Cricket: Rugby no help in Nelson's cricket bid

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Nelson's involvement in the Rugby World Cup two years ago gave some encouraging pointers to the city's bid for cricket's equivalent hosting rights, right?

Actually no. In fact it didn't help cricket's cause in one key respect.

Nelson cricket boss Dave Leonard admitted yesterday the RWC left local business fingers burned and gun shy when cricket came up for discussion.

"There were a fair amount of Nelson business people - and even councillors - who probably felt the RWC wasn't quite the huge driver to the local economy that it could have been.

"If anything, after that people seemed quite cautious about what these events can bring to your local area," former Central Districts seamer Leonard said.

Leonard said the crucial point in what's been described as a top bid was the support of the Nelson City and Tasman District councils.

Saxton Oval is part of a rapidly developing sports complex near Stoke just outside Nelson.

Leonard admitted he wasn't particularly confident of getting the nod from Cricket World Cup organisers, until he heard Nelson's Mayor Aldo Miccio was invited to the announcement.

"We never really knew who else was involved in the bidding, so we were never sure who we were up against and the type of format and number of venues they'd go for."

Saxton Oval has hosted one women's T20 international, two Plunket Shield games, seven HRV Cup games and two Ford Trophy fixtures, so it's a relative fledgling.

The capacity is likely to be between 5000-7000 for the cup.

"We and the councils need to understand what we've got and where we fit in the picture. Luckily [CWC] went for a range of venues across the country.

"And it is a stunning venue," he said.

Meanwhile, did World Cup organisers get ahead of themselves this week in unveiling Christchurch as a key tournament host?

That is one theory going about as Canterbury Cricket - not to mention CWC officials - wait not a little edgily for the verdict from the Environment Court, expected next week, on the proposal to build a stadium in Hagley Park.

A thumbs down from Judge Jane Borthwick will scupper Christchurch's plans to be a key player in a world sporting event for a second time in two years.

There could be no finger pointing in February 2011 when the earthquake tore the city apart and wiped it out as a Rugby World Cup host.

The decision is expected next week and among the questions hovering over Christchurch's asterisk as host will be whether Judge Borthwick takes kindly to what could be called a pre-emptive move by CWC.

Cricket officials denied announcing Christchurch's role in the tournament was an attempt to force Borthwick's hand; rather it was a case of time marching on.

Canterbury Cricket chief executive Lee Germon said the International Cricket Council had to "move pragmatically".

The association also requires the Christchurch council to award a lease and approve the works, which should not be issues. Judge Borthwick is the key. No pressure, then.