Otago Cricket honoured two new Life and five Honorary Members at its 147th Annual General Meeting tonight. 

The Association announced a $56,577 surplus for the 2022-23 financial year, while Mike Sandle, former Black Cap Manager and former Otago seam bowler Mat Harvie were first term appointments to the Board.    

CEO Mike Coggan reflected on the continued growth and activity and financial performance.   

“It is pleasing to continue to deliver surpluses while we continue to invest appropriately in both community and performance cricket.  Our cash reserves now exceed $500,000 and these funds will be needed to support part of the $2m build of our cricket facility at Tonga Park.  Having appropriate levels of working capital is fundamental to the success of this priority project”, Coggan said.         

Outgoing Chairman Shane Robinson reflected on both a positive year just been, and his nine years on the Board.  

“OCA has seen monumental growth across all areas in the nine years I have been involved and it has been a pleasure and privilege to lead the Board over the past three years.  Both our performance and community programmes are as strong as anywhere in New Zealand.  We have very young and talented female and male players now starting to perform at domestic level, however it is going to take more time for these players to build experience to be able to perform consistently and at their potential.  I am certain Otago will see more male and female players earning national honours over the next two to three seasons.  I would like to thank all our Member Chairmen and your Boards.  Alongside the OCA Board, I have been very fortunate to work with so many wonderful and capable people.  I have certainly treasured my time with Otago Cricket”, Robinson said.   

Russell Mawhinney presented a Life Membership to Shane Robinson, while CEO Mike Coggan presented Life Membership to outgoing Board Director Rob Lawson, who had served the Board for nine years and had captained Otago at domestic level.  

Five Honorary memberships were presented with OCA Life Member George Morris presenting membership to Mark Bracewell, OCA Life Member Malcolm Jones presenting membership to Allan Faithful, OCA Life Member Murray Hughes presenting membership to James Lovelock, OCA Honorary Member Craig Cumming presenting membership to Adam Gain, and OCA Honorary Member Helen Simpson presenting membership to John Henderson.    

Article added: Thursday 26 October 2023