Southland Boys' High School teacher and sports co-ordinator Steve Jackson has been appointed coach of the Otago Sparks women's cricket side this year.

A qualified Level II coach, Jackson has coached the Otago third form boys' team for the past two seasons and has also been the fitness advisor/trainer for the Southern Sting netball team for the past three seasons. He comes with an extensive playing and coaching background in club, high school and representative cricket.

Otago Cricket's coaching director Michael Hesson will also take a greater role with the team especially with winter training, now that additional coaching resources will be available to the Association through the appointment of Glenn Turner as full-time coach for the State Otago Volts.

Chief Executive, Graeme Elliott said: "While coach for the past season, Billy Ibadulla worked tirelessly, this very young and inexperienced Otago team found it difficult to commit to the levels required for us to justify the reappointment of a professional coach.

"We will be looking at alternative ways that Otago Cricket can utilise Billy's specialist coaching expertise in the future" added Elliott.

The appointment of Jackson is initially for a one-year period and commences immediately.

Team selectors will be Michael Hesson and Steve Jackson.

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