Nelson Cricket bounces back

After a tumultuous couple of financial years, Nelson Cricket is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

In 2019, Nelson Cricket reported a loss of $74,000 – much of it owed to the Nelson City Council.

The situation prompted a review of Nelson Cricket Association’s (NCA) finances and led to an internal report which attributed poor financial administration, inadequate reporting and lack of oversight for the position the organisation finds itself in.

However, the organisation has managed to rebound quickly and for a second consecutive year, is reporting a surplus.

Nelson Cricket chairperson Nettles Lamont says the major challenge of the past few years has been to rebuild its financial position and generate sufficient surpluses in order to serve the cricket community with more freedom.

The board will ask the annual general meeting on November 4 to adopt a surplus of $121, 503 for the 2020/21 financial year which combined with 2020’s smaller surplus, has grown its reserves to $190,280.

Nettles says once again the year has provided many challenges.

“We lived through the uncertainty of lockdowns, potentially appearing overnight and being able to create complete havoc with our operations.”

Fortunately, a full season of local cricket was able to be played and the 2021/22 season is in full swing.

Tim Murdoch commenced as operations manager in October 2020 and has made significant progress in ensuring Nelson Cricket is an organised and efficient operation.

“I think we are heading in a good direction after a spectacular downturn and there are some really good things happening from where we were.”

Tim says the board has been working hard to rectify the image and financial performance of Nelson Cricket.

“They have been disciplined in its financial management.”

One innovation Tim has introduced is the 40-over format in favour of the 110-over game.

“The 110 over competition wasn’t achieving what we wanted as an early season competition and teams struggled to bat the time, so we thought let’s try something different.”

The local T20 competition will also be brought forward to avoid poor weather.

“Last year we held it late in season and games were affected by conditions.”

Another factor to Nelson Cricket’s rejuvenation has been the appointment of Brady Barnett to lead the representative team.

Brady has been instrumental in helping grow the female games in the region.

This season will see the Central Hinds making its Saxton debut as well as entering a team in the Mike Shrimpton Trophy for the first time.

“We are focussed on promoting girls and women’s cricket and create more opportunities.”

Tim says White Ferns seamer Claudia Green proves the pathways for Nelson players are there.

Nelson Cricket will also employ a community cricket officer to act as a resource for both clubs and schools.

“It’s not complete, but its heading in the right direction.”