Auckland came out of one of their more productive summers on the field with a small operating surplus of $23,086 last summer.

This was up from the $16,935 surplus recorded last year according to figures published in Auckland's annual report.

A significant cost borne by the Association this year was a $225,000 venue charge, although previously this charge had been placed against membership income.

Other increases included office administration costs (up by $21,415), public relations and promotions (up $63,282), State Aces team (up $82,620).

However, the Association's income increased by $488,128 to $2,531,155. This was mainly due to an increase of $498,378 in sponsorships, grants and memberships.

The Association's accumulated funds have increased by $46,935 to $955,427.

ACA chief executive Lindsay Crocker commented: "We have managed a better than break-even result in a year where our discretionary income was reduced through their being only one One-Day International during the season.

"New Zealand Cricket increasingly provides the major source of income to Associations. It is the nature of our game that the major source of revenue is through television rights and the virtually year-round international programme," he said.

Crocker said the contribution to the ground welfare of Eden Park continued to be a time consuming job for administrators and directors but the ongoing development of the portable pitches had been a success while the Outer Oval pitches and practice facilities were to be re-laid in time for the new season.

"During the later part of summer next year, the main stadium has a long overdue drainage and surface reconstruction. This will see an end to Test match cricket delays (when the overhead conditions are frustratingly fine, but field conditions don't allow a continuation of play), rugby quagmires and cut-up fields.

"The big remaining question at Eden Park is the continued ongoing viability of the Park when faced with Council funded competitors in other centres," Crocker said.

He added that on the playing field, the rewards for the complete overhaul of coaching and talent identification programmes five years ago were starting to prove their worth.

"Looking over previous annual reports, we suggested the results would take time to come.

"That time has elapsed and it is with great satisfaction we recorded our first major men's trophy for some time with a win in the most exacting competition, the State Championship. We also had the satisfaction of having nine players represent New Zealand during the season," he said.

This was backed up by the effort of the Auckland women in winning the State League for the third year in succession and having four players in the New Zealand women's team.

Crocker paid tribute to the now-retired Chris Drum.

"Chris Drum had an outstanding season, reaching the rare milestone of fifty wickets for the season and winning the national bowling prize, the Winsor Cup. It is a great void Chris now leaves having decided to work and live in Britain from the end of the season. He leaves the game at the peak of his powers," he said.

Crocker also highlighted the superb season enjoyed by Auckland's player of the year, Andre Adams. "No player better typifies the 'Aces Way' attacking style than Andre," Crocker said.

The concentration on improving club cricket was borne out last summer and had become a competitive and enjoyable competition and a good grounding for future representative players.

"We are delighted most clubs have fully embraced the ACA-funded premier teams' coaching scheme. The clubs who have quality coaching programmes for their teams, with disciplined practice and pre-match activities, are the ones who are producing the most consistent results," he said.

© CricInfo