that houses Northern Districts cricket today.

Mark Bailey played in 78 matches for Northern Districts between 1989 and 2002. Grant Bradburn played in a record 115 games for ND between 1985 and 2002. Barry Cooper played in 62 matches for ND between 1980 and 1995. All three players made significant contributions and were integral in the growth of respect for Northern Districts cricket.