Lincoln set to host U18 teams

New Zealand’s best upcoming cricket players are set to meet in Lincoln tomorrow to compete in the 2011/12 National Under-18 tournament.

Auckland, Northern Districts, Central Districts, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago will be represented, with some of the sport’s best prospects showcasing their talent.

Last year’s competition saw the introduction of the under-18 competition, having originally been the under-19 tournament. Auckland are the current champions with tradition showing the age-group tournament is a closely fought contest.

The 2011/12 competition has started with one two-day and one 50-over match to be played against a neighbouring province prior to the ten day tournament in Lincoln. Central Districts already have a substantial lead after collecting 15 points from their two matches with Auckland second on six point while Canterbury round out the top three on five.

Once the teams converge on New Zealand Cricket’s headquarters in Lincoln they will play one more two-day match, followed by four 50-over matches and three Twenty20s. Points are accumulated from all three formats to find an overall winner.

The players also have extra incentive to do well with the New Zealand Under 19 team to be selected mid-year to participate in the ICC Under 19 World Cup in Australia in August.

New Zealand Cricket team and tournament operations manager Catherine Campbell said age group tournaments have been a launching pad for New Zealand’s superstars in the past.

“We’ve had a number of BLACKCAPS come through these types of competitions, so this is where we see the cricketers of the future,” she Campbell.

“It is set to be an exciting tournament and we look forward to seeing the players stepping up and showing their talents.”

All national Under 18 matches will be scored live on www.blackcaps.co.nz.