Linda was a deserved winner of the Ana Rouse Trophy for services to Women’s Cricket at this season’s Awards function. In nominating Linda for this award, Graham Harris noted that "women`s cricket in the Sydenham Club is going from strength to strength and this is in no small measure to the work that Linda does. She is proactive in recruitment …works hard to keep young players in the game… her ability to provide structure around the women`s group where she is very effective …is very active in ensuring that our young girls are made to feel welcome and involved in the club and its social activities"

High praise for a former tennis player who became involved in cricket through her children playing cricket because it started at 9.00am on a Saturday whereas tennis started at 8.30am. Not one to stand around doing nothing, Linda started her administrative career on the Sydenham Junior Committee, then graduating onto the Senior Committee as her daughters Eden and Boadicea got more involved in the sport.

In addition to her women`s convenor role, Linda is the Secretary for the committee where she prides herself on short, concise meeting minutes. She also helps with the administration of the Indoor center booking system, has an important role with the publication of the weekly match reports over the summer and if that’s not enough organizes the annual club raffle. It would be an understatement to say she has an eye for detail and getting the job done.

Linda is full of praise for the considerable efforts of Graham Harris, Kevin Congdon, and Matthew Bell in the efficient running of the Sydenham Club. The Club are very supportive of women’s and girls’ cricket and Linda enjoys that they celebrate the achievements of the female teams and players as well as those of the men’s teams. A group of women`s players harnessing their inner Taylor Swift at the club’s recent end of season club night was a highlight for Linda as it captured the essence of a happy, contented group comfortable in their surrounds.

Reflecting on the just completed season Linda feels that it was a significant season. Winning the One Day trophy for the first time since 1994 was the culmination of many years planning, recruiting and retention of players and the rebuild of a one strong and dominant female section from the halcyon days of the 1970s and 1980s.

Linda acknowledges the wonderful work over the years of Kevin McGowan, Emma Scarf, Andrew McKenzie, Maria Lankeshwar and Libby Hickford in rebuilding the women’s section. In recent times Felicity Robertson has been a point of difference for the club with her dedication to the team, her planning and drive and importantly her personal playing achievements.

Understandably Linda takes great pride in Boadicea`s development as a premier grade cricketer and her selection for the Canterbury team this season was a highlight for the family. Eden has been previously employed by Marlborough Cricket as a Community Cricket Manager and a rep player for both Marlborough and Nelson, so the cricket theme, ignited by brother Orion some years ago, remains strong. Linda herself filled in for the Sydenham Premiers this season, ensuring the team had enough players.

Asked what next season brings. Linda offered more people involved, more planning, maybe someone to relieve her of some of her responsibilities but very optimistic that Sydenham can continue to grow their women and girls’ section even further.  A focus for next season will be strengthening the Div.1 team with the right level of support. While the game for females can be seen to be fragile and has challenges, Linda believes there is plenty of interest in the game throughout the country and good playing opportunities and player pathways.

Retention of players is critical. Linda takes pride in ensuring that players are welcomed, given playing opportunities and that they feel comfortable socially. The game and the club environment can help make lifetime friends, which Linda believes is an important aspect of a sports club. Graham Harris sums up the contribution of Linda when he said "We are a better club because for the growth and development of our women and girl cricketers, thanks to Linda".

Article added: Tuesday 04 June 2024