This will be the sixth tour by an Academy Boys Cricket squad to New Zealand in what has become a regular exchange program between the Academy and New Zealand Cricket Associations. The Academy first toured Canterbury in 1989 with a side that included current state and national players, Shane Lee and Anthony McGuire and was successful against the South Island team which had current New Zealand player, Steven Fleming. The Academy toured again in 1990, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1999. The Canterbury team has traveled to Illawarra in 1992, 1994, 1996 and 1998.

The 2001 tour itinerary includes

Sunday, January 21 v Canterbury Country, in Christchurch

Monday, January 22 v Mid Canterbury in Timaru

Tuesday, January 23 v South Canterbury in Timaru

Thursday, January 25 v Otago in Otago

Friday, January 26 v Canterbury U17, Ashburton.

The touring party comprises Players:

Andrew Austin, Figtree

Tim McKenzie, Thirroul

Nicholas Knapp, West Wollongong Matthew Skora, Warrawong

Mark Street, Dapto

David Studholme, Fairy Meadow

Michael Stephenson, Towradgi

Dale Chapman, Mt Warrigal

Clint McKenzie, Albion Park Rail

Jaya Hartgerink, Kiama Downs

Tim Richardson, Kiama

Dale Scifleet, Kiama

Daniel Babula, Bowral

Robert Malcolm, Mittagong

Evan McCarthy, Bowral

Simon Willis, Berry

Coaching staff: Paul Cram and Kyle Connor (Apprentice)

Academy Director Cheryl Battaerd comments, “the Academy has a successful track record of overseas tours and the cricket tour should prove to be no exception.”

“This tour promises to be very competitive and the game against the Canterbury representative side in particular will be as hard fought as any Australian vs New Zealand sporting events.”

“The tour will be a great experience for the young cricketers and will provide a great learning and development opportunity for all concerned”.