Tasmania leads race for Spirit of Cricket award
The Cascade Tigers have opened up a slender lead in the chase for the inaugural Spirit of Cricket award, Cricket Australia announced today.
Cricket Australia
11-Feb-2004
The Cascade Tigers have opened up a slender lead in the chase for the inaugural Spirit of Cricket award, Cricket Australia announced today.
The Tigers head the table with 58 points from 16 Pura Cup and ING Cup matches this season.
The SpeedBlitz Blues have jumped from fourth to second place on 55 points, sitting just one point ahead of the third-placed West End Redbacks (54 points) who have played one less match than the leaders.
The latest rankings see the XXXX Bulls improve from fifth to fourth place on 52 points, while former pacesetters Victoria (fifth place: 42 points) will be looking to move back up the table during their Pura Cup fixture against the Redbacks this week.
The Retravision Warriors follow on 38 points from their 16 matches.
The officiating umpires issue points on a 3,2,1,0,-1 basis at the end of each game, with teams rewarded for displaying the true spirit, traditions, and values of cricket.
If a player is reported and found guilty under Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct during a match, their team is automatically given a score of minus one point. Voting in ING Cup games is weighted at a ratio of 1:1, while Pura Cup voting adopts a 3:1 weighting.
The state Spirit of Cricket points table, including all Pura Cup and ING Cup fixtures up until Tuesday 10 February is:
| TEAM | TOTAL POINTS | MATCHES |
|---|---|---|
| TAS | 58 | 16 (8 Pura; 8 ING) |
| NSW | 55 | 16 (8 Pura; 8 ING) |
| SA | 54 | 15 (7 Pura; 8 ING) |
| QLD | 52 | 16 (8 Pura; 8 ING) |
| VIC | 42 | 15 (7 Pura; 8 ING) |
| WA | 38 | 16 (8 Pura; 8 ING) |
Meanwhile in the Women's National Cricket League (WNCL), the final results have been counted, with the winner to be announced at the same time as the men's award on Wednesday 10 March.
Prior to the final two rounds of matches, the Western Fury, which had already completed its eight-match season, headed the WNCL Spirit of Cricket award table with 18 points.
All other states are a possibility of equalling or overtaking the Fury.
The WNCL Spirit of Cricket award points table including all fixtures prior to the final two rounds is:
| TEAM | TOTAL POINTS | MATCHES |
|---|---|---|
| WA | 18 | 8 |
| SA | 14 | 6 |
| QLD | 13 | 6 |
| VIC | 13 | 6 |
| NSW | 12 | 6 |
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the close standings between the states demonstrated the positive attitude and behaviour of players across Australia's domestic competitions.
"With only a few rounds of points remaining to be counted in the Pura Cup, ING Cup, and WNCL competitions, all states have shown that playing within the spirit of cricket is important to them," said Mr Sutherland.
"Players, coaches and umpires have shown commitment to the values of fair play and sportsmanship, and Cricket Australia is pleased to see them setting good examples in their attitudes and behaviour on and off the field.
"The Spirit of Cricket awards are one of several initiatives Cricket Australia has implemented to help recognise, reward and promote these important values of the game."
The state Spirit of Cricket awards are part of a broader Cricket Australia Spirit of Cricket project designed to ensure cricketers at all levels - including grade and local club sides around Australia - understand their obligations to fair play.
The state Spirit of Cricket award standings are updated at the end of every second Pura Cup round. The points for the final two rounds and the overall winner will be announced on Wednesday, 10 March at a special function to be staged in the state which hosts the Pura Cup final.
The latest spirit of cricket news and updates are available online at www.baggygreen.com.au/spirit