The New Zealand Cricket Club is a wandering side playing fixtures in and around the south east of England. The club plays approximately 20 fixtures per year and offers cricket for those who want to play a few games or many games a year.
According to David Tikao – who has been part of the club for 15 years -, the fixtures are friendly but played in competitive nature. “We're a mixture of ages, and from all over New Zealand. Getting to play cricket, and talk about rugby all day with your fellow countrymen can be quite therapeutic! We do play at some picturesque grounds, some really are stunning.”
In December 1951 a small group of New Zealanders met at the old New Zealand House on the Strand and decided to try and form a cricket Club for visiting Kiwis. Fired by the enthusiasm and determination of the late Trevor Campbell, they fashioned a club with the object of 'providing the opportunity for its members to play and enjoy cricket in the home of the game and to meet socially'.
Those were very difficult times and New Zealand wasn't the cricketing force that it later became. Without hope of a permanent ground the task might have discouraged lesser men, but seeking the guidance of the M.C.C they were told 'if it's New Zealand, it will be alright'.
Since the first season, some famous cricketers have occasionally been seen in Club colours; Martin Donnelly, John Reid, Tom Pitchard, Tony MacGibbon, Bob Cunis, Richard Hadlee, Trevor Franklin, and Aaron Gale among New Zealand's best known players. Jim Laker (once in the rain), Ken Barrington, Butch White and the incomparable Graeme Pollock (at the Oval in 1967) among others.
Through the years the numbers of available cricketers has fluctuated but, with the hard work of a few individuals and the underlying and generous hospitality the Club’s hosts and friends amongst the clubs they play, the Club continues to thrive. There are many more former members that existing ones, with branches in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Auckland and Wellington started an annual game on neutral territory near Taupo.
"The Club is a fantastic opportunity to mix competitive cricket with a social theme. Geographically, the members and players originate from all over New Zealand. Whether you are in the UK for a couple of weeks, or a couple of years, you would definitely benefit from attending a match in a playing or supporting role," says David.
Perhaps that is the testimony enough that the original recipe of enjoyable cricket in good company - is the right one. And even with the climate in London not always being exactly conducive to the game, you can always push down to the pub if it rains!
For more information visit www.lnzcc.org |
