From Durban to Gisborne

SOUTH AFRICAN IMPORTS: Bruce Kerr (pictured) and Matt Crampton (see the following picture in this gallery) get their first taste of club cricket in New Zealand when they play for High School Old Boys and Pirates respectively in the Doleman Cup 40-over competition at Harry Barker Reserve tomorrow. Pictures by Paul Rickard

Two young South Africans will get their first taste of cricket in New Zealand when they make their debuts in the Doleman Cup 40-over competition that starts tomorrow at Harry Barker Reserve.

Bruce Kerr and Matt Crampton will play for High School Old Boys and Pirates respectively.

Bollywood HSOB take on Gisborne Boys’ High School, while Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates meet last year’s treble champions — Doleman Cup, Walker Shield and DJ Barry Cup winners — Bain Construction OBR.

Both players are from Durban, with another South African, Graham Hudson, expected to arrive later this month.

All three were recomended to Poverty Bay Cricket operations manager Nicholas Hendrie by Patrick Steyler, who runs a cricket academy in South Africa.

“I’ve known Paddy since my days at the academy,” Durban-born Hendrie said.

“When I told him we were looking for some young players to help with some coaching here while they learned about cricket in New Zealand conditions, he suggested Bruce, Matt and Graham.

“Their main reason for coming here is to experience life and cricket away from home.

“It’s not like they are getting paid heaps of dollars or anything like that.

“They pay their own way over and we help them with arranging accommodation.

“In return they will coach young, up-and-coming cricketers and help run cricket clinics.

Kerr, the oldest of the three at 23, said New Zealand was a place he had always wanted to visit and when offered the opportunity “it was a no-brainer”.

“Mum, as all mums would be, was a bit emotional about my leaving but she and Dad were both keen for me to give it a go”.

Kerr said he had never heard of Gisborne when he was told of the offer to come here.

“I had no idea where it was but I googled it, and it looked like a cool place. Being near beaches suited me as I like to surf.

“Now that I’m here, it’s great. Everyone is so chilled.

“I’m here on a six-month contract but I’m going to use the six months to see if New Zealand is a country I could return to and live in.”

Kerr said the decision to come to New Zealand was made easier after he failed to get his first-class contract with Pinetown Cricket Club renewed for this season.

“My T20 season was good but my 50-over season wasn’t so good.

“I made some decent scores — forties, fifties — but didn’t kick on and post really big scores.

“But I’m here now and looking forward to the season.

“I’ve had a couple of net sessions with the team and I’m looking forward to adapting to the conditions as quickly as I can and getting into runs consistently.”

Matt Crampton, 19, said he was excited about the opportunity to influence and help develop the next generation into becoming better cricketers through playing and coaching.

“I’d also like to meet as many people as possible, cricket-related and non-cricket-related and make the most of my stay here by doing a lot of things.

“I’m hoping to have a good season for the club . . . one that people will notice.

“Batting, the aim is to bat for long periods, not throw my wicket away and score hundreds.

“I’m determined to do the best I can for my club. This is a great opportunity for me, to play with and against players from another country.”

Crampton is also a left-arm orthodox spinner.

“I’m aiming for a good economy rate, to build a lot of pressure with my dot balls, to take over 35 wickets in a season, and to take a five-fer (five-wicket haul).”

The new T15 Blast Walker Shield competition starts on October 26.