University affiliates with Sydenham Cricket

The University of Canterbury executive has recently chosen to affiliate itself with the Sydenham Cricket Club. Up until now, Burnside West had enjoyed this privilege.

The alliance is part of Sydenham Cricket's long-term strategy to develop relationships with organisations that can help promote and foster the game. The community cricket initiative at Sydenham has already set up partnerships with Sport Canterbury, Canterbury Sport Depot and the Cancer Society.

Through promotions at University open days, having a contact with the University and even possibly getting involved in social tournaments on campus and the New Zealand University Games, Sydenham hopes to develop and grow its relationship.

Sydenham currently has one of the largest junior sections in Christchurch with nearly 500 members. This membership includes seven secondary school teams. The club boasts a very progressive coaching programme and the new community cricket initiatives are starting to produce results, with three of the secondary school teams winning their respective grades.

Last season was the first full season of play on the new senior block at Sydenham and the pitch reports received have been most favourable. Three new artificial practice wickets will be laid over the winter and plans are also in place to upgrade the clubrooms.

With all these developments in the pipeline, the Sydenham Cricket Club has an extremely bright future.