Riccarton Cricket Club celebrate one of their own

One of Christchurch’s oldest cricket clubs is celebrating yet another achievement for a star player.

Cole McConchie has been named in New Zealand’s ODI squad for a five-match tour of Pakistan, and will potentially make his debut in the format.

The all-rounder has previous international experience, playing five T20’s against Bangladesh in 2021 but hasn’t featured for New Zealand since. He is in the squad for five more games that precede the ODI’s.

Riccarton Premier coach Darrin Entwistle says McConchie’s international experience will serve him well.

“Previous international experience and current New Zealand A experience will be extremely useful for Cole.

"He’s a very experienced cricketer so will have good plans in place for the challenges ahead.”

Entwistle says McConchie doesn’t play for Riccarton much anymore – Canterbury duties where he is captain take precedence – but he played at the start of the season and watches games when he can.

“Part of our pre-season schedule involved gym training sessions with Cole, and I know those that attended really appreciated his time.”

He believes that McConchie’s knowledge and experience is something the local club needs to continue to tap into to ensure that their players have that access to help with growth and development.

While Entwistle only started coaching Riccarton this season, he says that McConchie’s attitude and work ethic stands out.

“Cole brings leadership and a mature professional attitude to any team he plays in.

"He’s a natural mentor for younger cricketers.”

McConchie has been with the club since he was a schoolboy, starting out in the third-grade men’s team when he was only 14.

Blackcaps coach Gary Stead says McConchie’s consistency this season has been impressive.

“Cole has been a leader for Canterbury and at New Zealand A level for a number of seasons but his contributions to winning games across formats really stood out.”

The Canterbury captain has scored 1140 runs across competitions this summer – the second most of any player in the country – and also picked up eight wickets.

Having not played in Pakistan before, McConchie will look to gain experience from other squad members who have toured before.

Entwistle says everyone at Riccarton is so proud of what he’s achieved, and seeing his name on their honours board in the clubrooms is great for them, and a wonderful milestone for McConchie.

“Cole has put a lot of hard work into developing his game, in addition to the natural talent and skills he has.”