New cricket role announced

A decision to share cricketing resources across the top of the south region has seen a new administrative role created.

The retirement earlier this year of long-standing Marlborough general manager Ed Gilhooly opened up an opportunity for the Marlborough Cricket Association [MCA] and Nelson Cricket Association [NCA] to consider working together.

To that end, yesterday it was announced that Jake Inwood has been appointed to the new role of Regional Manager - Marlborough & Nelson, with Central Districts Cricket.

In this role, starting 1 July 2026, Jake will be responsible for the strategic, operational and financial management of both the Marlborough and Nelson associations, reporting to the respective boards.

Jake is well qualified for the role with 13+ years in sports management and administration, including time with Wellington Hockey, Croquet NZ, Hockey Manawatu, and most recently as general manager of Nelson Cricket for the past two years.

Marlborough Cricket Chair, Jonathan Davis, said “we’re really excited to have a proven performer in the role that can help take cricket in Marlborough to the next level. Sharing the management resource allows us to direct more investment to the delivery of cricket in the local community, and at the same time build the important connection between the two districts”.

Nelson Cricket Chair, Andy Leonard, said “Jake is a high performing GM who deserves an opportunity at a larger role. We have been working together with Central Districts Cricket and Marlborough Cricket for some time to create this opportunity for him, and look forward to seeing cricket prosper across the top of the south as a result”.

Central Districts Cricket Community & Capability Manager, Aidan O’Conner, said “we are very happy to see the districts working together and exploring ways to gain efficiency and ensure more resource gets to the frontline of cricket, and we see Jake as a great fit for this role”.

The secondment will run for a trial period of 12 months, at which point it may convert to a permanent role if the trial is deemed successful.

This is a resource-sharing arrangement only, with Marlborough Cricket and Nelson Cricket continuing to operate independently to serve their respective communities. This includes representative cricket sides across all ages and genders.

Jake will be based in Nelson, but work in the Blenheim office two days a week. In addition, there will be two fulltime staff on the ground in Marlborough – current Cricket Manager James Bell, plus a community cricket officer, with that job soon to be advertised.