When a consignment of donated cricketing gear arrived in Nelson, the Ramblers Cricket Club had a call to make.
Sell it for a few hundred dollars or give it away to young cricketers who might struggle with the costs of getting “kitted up” to play.
It wasn’t just any former cricketer who sent the bats, pads, thigh pads, protectors and gloves, but Nelson-born test player John Guy who represented all five cricket provinces.
About to turn 92 and based in Melbourne, John dispatched the three-year-old equipment for Ramblers’ use with its emerging playing side.
“John thought we would need it, but there was no point in lugging the kit around to games as players these days all have their own individual gear,” says Nelson Ramblers Cricket Club president Jock Sutherland.
“So, we had a decision to make. We could sell it and maybe get a few hundred dollars, or disperse it. So, we emailed the local cricket clubs and asked them to apply for the gear. It is of far greater benefit if youngsters get to use it.”
The club is gearing itself up for another busy season with the emerging players team it fields, selected and coached by former representative cricketer Garry MacDonald.
First up is a match against the Marlborough Emerging Players in Blenheim on 4 October for the Barry Roberts Cup, with games against Buller and Weedons, in Canterbury, also planned.
Ramblers was formed in 1953, is still going strong, and marked its 50th anniversary by returning to its original role of developing young local talent through regional matches.
Jock is 80 and hoping to turn out again this season as a lower order batsman and fielder.
