North Otago Year 7/8 players received caps before the South Island Primary School's Cricket Tournament to be held in Blenheim in January. The young cricketers were presented with the caps by North Otago Cricket Association Life Member Ted Tempero at King George Park yesterday. The caps were provided by remaining funds from the Friends of North Otago Cricket Organisation, which Mr Tempero operated until recently. North Otago Cricket Association Chairman Peter Cameron hopes the funds donated by the organisation will provide caps for the Primary school players for years to come. "Friends of North Otago Cricket was organised and run by Ted Tempero,'' said Mr Cameron. "That organisation has been disbanded because Ted's unable to continue with it.

"They had funds available when it was wound up, which they've donated to North Otago Cricket on the understanding that we would buy a special cap for those attending the South Island Primary Schools tournament, we hope the funds available can keep us going for the next four or five ears.''

January's competition will be the 52nd of its kind and has been a breeding ground for some of New Zealand's top talent. "A lot of your Black Caps, [Stephen] Fleming, [Chris] Harris, [Craig] McMillan, [Hamish] Rutherford, they've all gone and played in the primary school tournament over the years" he said.

Mr Cameron praised Mr Tempero's dedication to local cricket and provincial cricket. `"The fact that he's life member of both Union, North Otago and Otago cricket explains the years he's put into the administration of the game. He's done an exceptional job over the years and we're pleased to have him here to present the caps to the boys."