The plaudits for First XI cricket coach, Mike Johnston, known to most on campus as ‘Scrump’, have continued since the Gillette Cup victory.

At the final chapel service of 2019, Mike was awarded the inaugural ‘Rector’s Medal’ by Rector, Christine Leighton. This new award is presented at the Rector’s discretion for an exceptional achievement of a student, staff member or Old Collegian. Mike’s service to cricket as coach of the First XI for 19 years, culminating in the Gillette Cup win, made him a deserving recipient. Mike still plays cricket himself, being a member of the Canterbury Over 60s team which won the national tournament in January. He was later named in the New Zealand Over 60s cricket team, which will play in a tournament against Australian sides in September. Mike was also awarded a 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award from Sport Canterbury, which he had been scheduled to collect at the ORIX New Zealand Canterbury Sports Awards on Friday 3 April.