The MoleMap Masters team ended the the Choice Hotels Masters Series with a two win and two loss record and due to the washout in the last match were unfortunately denied the chance to end the season with a winning record.
For the fourth year in a row the weather had a major influence on the match in Rotorua and denied the chance for the Northern Maori team to further establish itself. There are many good young Maori cricketers in New Zealand and this fixture is a major event in promoting and profiling the opportunitites for Maori throughout New Zealand.
It is a little known fact that many recent Blackcaps have Maori heritage, including Trent Boult, Shane Bond, Daryl Tuffey, Kyle Mills, Jesse Ryder, Adam Parore, among them.
The purpose of the Choice Hotels Masters Series is to promote cricket within regional areas of New Zealand that do not get to host and experience regular First Class matches. Maintaining facilities to meet First Class requirements is not always feasible for many towns but this should not mean interest in cricket should diminish. The masters matches are a great way for our members to engage with the next generation of cricketers and inspire them to reach their full potential from the sport.
Five matches were scheduled for this summer and it is fantastic to have included 39 NZCPA members in matches over the summer. Representing the MoleMap Masters is an enjoyable way for members to catch up with mates and to understand a bit more about what the NZCPA do to promote cricket across the country.
Seventeen of the 39 players to represent the MoleMap Masters are former New Zealand players with the remainder of the 39 all representing various First Class teams during their careers. Mark Greatbatch, Ewen Chatfield, Roger Twose, Geoff Allott, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, Richard Jones, Paul Hitchcock Peter Ingram, Michael Mason and Peter McGlashan are some of the international players who have given up their time to be part of series and while the matches are still competitive they have a certain relaxed style to them which ensures that enjoyment is paramount.
The NZCPA are delighted to have three magnificent sponsors to bring the Masters programme to life. They are Choice Hotels Australasia, MoleMap and Canterbury Apparel.
