A surge of interest in youth cricket in the the Upper Clutha this season has been attributed to New Zealand cricket's success in the past year and recent Cricket World Cup hype.
Wanaka Community Board member and Albion Cricket Club president Mike O'Connor said there had been a 30% rise in the number of primary school and early secondary school pupils picking up the game this season across the Upper Clutha district.
He believed the Black Caps' form in 2014 was the primary reason for the increase.
''The last calendar year was the most successful calendar year for New Zealand cricket and it's on the back of that, I think. The kids have picked up on that and the parents have picked up on it,'' he said.
''And it's a great team sport.''
The Cricket World Cup was also generating plenty of interest and was likely to further boost numbers in the youth grades, Mr O'Connor said.
''I think there's going to be far more back-yard cricket and I think the kids will put the PlayStation down and go out and have a game with their brother, sister, aunty, uncle.''
A cricket pitch in Lake Hawea that was previously used ''infrequently'' was now in need of an upgrade to cater for the growing numbers.
''It might be time to look at bringing it up to speed,'' Mr O'Connor said.
There were various funding options available for the work, including through New Zealand Cricket.
More coaches were also being sought for the 2015-16 season.
