NORTHERN DISTRICTS AND WELLINGTON TO PLAY FOR THE A.D.G ROBERTS TROPHY

The legend of former Northern Districts all-rounder and Cricket Wellington's Director of Coaching, the late Andrew Duncan Glenn Roberts will once again be honoured when Northern Districts and the Wellington Firebirds face each-other in Sunday's Ford Trophy match at Cobham Oval. 

The ADG Roberts Trophy was introduced for one day matches between Northern Districts and Wellington to honour him after his sudden death at the age of 42 in 1989. The Boards of ND and Cricket Wellington jointly agreed to reintroduce the trophy this season, when Cliff Dickeson, ND's Cricket Development Officer, and former team mate of Andy Roberts, discovered the trophy in a cupboard.

"Having played with Andy, it was important to continue to acknowledge his contribution to the game and to honour his role with both associations." 

Andy also made an impact to cricket in Wellington, having moved south to take up the role of Director of Coaching in 1988. A regular opponent, before becoming a colleague, Evan Gray has fond memories of Andy and is pleased to see the trophy in his name return,

"I am delighted that ND and Wellington have reinstated the Andy Roberts trophy for one day matches between the two provinces. I played against Andy when he played for ND and I worked with him during his time in Wellington. He made a lasting impression on those he came into contact with and is remembered with fondness and humour."

Dean Brownlie, captain of Northern Districts Ford Trophy side says "It's great to play for a trophy that is named after someone who had such an impact on both Northern Districts and Wellington cricket. We are celebrating someone who gave many years to the game."

ADG Roberts was born in Te Aroha in 1947 and died suddenly in 1989 at the age of 42.  He played in 7 Tests and 1 ODI for New Zealand, and played 104 first class cricket matches for Northern Districts from 1967 until 1984, and 35 List A matches from 1971 until 1984.

Andy's daughter, Nikki, is understandably proud that her father's legacy is still being remembered in the game that he loved,

"I am very happy that Dad's memory is still being celebrated in this way. He made a great contribution to ND cricket and I have many fond memories of childhood days spent at Seddon Park watching him play cricket. I would like to wish both Wellington and ND all the best for the game and for the rest of the season."

Northern Districts were the last recipients of the ADG Roberts Trophy in 2004-05 therefore will host the match.  The trophy will be presented to the winner of the Ford Trophy match by Northland Cricket President Murray Child at Cobham Oval at the conclusion of the match.

Northern Districts v Wellington Firebirds

Ford Trophy - Men's One-Day Match - Round One

Cobham Oval, Whangarei - Sunday, 3 December 2017, 11:00am.  Free Entry.