Imagine working hard through out the season, doing so well you make it to the final of the big competition… then it rains. That is what happened to the Wizards at last year’s Twenty20 final against the Otago Volts. Because the southern team had topped the points table from the round-robin play , they won the competition and, with it, the right to represent New Zealand at the inaugural Champions League tournament in India.
Wizards captain Kruger van Wyk said it was disappointing for the team not to even get to make it onto the park at the final. “We had a good build up and a good season. It’s disappointing we didn’t get the opportunity to test our skills against the best in the world,” he said.
That disappointment has now been turned into motivation for the team. They want to go all the way to the Champions League, and although the HRV Cup hasn’t started yet, there is a real buzz within the Wizards’ camp. “The Twenty20 competition is getting bigger and the boys are getting really excited. They’re talking about the overseas players joining the teams and looking forward to some outstanding cricket,” he said. “Saying that we don’t want to look too far ahead. We don’t want to get too caught up knowing if we win the HRV Cup we will get to go to the Champions League. We want to get out there and have the freedom to express ourselves.”
Coming into the Wizards side is veteran international Craig McMillan. Van Wyk said McMillan is going to add a lot of depth to the team. “Craig has been a fierce competitor and has a great attitude. He brings a lot of experience from other Twenty20 competitions and we will cherish his knowledge and competitiveness.”
Meet the Wizards!
The Wizards, ZM Black Thunders, and staff from New Zealand Cricket will be in Cashel Mall from 12.50pm TODAY 23rd December. If you show up and show your support for the Wizards you could score yourself vouchers, posters and even match tickets!
Don’t miss out on meeting your Canterbury Cricket heroes!
When: Wednesday 23 December. 12.50pm
Where: Cashel Mall
Who: The Wizards!
What: Mall cricket and free giveaways
