Boys High cricket programme bolstered by key appointments
Thursday, Aug 10 2023
Will Johnston
Jamie Watkins and Dean Robinson are back to where their cricket careers began.
Former Central Hinds coach Watkins and Robinson, current Taranaki captain and opening batsman (pictured), have been appointed to coaching roles at New Plymouth Boys’ High School (NPBHS).
Watkins joins the school as its cricket development officer, while Robinson will coach the 1st XI team starting this summer. During the club scene, Robinson will move from New Plymouth Marist United, where he has been a prolific run-scorer, to play for NPBHS.
Watkins recently stood down from his coaching role with Central Districts after he led the Hinds for the past five seasons. He will remain part of its development system overseeing female cricket across the district and contract to NPBHS.
He attended NPBHS from 1990-1994 and has been in charge of player and coach development. His Taranaki career spanned from 1995 to 2016 and remains the second highest wicket taker for the province behind Alistair Jordan.
“I’m excited to return to the school and contribute to a programme that played a pivotal role in my cricket,” he said.
“I’m particularly thrilled with the plans in place and the depth of talent. It’s a privilege to support the coaches and players in driving everyone to enjoy and excel within the NPBHS system.”
Robinson attended the school from 2003-07 where he was a member of the 1st XI. He went onto becoming one of Taranaki’s most successful batsmen and second highest representative run scorer behind Brian Richards. Robinson played 15 first-class matches for Central Districts between 2012 and 2015.
He’s excited about the opportunity to go back to his old stomping ground.
“I feel with my 15-plus years of Taranaki and first-class experience, I’m in a position to help develop cricketers at the school and add to what is already a successful cricket programme,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get started.”
NPBHS director of sport David Bublitz said the school had been eager to bring Watkins back to the school for years.
“Having him on board, working alongside our new 1st XI cricket coach, is massive for our cricketing whanau,” he said.