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By Callum Hill

The University of Canterbury Blues Awards provided a successful night for the Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club as the Premier side took out one of the supreme awards, team of the year, after a tight victory over Lancaster Park in the Metro One Day final.

BWCUCC have always been proud of their affiliation with the University. The Premier side that took home team of the year featured seven current or past UC students, one of which was Thomas Zohrab (Law and Criminal Justice) who was man of the match taking 4-24 off his 10 overs and scoring 48 not out to guide BWCUCC home for only their second title in over 25 years.

Premier Captain and Canterbury representative Matt Hay was on hand to receive the award. After an impressive season himself with both bat and ball.

“We were really clear at the start of the season that we wanted to add to the clubs proud legacy and firstly to win the one day cup was really exciting and to be acknowledged on a larger scale up against some really strong other clubs was exciting & reinforced what we are trying to achieve.” Hay explained when asked about what the accolade meant to the club.

It was not only a special night for the Premier side. A number of Special mentions go out to UC students Mitchell Hay (Engineering)  and Will O’Rouke (Sports Coaching) who received Blue awards for representing Canterbury last season in all three formats. Both men received professional contracts for the 2022/23 season. Premier scorer Arun Kumar (Engineering) won official of the year, for his involvement in scoring ICC Test matches at Hagley oval this summer.

Overall a successful night for the entire club. Not just for the players, but for everyone behind the scenes. A special reflection on a fantastic summer.

Callum Hill.

Nestled down a long driveway off Avonhead road, tucked in between the Burnside Bowls Club and the famous Burnside Rugby Football Club, sits The Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club. A club with a unique history and host to some special individuals. 

This Saturday the club will play for the inaugural Jerry Cross Memorial Shield. If you follow local club cricket, chances are you will know Jerry Cross. Jerry was an avid supporter of BWCUCC and consistently went above and beyond for the club. Doing whatever he could to help. Whether it be getting the drinks ready or attending the scoreboard Jerry was always keen and willing to do whatever he could to make game days go as smoothly as possible. A passion for stats, Jerry compiled stats for player and team performances not only for BWCUCC and the Christchurch Metro Competition, but also his beloved Canterbury Crusaders and National sides. He supported the club religiously since 1971/72 as a 16 year old. He would travel anywhere to watch the club and was a loved member. Jerry was rewarded for his ongoing services to the club with life membership at the 2017 AGM. Jerry could never wield a bat or throw down the stumps due to his physical disabilities. But this never hindered his contribution to the club. The roles he played were just as important as anyone in the playing XI. Jerry sadly passed away in 2020, a terrific club man loved by all. 

This Saturday’s game will split the club in half. Recognising the merger between West Christchurch Cricket Club out of Hagley and The University Cricket Club who were based out of Ilam Fields. Then went on to merge with Burnside Cricket in 1972-73 moving full time to Burnside Park. Concluding 67 years at Hagley Oval. The merge of these clubs through the 1900’s following depressions and World Wars were paramount to maintaining the standard of local cricket. 

To pay tribute to one of the club’s favourite patrons and to also acknowledge the club’s rich history. Premier and Championship players that have studied or are studying at The University of Canterbury will combine as ‘University,’ and take on the members of the club that are tradesmen, workers or affiliated with other Universities from around the country. They will combine as ‘Burnside West Christchurch.’

If you are around this weekend, Saturday the 24th, venture down to the club. There will be a working bee to get the club ready for the start of the cricket season commencing from 9am. Followed by The Jerry Cross Memorial Shield, University v Burnside West Christchurch. The fixture will be a T20. Bar opens for the first ball at 1pm for no doubt an exciting afternoon and the start of what is hopefully a successful 2022/23 season and the start of a special tradition.

By Callum Hill.

Back again for the second instalment of the Off Season 10. We previously dove into the rich history of the club’s top ten batsmen. Now we turn our attention to the bowlers. Some impressive performances with the ball in hand have taken place over the clubs history, whether it be George Gearrys 10-50 in 1955/56, Scott Inglis 9-49 in his final season or Jackson Latham’s semi final hat-trick on the way to the 2021/22 one day title, onlookers and patrons have been spoilt with incredible displays since  the clubs inclusion in the Christchurch Metro Competition in 1905. We have rustled through the archives and narrowed down the clubs top ten wicket takers. From turn and bounce to swing and seam, Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club has produced some exceptional bowlers who have mastered their craft and have etched their names in the BWCUCC history books, not only champion bowlers, but champion men in their own right.

Read More “Off Season 10, BWCUCC’s Top 10 Wicket-Takers.”