Richard is the current Secretary/Treasurer of the Lancaster Park Cricket Club. He has held this position for 10 years and counting. This position description does not do justice to the countless many other roles and responsibilities he has undertaken for the club since joining in the early 1990`s. As administrators of sports clubs can attest, the lists of tasks can grow and grow particularly for those who are capable, efficient and are prepared to give of their time and expertise unselfishly.

Richard is indeed one of those whose contribution to the Lancaster Park Club will only be known or appreciated by a few. Beyond his Secretary/Treasurer responsibilities, he also undertakes the very important role of sourcing grant funding from Gaming Trusts. This requires an eye and attention to detail, an understanding of how the Gaming Trusts application and accountability processes work and a pragmatic approach to who and when to apply to.

The compilation of the Annual Report is one of those jobs that requires patience, diplomatic and negotiation skills to get team reports on time, journalistic and editing skills and an appreciation of history to accurately record the playing performances of teams and individuals over the season. Richard does all this with a zeal and passion and a desire to have the club presented in the best possible light as well as complying with its legal reporting responsibilities.

It was in Timaru at a family gathering in January 1983 that Richards first engagement with cricket was sparked. Watching a televised ODI match between New Zealand and England at the MCG and in a tense finish Richard recalls Martin Snedden bowling to Bob Taylor and denying him the scoring opportunities to win the game for England.

Fast forward a month and Richard watched his first live game at Lancaster Park. Again, it was New Zealand v England and Richards recollection of the day is watching in awe as Lance Cairns launched big sixes out of the ground, one of which landed in the old toilet block behind the number 4 stand.

A Lancaster Park Junior, who attended Linwood High School (where his father was a teacher at the same time) Richard rejoined Park in 1994 after a season with the Woolston Club. Lancaster Park has been his cricket home ever since. It was at this time that Richard started assisting his good friend Aaron Reid with his club captains and committee duties. Collating statistics, helping with the annual prizegiving event, anywhere he could assist Aaron and the club. Richard says he is happy to do the boring stuff that others may not want to undertake.

That is a testimony to Richard and his committed approach to serving the club. No task is too big or insignificant. If it moves the club forward and needs to be completed, he will ensure the operational side of the club is working efficiently and effectively.

On the playing side, since 2015 Richard has been captain of the club’s Master’s grade team. Thrust into the role when teammates unanimously voted in him during a game, he has carried out his roles in the only way he knows, with honesty, integrity and unselfishly.

Captains of lower grade teams have a variety of responsibilities off the field. Recruitment, retention, selection, medical, gear bag cartage, ensuring a new ball is available, collecting the old balls, score books, stats, clothing, and the friendly arm to cast around disappointed players shoulders. The Lancaster Park team, under Richards leadership, have a good reputation in the grade for their sportsmanship and collegiality while adhering to the spirit of the game.

Richard takes great pleasure in pitting himself against the number of former representative players in the Masters grade. He says players like Aaron Gale, Warren Wisneski and others are a great challenge which he enjoys.

Outside of the considerable time he gives to Lancaster Park, Richard is a lecturer in Information Systems at Canterbury University having previously worked as a business analyst in the health sector.  He is the proud possessor of three degrees, linguistics, philosophy, and Information Systems. He is a father of three children, one of whom, Reuben, is a very keen cricketer at Shirley Boy`s High and who has already played a few games for the Masters team when numbers have been limited.

Richard is fully aware of the difficulties and challenges of running a sports club. Being financially sustainable and viable, recruiting and retaining players, maintaining facilities, while  ensuring the operational aspects of the club are being met . Geographical location is a critical factor for the development of community sports clubs. Being close to a secondary school where cricket is played and promoted can help so much for the profile of the game in the community.

Lancaster Park Cricket Club has a proud history and has contributed much to the sport in Christchurch. A return to their spiritual home of Lancaster Park is imminent, which will be welcomed and that has its own challenges and limitations. A strong women’s section of the club is a proud part of the club and their many playing successes are celebrated alongside those of the men`s team. Richard worries about the loyalty of players now days and the depth of playing strength in clubs which all contribute to the fragility of the game .

The final words which sum up Richards significant and beneficial contribution to Lancaster Park CC come from the successful nomination the club made on his behalf for the Peter Sharp Trophy for the Administrator of the Year. "Richard is the glue that holds the club together. His contribution perfectly encapsulates the commitment and time that sports club volunteers throughout the country make. His positive attitude and willingness to  get stuck in, are a testament to those unsung sports club heroes"

Article added: Tuesday 11 June 2024