Otago Cricket are excited to announce our first recipients of the Otago Cricket Fundraising Charitable Trust’s ‘Patrons Scholarship’ for 2021-22.

Otago Volts wider squad member, Ben Lockrose, and SBS Bank Otago Spark, Bella James, have both been identified as talented cricketers under the age of 23 years who will be provided financial support towards an overseas playing opportunity in the New Zealand Winter.

Financially supported by current OCA Patron and former Otago First-Class representative, Nick Smith, as well as the Otago Cricket Fundraising Charitable Trust, the scholarship was created to support young cricketers from Otago & Southland to develop themselves in the UK.

Being a former Otago First Class player, OCA Board Member & eventually OCA President, Smith knows the value of nurturing local talent.

“Otago Cricket has been and will continue to be a major part of my varied sporting life,” said Smith.

“I am well aware that young Otago / Southland players need to be nurtured and encouraged to grow, and this contribution is only a small part of what’s needed” Smith explained.

Smith pointed towards playing opportunities as the catalysts for our cricketers to improve overseas.

“The recipients will be absorbed into the rigours of the UK cricket season, playing multiple times in a week, and above all take their ability to the highest level possible and representing Otago and NZ,” said Smith.

“I am even hopeful that some may follow the footsteps of Turner, Hadlee, Crowe, Howarth, Rutherford(s), and others who blossomed after stints in the UK.” Smith concluded.

Smith had not yet met either recipient, but had been impressed by their recent performances, and vowed to keep a close eye on their results.

Left-arm finger-spinner, Ben Lockrose, spoke of what the scholarship meant to him earlier this week.

“It is very exciting to be receiving the Patrons Scholarship for the upcoming UK summer” said Lockrose.

“It is awesome that the OCA and Nick are able to see value in the overseas experience for their cricketers and are willing to invest into players during the local off-season to give us the best chance to come home and hit the ground running at the start of the New Zealand summer.” Lockrose concluded.

SBS Bank Otago Sparks batter, Bella James, also commented on what the scholarship means for her overseas experience.

“The scholarship will be a huge help with assisting me to go over to England,” said James.

“I am looking forward to being immersed in the club and experience playing in English conditions. By going overseas, this allows me to play regularly and to continue to develop my skills to progress my development as a player.” James concluded.

Ben Lockrose will ply his trade for Hampstead CC in the Middlesex Premier League, while Bella James will play for Stony Stratford CC for their Home Counties Women’s Cricket League campaign.

*ENDS*

Article added: Thursday 14 April 2022