Dave Castle prepared to be patient with Poverty Bay rep squad

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Cricket's flagship is soon to set sail.

Poverty Bay director Dave Castle has named the first men's senior representative squad for the 2021-22 season — and the players now know what's involved.

Castle, who coached Hawke's Bay against Poverty Bay at Harry Barker Reserve, is prepared to be patient.

“We're looking at a rebuild of skill for the team, with a large squad of up to 20 able to train and be coached weekly, one on one and at team practices,” he said.

“We'll also look for games suited to our current level.

“This summer is about changing the perception around rep cricket, offering guys opportunities and developing a match calendar that provides competitive matches.

“If we bring tradition back to the rep team, more players will want to be involved, and ultimately raise the skill-level across the board.

“I am excited by the return of experienced leaders Jimmy Holden and Scott Tallott, who will provide steadiness and skill with the new ball and bat respectively, and we have a wealth of youth keen to learn and improve. Guys like Gus Orsler, Baxter Mackay and Paul Stewart fit this mould, and we have excellent school talent in Daniel Stewart, Cohen Loffler, Sebastian Wilson and their Gisborne Boys' High School first 11 skipper, Nathan Trowell.

“They're a squad that, with time and development, will improve.”

Trowell, 17, relishes the prospect.

“I'm really excited — it's been a dream of mine to make the squad,” the pace-bowling all-rounder said.

“I've looked up to the senior players for some time and I'm thrilled to get this opportunity.”

Holden, 40, has a wealth of treasured memories.

“I want to help the boys coming through and to pass the torch on,” the OBR opening bowler said.

“If they want to play competitive cricket, this is the first step. I've never forgotten a five-for (5-41) I took against Hamilton on the rep wicket at Harry Barker Reserve, or taking the Kirk Cup off Hawke's Bay at their place.”

Poverty Bay will play a 50-over Kirk Cup match against the Hawke's Bay Mavericks at Cornwall Park in Hastings on December 12.

2021-22 POVERTY BAY: Cody Andrews (OBR), David Castle (HSOB), Nicholas Greeks (OBR), James Holden (OBR), Gee Chetan Kashyap (OBR), Cohen Loffler (Gisborne Boys' High School), Baxter Mackay (HSOB), Marshall Norris (HSOB), Angus Orsler (HSOB), Graham Sharp (GBHS), Daniel Stewart (GBHS), Paul Stewart (OBR), Scott Tallott (HSOB), Nathan Trowell (GBHS), Josiah Turner (GBHS), Sean Wills, Sebastian Wilson (GBHS).