Back to go forward

THE THREE WIDE MEN: Ryan Majstrovic, and Ian Loffler (next picture), will help Poverty Bay cricket coach Lance Cairns select the team for the 2017-18 season. Gisborne Herald file pics

POVERTY Bay cricket team are taking “a couple of steps backwards to go forward” says district manager Mohit Rao.

“The team will be playing only one Fergus Hickey (two-day game) against Waikato in November but then it will be all one day games in the Basil McBurney Trophy competition, which is the Northern Districts Associations second 11 competition,” said Mohit, who leaves the job next week due to personal reasons.

“We need to develop a culture for playing two-day games and strange as it might seem playing in the McBurney competition for a couple of seasons will enable a culture to return to two-day games.

“Although the McBurney competition is for ND associations second 11 teams it will be a strong competition.

“Players in these teams will be out to show they should be in their associations’ top. ”

In another new move for the Bay, High School Old Boys medium pace bowler Ryan Majstrovic and OBR all-rounder Ian Loffler have been appointed as selectors to assist representative coach and head selector Lance Cairns for the 2017-18 season.

Majstrovic said it was “a really nice compliment, being trusted to identify and encourage those who are wanting to represent Poverty Bay”.

“I’ve invested a fair bit of time into local cricket over the past five seasons, so it’s nice to think that’s built to something where my input can be valued for the entire cricket community’s benefit.

“Playing in the Basil McBurney Trophy is a great opportunity for our boys to rebuild with a real purpose.

“I’m looking forward to a few new names standing up to be recognised, and our regulars from the past few seasons to put in some big performances for us.

“Working alongside Lance is a real privilege, and it will be a welcome change to be working with Lappy (Loffler) rather than against him all to often in the club scene.”

Surprised and delightedLoffler said he was surprised but delighted to be asked to be a selector.

“But I’ve always supported this team and watched their progress with interest.

“After talking to Mohit I think I can add some value.

“I haven’t got much more time playing cricket but I’ve committed to this season with OBR.

“It was always a privilege to play for Poverty Bay and I enjoyed a season coaching the team. Poverty Bay are at a rebuilding stage and I’m happy to contribute as a selector.

“I know all the local players well and I’d like to see a team consisting of mainly local club players.

“I think I can add some value in supporting Lance with picking players who want to perform and play for the Bay.”

Loffler said part of this was creating a positive team culture where players believe in their ability.

“We definitely have players here with talent. Poverty Bay will always be underdogs at district level so team performances will be important and that will mean playing for each other and to our strengths.

Rao said having Majstrovic and Loffler onboard as selectors would allow former test cricket Cairns to concentrate on one-on-one coaching.

“When Lance took over last year he said success wouldn’t come instantly and we always knew tha.

“He’s looking a three-year plan. Bringing in Ryan and Ian is a good move. They’ve both been involved in club cricket and in Ian’s case rep for a number of years.

“It’s a big season coming up with club cricket starting on October 15, a Kirk Cup challenge, a Fergus Hickey game, Basil McBurney Trophy matches, the Sri Lanka under-19 team here preparing for their world cup, and a game against the ND Maori team.