Samsung Cricket Fan of the Year Named

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Samsung Cricket Fan of the Year Named

Wellington cricket fan Mike Thorn has been named the inaugural Samsung Cricket Fan of the Year taking home a Samsung entertainment system valued at $10,000.

The judging panel, including Samsung and cricketing heroes John R. Reid, Martin Crowe and Chris Cairns, were impressed by Mike’s commitment to cricket through a daily blog he has kept on the game for a number of years.

The judges were also impressed by a tale of an arduous journey catching two buses and walking ten kilometres to watch a match, only to see one delivery before rain halted play. In a typical display of cricket obsession, Mike still believed "it was worth it."

Chairman of the judging panel John R. Reid said: "Through his web log Mike is sharing his love of cricket on a daily basis. We were impressed that he has kept this blog updated for a number of years.

Mr Reid believes the competition has provided excellent opportunity to recognise cricket fans and thank them for their ongoing support.

“Fans are crucial to the future of the sport and the search for the Samsung Cricket Fan of the Year has proved that passion for cricket still runs strong in New Zealander’s blood,” Mr Reid said.

Mike was chosen from hundreds of entries received from throughout New Zealand.

Samsung spokesperson Jean-Philippe Diel, who sat on judging panel, said the BLACKCAPS and Samsung were planning to run the cricket fan competition next summer, building on the success of this year's event. "It's really captured the public's imagination and gets people talking about cricket."

ENDS

Below is Mike Thorn’s entry

I am 35. I have a family. I have a career. I have a mortgage looming over my head. And yet I risk it all on a daily basis to maintain a blog detailing my love of New Zealand cricket.

I am dedicated beyond reason. I am hooked and I can't escape. I once spent four hours catching buses and trains and walking miles to watch my beloved Northern Districts, only for the rain to arrive after I had watched one ball being bowled. I spent four hours getting wet as I made my home. It was worth it.

ENDS

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