2002-03 Annual R eport 2002-03 Annual R eport - Australian Sports ...

State/territory associations
State/Territory Associations
Top. The year saw Michael Bevan
register his 100th first-class
match for the state.
Middle. Pura Cup success.
Michael Clarke (left) celebrates
with wicket-keeper Brad Haddin
following the Blues’ victory over
Queensland.
Bottom. Limited-overs legends.
The Blues and the ING Cup
trophy.
State/territory associations – building Australia’s cricket future
Several strategies within From Backyard to Baggy Green note the importance of
domestic cricket and highlight the crucial role the six state and two territory
associations play in developing the game.
The following section of this report illustrates the progress of cricket at the state
and territory level by outlining on-field and administrative highlights from around
the nation.
CRICKET NEW SOUTH WALES
Cricket New South Wales enjoyed an outstanding season of on-field success, culminating in the state
claiming both domestic titles, the Pura Cup and ING Cup.
It was the fourth time New South Wales had claimed the ‘domestic double’ – the Blues being the most
recent state to achieve the feat when it captured the titles in 1993-94. The win in the ING Cup
competition extended the Blues’ reign to a third consecutive limited-overs title.
In women’s cricket, the New South Wales Institute of Sport Blues played in its seventh consecutive
Women’s National Cricket League final, but were overpowered by Victoria Spirit. Next year, women’s
cricket in the state will be integrated with the Cricket New South Wales structure.
The state’s under-17 sides dominated their respective competitions, claiming the Commonwealth Bank
Under-17 Championship Series and the Betty Butcher Shield.
New South Wales’ female under-15 side also won its championship series, while the female under-19 side
finished second in 2002-03.
At international level, New South Wales contributed the highest number of representatives to both the
men’s and women’s Australian teams, an indication of the depth of talent throughout the state.
The Blues’ new recruit, Simon Katich, proved a valuable acquisition, contributing to the formidable New
South Wales line-up.
Michael Bevan, the state’s greatest first-class run-scorer, played his 100th first-class match for New South
Wales. In another celebration of centuries, Mark Waugh took his 100th catch for the Blues in the Pura
Cup final against Queensland.
Mark Waugh – Australia’s highest one-day international runs-scorer and greatest outfielder in Test history
– bid farewell to the international stage after 128 Tests and 244 limited-over matches for Australia.
Lisa Keightley also retired from international level with seven Tests and 54 one-day internationals in a
distinguished career. Keightley and Waugh continue to play a vital role for New South Wales in their
respective domestic competitions.
Former Australian representative Shane Lee brought an end to his domestic career after 93 first-class
matches for New South Wales and 45 one-day internationals for Australia.
Off-field, Cricket New South Wales introduced the Steve Waugh Medal for the state’s Player of the Year.
Fittingly for the man whose name adorns the medal, captain Steve Waugh was the inaugural winner.
The New South Wales Road and Traffic Authority continued its sponsorship of the SpeedBlitz Blues in
2002-03.
NSW AT A GLANCE
Pura Cup: first
ING Cup: first
Cricket Australia Cup: second
Women’s National Cricket League: second
Commonwealth Bank Under-19 Championship Series: third
Commonwealth Bank Under-17 Championship Series: first
Betty Wilson Shield for under-19 women: second
Betty Butcher Shield for under-17 women: first
Men’s Grade cricket champion: Sydney University
Women’s Grade cricket champion: Gordon
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