Auckland Cricket more than doubled the size of its financial surplus last summer and after paying clubs a total of $106,425, had $48,067 net surplus left.

That compared with a net surplus of $20,020 last year. The main reason for the change, which occurred despite an $11,706 drop in club affiliation and match fees, was an increase of $160,218 in sponsorships, grants and memberships.

International match fees also increased by nearly $30,000.

The Auckland Cricket Association (ACA) chief executive Lindsay Crocker said the before club distribution financial return was boosted by New Zealand Cricket's special grant of $50,000.

"This was a welcome and unexpected grant for us. As we had posted a budgeted surplus for the season, the directors of ACA decided to pass this onto clubs," he said.

Crocker was also pleased with the way Auckland's clubs embraced the new governance changes.

"As the person most directly affected, let me say that the vision and definition of purpose that has come hand in hand with a 'professional' (but honorary) directorate has made the ACA stronger than even the most ardent advocate for the system could have dreamt.

"It was great to see the structure so warmly embraced by clubs and affiliates at last year's special general meeting and annual general meeting and that faith has been and will continue to be rewarded.

"This board is as much concerned with the process of decision making as the decision itself - to ensure proper consultation is taken into consideration," he said.

Crocker added that the improvement in quality of the two-day senior competition had been the result of reducing the top flight to eight teams. It would now be necessary to reduce the one-day competition in the same manner.

He also urged clubs to get more involved in the development of secondary schools cricket. Cricket clubs had to have responsibility for cricket in their respective regions.

"Those responsibilities will include forming close relationships with secondary schools and, again, the most successful clubs already do this.

"There are over 75 secondary schools in the region and we need to ensure every one has some relationship with the nearest club.

"This is a big undertaking, but a necessary one to broaden the playing base and to attract ethnic groups and more girls to the game," Crocker said.

"The secondary school development of the game is not best done by ACA employees operating out of Eden Park.

"We do not have the manpower, or the regional affinity a club can provide. This is properly the role of a well run club - they are the beneficiaries of the process in establishing these relationships and thereby securing their future subscription base."

The ACA's role would be to provide direction, quality control and funding.

Auckland chairman Don Hattaway backed Crocker's comments on the governance changes and said: "Coupled with this change has been the formation of advisory and recommendation groups which provide forums for discussion and debate with interested parties and assistance for management in carrying out their duties.

"It is important that consultation occurs with as wide a group as possible but that management is allowed to operate efficiently and effectively," he said.

Hattaway said the importance of Eden Park to Auckland cricket could not be overstated.

"A close working relationship with Eden Park Trustees, Board of Control and management exists to ensure that the Eden Park asset is managed to its full potential.

"The encroachment of rugby into the cricket season means that careful management must occur so that the interests of cricket are not compromised whilst at the same time trying to accommodate the needs of rugby.

"This is an issue which is at the forefront of people's minds.

"The development of the portable pitch is gathering momentum and it is hoped that a solution will be available soon.

"This will not only help with the ground management issue but also will enable international quality wickets to be prepared at a time of year when the vagaries of weather makes it difficult," Hattaway said.

© CricInfo