Notes from slip, March 15

Otago surged to a nine-wicket win over Canterbury in Alexandra last week.

 

It was the Volts’ first Plunket Shield win this season and came under the leadership of interim coach Ben McCord.

 

He has been given the opportunity to step up for the final three games of the season following coach Dion Ebrahim’s decision to move on at the end of the campaign.

 

McCord is essentially getting a trial run in the gig.

 

Coaching is a brutal business. The players soak up all the accolades when the results are positive, while the coach is the lightning rod whenever anything goes wrong.

 

But despite the challenges, McCord will apply for the role.

 

He has had a three-year apprenticeship in his role as assistant coach and told Notes from Slip he feels ready to make 

the step up.

 

Look out for that interview in tomorrow’s paper.

 

 

Two of the game’s most faithful servants got some long overdue recognition from New Zealand Cricket this week.

 

Veteran Albion and Otago scorer Helen Simpson’s long service was acknowledged during a ceremony in Queenstown on Tuesday.

 

She was presented with a long-service lapel badge by another Otago stalwart, Suzie Bates. Simpson is nearing the end of her 54th season on the books. Fifty. 

Four.

 

Notes from Slip caught up with Simpson when she notched her 50th to find out what had kept her turning up every summer. "It is what I do on a Saturday," she said.

Bless.

 

North East Valley chairman Bryan Johnston is another local hero who turns up every summer.

 

He was awarded the outstanding contribution to cricket in the New Zealand Cricket community awards on Wednesday night.

 

He started out with the club as a player in 1967 and joined the committee in 1973-74.

 

"His efforts to recruit players and fundraise are critical to the standing the club has in the community," the press release stated.

 

"He has also made significant contributions to cricket in Dunedin more broadly, serving on the Dunedin Cricket Association Committee for more than a decade.

 

Johnston has been instrumental in placing North East Valley coaches in Dunedin secondary schools and has been proactive in player recruitment across all grades,  which has seen the club’s playing strength grow.

 

Under his leadership, North East Valley Cricket Club finances have gone from strength to strength, largely due to the countless hours he has spent preparing funding applications, negotiating sponsorship arrangements with local businesses, and making prudent investments."

 

 

"He has to go. Like, tomorrow. Two wickets in the South Africa series and four against the Aussies, bugger-all runs and uninspired leadership. Bring back Kane."

 

That was one reader’s thoughts on the form on Black Caps captain Tim Southee. Offered without further comment.