Canterbury cricket clubs are doing their bit to help the revival of cricket in Fiji with the most generous donation of old and unwanted cricket equipment for use in the Fiji region.

The International Cricket Council divides the world into five separate regions for cricket development, and Fiji, like New Zealand is in the East Asia-Pacific region. Fiji has a long history of cricket and particularly a long connection with New Zealand, the first tour being made by a Fiji side in 1898. It is one of the original Associate members of the ICC, and is currently ranked 12th in the ICC Trophy tournament which caters for the second tier of cricket countries - below the Test playing nations.

The most enthusiastic cricketers in Fiji are found in the remote islands of the Lau group, mid way between Suva and Tonga. Cricket is played every day, and competitions between the villages are held all year round. Money is in short supply in these islands, so it is very hard for the island communities to obtain equipment, and it is here that Canterbury cricketers have come to the rescue.

The pallet of used equipment has been collected from Canterbury clubs and schools and, thanks to the efforts of Canterbury Cricket, has been shipped to Suva where it is to be distributed to the island communities. The Fiji Cricket Operations Manager, Robin Carr, himself a New Zealander from Marlborough, advised that the equipment had just been received and two days after arrival some was already being shipped to the island of Lakeba.

The Fiji Cricket Board of Control has expressed its thanks for the efforts of Canterbury Cricket. Robin Carr said that it is no small task to arrange the collection, sorting and shipment of used equipment, and they are keen to let the cricketers of Canterbury know that it is all being put to good use.

Canterbury Cricket Development Manager Mike Harvey said "Cricket in the ICC Associate and Affiliate countries of East Asia-Pacific is very popular, however, due to a lack of equipment and facilities opportunities are limited. It has been heartening to see a number of clubs and schools donate unwanted gear which has gone a long way to ensuring that those wishing to play the game can do so."

© Canterbury Cricket Association