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Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club director of cricket Ramesh Lakmal was bowled over when a recent practice in the nets in Millwater turned unexpectedly into a show of appreciation, in the form of a gleaming new SUV.
The surprise was arranged by club manager Gair McSkimming in conjunction with Tristram European, whose fleet corporate manager Darren Bird handed over the keys to the MG to a beaming Ramesh.
“Ramesh runs a pretty special cricket programme here on the Hibiscus Coast and wider Auckland, and has done for more than seven years, coaching 4000-5000 kids every summer,” Gair said, praising his contributions not just to the club, but also the community.
The club has been using an elderly station-wagon, approaching 300,000 kms on the clock, so “this is a massive step-up for us”, he said. “It will make Ramesh’s ability to get out and coach cricket a lot easier.”
Ramesh said that having grown up in a poor family in Sri Lanka, he has worked hard to achieve what he has.
“I’m a passionate cricketer and passionate coach,” he said. “I try to do my best to bring my coaching and knowledge to other people, so that one day they can come to that position.”
Darren said that Ramish absolutely deserves the support from Tristram for his work with young cricket players.
“We wish him all the best for this summer of cricket,” he said.
