World Cup promotion big hit in Napier

Samuel Pawson, Nelson Park Primary School, Napier, caught one of two balls thrown from the Sound Shell stage yesterday. He won World Cup tickets. Photo / Duncan Brown

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton, appropriately dressed in his whites, approached a "bowl out the Mayor" outing yesterday very modest about his cricketing skills.

"Pretty average," was how he had put it, and his form at the Sound Shell crease yesterday effectively revealed that he was close to the mark.

He did however manage a couple of fine straight drives and a clipped shot that had a slip fielder been in place would have caused some nerves to rattle.

It was all part of the Cricket World Cup 2015 Countdown event, where he and Napier City Council CEO Wayne Jack unveiled a specially designed countdown clock - one of seven unveiled yesterday in the cities set to host matches.

Napier's McLean Park will see three internationals involving Pakistan, the Black Caps, UAE and Afghanistan played in March 2015.

The "bowl us over" Mayoral outing was for a chance to win a $500 Valentine's Day package and about a dozen people evaded Mr Dalton's swinging bat to go into the draw.

It was won by one of the primary school youngsters who had been involved in a display match earlier, Trinity Richardson, and he was quick to say he wanted to win it for his mum, Debbie.

She, accordingly, was delighted her son, who is one of triplets, managed to sneak something past the Mayor.

The day got under way with a cricket exhibition match between youngsters from Taradale Primary School and Nelson Park Primary.

Napier City Council chief executive officer Wayne Jack (left) and Mayor Bill Dalton unveil the Cricket World Cup 2015 countdown clock.

Mr Dalton, in his welcome speech to the assembled crowd, said it was coincidental and very fitting because he had been to both schools when he was a lad.

From what he saw as the boys bowled and batted, the game was in "good hands" he said.

One Nelson Park School batsman hit a striking six out of the Sound Shell arena and across Marine Parade.

Another took a superb one-handed catch - although he was wearing the wrong colour shirt had he been hoping for a $100,000 pay-out.

"The cricket world cup will be a very exciting time and it is fantastic for Napier and for Hawke's Bay," Mr Dalton said.