Where the NH program is heading

I’ve had a few questions about what is ahead, so I thought it may be a useful time to give parents and boys a “heads-up” about how the North Harbour program will operate over the next two years.

In December 2011 (ie the end of next year) the annual Primary School Boys (PSB) tournament will be held. PSB is essentially Year 8. At that tournament North Harbour will field two “A” teams of equal strength who play in the “A” division, and, two “B” teams who will play in the “B” division. North Harbour will play against other associations from around Auckland, for example, Central, Eastern, Manukau, and Western Districts. Each of these Districts however only field one “A” and one “B” team. At the conclusion of the tournament, Auckland selection is undertaken.

We need to start building towards having four teams (48 boys) for December 2011 and this process will start later this year when trials will be held in order to expand the current squad from its existing level of 24 boys to 36 boys.

The PSB tournament is also to be held this coming December, and a handful of our current Year 6 players may be asked to be involved in the tournament at the discretion of the current North Harbour Year 7 Convenor (who will be the North Harbour PSB (Year 8) Convenor by that time).

The remaining squad (at least 30+ boys) will be involved in games against other Clubs and Districts through late 2010 / early 2011 much as they have been this season.

I'm also intending to facilitate a Voluntary Spring Training Academy that will be held in approximately August/September 2010 involving the current squad and trialists for the extended squad. The academy will focus on basic batting and bowling technique. The program is likely to be operated by the Takapuna Coach, Neil Fletcher and be held at the Massey University nets. More detail will be provided once the program is firmed up and North Harbour Junior Cricket approval received.

Craig Beecroft, Convenor