Super Smash cricket is returning to Alexandra this season, but without the $10,000 funding from the Vincent Community Board that it received last year.

The Otago Cricket Association returned first class cricket games to Molyneux Park in summer 2023 following a short period of them being played in Queenstown. 

The board supported this through a grant of $10,000 from the 2023-24 financial year promotions grant budget, and despite a cost blowout of $50,000 from last year’s coverage, would have to fund their broadcast towers and sight screens through other means.

A report to the board from marketing manager Alison Mason said, while Otago Cricket has secured a three-year broadcast contract with TVNZ to live stream the T20 Super Smash games played in Alexandra, it had only applied for a one-year grant.

“They had noted their wishes for multi-year commitment in their original application and when presenting to the board. They have advised that it is for this reason they did not apply in the publicised funding rounds,” the report said.

A late grant application was then subsequently submitted, under the grant policy condition of being an ‘exceptional circumstance'.

Staff said consideration was given to the ongoing investment the board and council makes in keeping the grounds at the required standard, and the importance of these games on the summer event calendar to the local community. 

Under council’s grant policy, which is currently under review, multi-year grant applications are only accepted in year one of a Long Term Plan (LTP). 

Otago Cricket said in its application, the main cost blow out was the new cost of scaffolding that was required because the sight screens were not fit for TV broadcast. 

“With three double header matches played, this meant two pitches were required ensuring the broadcast towers needed to be wider. The total unbudgeted increase in costs was $50,000.”

The matches were able to be played to around 2000 fans each day, with six matches televised live on free to air television during the duration.