More play, less aggro vital, says chairman

Craig McBride is on a mission.

The newly appointed chairman of the Wairarapa Cricket Association's management committee says he sought the job after becoming disillusioned with the way the sport was progressing, and is aiming to significantly enhance its profile through a three-point plan.

McBride wants to see more club cricket played, from JCB competitions through to the senior grades.

"I know the weather and pitch conditions are an important factor but we do seem to cancel games more readily than we need," he said. "That should always be the very last option and I don't think that has always been the case."

McBride is also keen to address player behavioural problems, often caused by traditional club rivalries.

"Old sores tend to emerge from time to time and things can get out of hand rather quickly when that occurs. The harsh reality is that we need to lift the image, that we need to enforce the message that the game itself is far more important than any personal agendas."

To that end, McBride was encouraged at the positive response from players and officials at a meeting held at the Red Star clubrooms in which the Umpires Association explained in detail what was required under the Code of Conduct.

He said the behavioural standards hadn't been the only matter discussed but also the need for clubs to ensure scorebooks were kept accurately, that scoreboards were kept up-to-date for public viewing and team lists were delivered to the umpires at least 30 minutes before the start of play.

McBride also wants the Wairarapa association to improve its communication processes, both to the cricketing community and the media.

"We have to forward plan. We have to have keep people aware of what is being proposed well before the date," he said. "Again, it's easy to do, it's not rocket science."

Meantime, the second series of matches in the Umpire's Cup limited-overs competition will be played at Rathkeale College on Saturday. Flight Centre Lansdowne, who had the bye last weekend when games were abandoned early due to wet weather, will play Red Star and Greytown will take on Wairarapa College. Both matches will have a noon start.

Rathkeale College will also be the venue of a "friendly" rep fixture on Sunday featuring the Wairarapa senior men's squad and the Wellington under-18s.