Canterbury Wizards stalwart Ryan Burson has announced his retirement from representative cricket after 13 seasons in red and black.
Burson has decided to finish his representative career with the Wizards and take a year off from his East Christchurch Shirley side to spend more time with his family and on his teaching career.
‘I will take away so many great memories from my time playing for Canterbury. I have had the pleasure of playing alongside and against many of New Zealand’s greats and was lucky enough to make my debut during a great era for cricket when Lancaster Park was our home and the crowds were massive.
‘What it means to play for Canterbury was instilled in me from the very beginning and I have carried that through my playing career. I feel I have worked really hard to do justice to the red and black colours whenever I have taken the field for Canterbury and I finish up proud of my record.
‘The Wizards obviously had a great season and it was great to see a number of home grown young guys coming through the ranks and stepping up. I will always remain a Canterbury fan and wish them the best of luck and all the success in the future’ said Burson.
Canterbury Wizards Head Coach, Bob Cater, said he was touched with sadness upon hearing of Burson’s decision to retire ‘his career with Canterbury Cricket should be celebrated as he is a player who was totally committed to playing for his province, a true red and black. As a coach he is the ultimate player giving 100% not only on the field but at every training as well. He always worked hard for his team and will be sadly missed by myself and the Wizards in the coming season.’
Burson played his debut match for Canterbury in a one day match against Auckland during the 1998/1999 season. Since then he has donned the red and black strip in 74 matches, taken 117 wickets with a career best of 6/35. He played his final game for the Wizards at the Village Green against Wellington in the 2010/11 Men’s One Day Competition.
