It’s one thing to get an opportunity; quite another to take it.
However, 19-year-old Northern Knights fast bowler Zak Gibson is making the most of every chance he receives as he prepares for the 2016-17 summer.
Last year, the Te Awamutu paceman was the recipient of New Zealand Cricket’s inaugural Māori Cricket Scholarship / Kirikiti Aotearoa Karahipi o Te Tohu Taakaro o Aotearoa Scholarship — a high performance award designed to assist our most promising Māori players.
Gibson’s since gone on to break into the Knight’s four day side; take six first class wickets, and do enough to earn a full contract with the Northern Knights for the coming season.
“It’s been quite a year,” Gibson said of his rapid progression.
“I was pretty rapt with the contract which has let me continue to chase the dream. It’s going to be great to be a part of it all and I’m really excited to get out there with the boys, train alongside them, learn as much as I can, and try to develop my cricket.”
The scholarship’s provided Gibson with a variety of support - from financial, to mentoring from Shane Bond; right down to the orthotics in his shoes.
“They (orthotics) have made a huge difference in terms of helping out my shins, which has improved my performance as I can play fully pain free.”
Of Ngāti Raukawa descent, Gibson is a proud Māori and hopes he can pave the way for more indigenous New Zealanders to rise through the cricketing ranks.
“We need to get more Māori boys and girls into the sport because it’s a great game to play, no matter who you are or where you’re from.”
Gibson made his debut for the Knights in a four day game in March and then took 4 for 62 in his second outing against Canterbury a week later, to the delight of his family and friends.
“Yeah, they’re really proud and it’s awesome having them around and supporting me - it makes it all worth it, really.”
“Dad’s pretty stoked with how it’s panning out. He was at my first game with Grandad and they saw me get my first wicket for ND which was really cool and special.”
