Denis Aberhart
Denis Aberhart | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 23, 1953 Motueka, New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Cricketer, Cricket coach, School principal |
| Years active | 1976–2004 (cricket), until 2021 (education) |
| Known for | First-class cricketer for Canterbury and Central Districts; coach of New Zealand national cricket team (2001–2004); school principal in Christchurch |
Denis Charles Aberhart (born 23 March 1953) is a former New Zealand cricketer who competed at the first-class level representing both Canterbury and Central Districts from the 1976/77 season through to 1983/84. Outside of cricket, he pursued a career in education, holding positions as a teacher and principal at various schools in Christchurch.
Life and career
Aberhart was known as a right-arm medium-pace bowler who batted in the lower order. His standout first-class bowling performance came during the 1982–83 season when he claimed 6 wickets for 55 runs playing for Central Districts against Auckland, including the final four dismissals that secured an eight-run win. In December 1981, he received the player of the match accolade after taking 4 for 32 versus Auckland, helping his team achieve victory by three wickets. Additionally, Aberhart represented Marlborough in the Hawke Cup, where he captained the side to a memorable triumph in the 1979–80 season, delivering match figures of 12 wickets for 32 runs.
During the 1990s, Aberhart took on the role of coach for Canterbury before advancing to become the full-time coach of the New Zealand squad from 2001 until 2004. His involvement with Canterbury Cricket extended to serving as a director for eleven years, and he also holds a position on the board of the Marlborough Cricket Association.
In his educational career spanning nearly five decades, Aberhart held principal roles at St Paul's School in Dallington, Our Lady of Fatima School in Mairehau, and lastly at Our Lady of Victories School located in Upper Riccarton, Christchurch. He retired from his educational duties in July 2021.