The outfield’s a tad dry this year

An artificial wicket and a blue car were the only signs of colour on a dried-off Patearoa cricket ground this week.

Caretaker Sam McSkimming, from Patearoa, said a group of locals used to keep the ground irrigated, but it was decided this year not to because of the cost.

Only one cricket match a year was played on the ground. This year’s match would be held later this month, he said. 

- Tom Kitchin