Canterbury is close to unveiling a modified version of cricket in its bid to sustain, and increase, playing numbers at the local level.

The move is seen as vital to the continuing health of the game in the region.

Canterbury Cricket Association (CCA) chairman Maurice Ryan said: "To keep people in the game we have to develop new initiatives. We need something that can utilise the evening hours, like touch rugby does.

"We have to have it this season because we have to re-invigorate the game," he said.

There has been consultation with the wider cricket community on the new form of the game.

Numbers of players have held on previous seasons although the 72 adult men's teams of last year is down on the 83 teams of the 1996-97 season.

The lack of players over the age of 30 continues to be a concern.

"There are only a handful of players over the age of 30 in our senior competition," CCA chief executive Tony Murdoch told CricInfo today.

Finding the right balance between traditional cricket interests and the new initiatives was crucial, he said.

"There is a danger we might erode our Saturday competitions."

Coaching was also an issue and it would be vital to get into the schools and through the schools feed back into clubs.

"It has become increasingly obvious that the delivery of well structured and well resourced coaching is crucial to the future of cricket at all levels of the game."

Ryan commented: "There is a gap there we have to fill. We haven't got all the answers but we have to plug the gaps."

He said a series of consultative meetings with a range of groupings to look at the challenges facing cricket.

"These forums have been worthwhile in that those attending have been prepared to look at ways in which cricket can continue to attract coaches, players and supporters," he said.

Meanwhile, Murdoch outlined support mechanisms being considered for club administrators.

"Last year's report identified the need to assist clubs with coaching and this issue remains a major challenge.

"Of equal concern is the need to support clubs administratively.

"The advent of the 'user-pays' philosophy, the burden of student loans and the seven day working week are societal problems which are already impacting on the administration of our clubs.

"Many clubs are concerned at the scarcity of new committee members. Too many are relying on dwindling groups of ageing administrators and there seems little that can be done to change this pattern," he said.

One solution is for the CCA to provide a secretary-treasurer to work with all clubs on financial matters leaving clubs to work on cricket matters.

Canterbury is continuing to lay the foundation for an attack on its, and other associations', problems through its scholarship scheme at Lincoln University.

It is hoped that the support for the best and brightest through their education years will net a return through their involvement in carrying the message of cricket into schools and the community through coaching and development.

This scheme is into its second year and has been well supported.

© CricInfo