Lance Cairns
CRICKET
POVERTY Bay cricket coach Lance Cairns has been long enough in the game not to get carried away with their “hammerings” of a depleted Northern Districts Maori side here at the weekend.
But the former New Zealand test all-rounder, who played 43 tests and 78 one-day internationals, was adamant that playing the 35-overs and T20 games “were worth it”.
“Definitely. It means three wins in our last three games, but it was the way the boys played that was pleasing. That’s the way we should deal with these sides.”
Their next game, against Hawke’s Bay here in a couple of weeks, would be a better gauge of where they are at, he said.
“Hawke’s Bay will be a big step up and it will be interesting to see how we go against them. A big plus for us is there are four or five other players to come into contention.
“It means there is genuine competition for places, which is something we have not always had. Guys will have to fight for their places and that means putting in the work in club games.”
Among those missing from the Bay line-up for the double-header against ND Maori were Jak Rowe, Glen Udall, Dane Thompson, Tom Hayes, who played for ND Maori, and Pirates opener Scott Hollinshed.
Cairns said the warm-up led by skipper Nick Hendrie was “something the boys had not come across before and set the standard”.
“It was great to see the urgency maintained when there were times it could have dropped.”
Although newcomer Joshiah Turner was the man of the match in Sunday’s 35-overs game — scoring an unbeaten 37 and taking three wickets for five runs off four overs including a maiden — Cairns was also impressed with another newcomer, Inder Singh.
“I had only seen Inder bowl in the nets but it was great to see him come charging in.
“He pitches the ball up and if he is going to do that he needs to be able to swing the ball, which he did.
“We’ve got good experience and some good young players involved with the squad. Sam Patterson and Marshall Norris are still learning and having them in the system will be good for their development.
“Paul Stewart has the potential to be a good all-rounder. He may not be an opening bowler but he will get overs and will take wickets.”
Cairns was also pleased with Stewart’s Gisborne Boys’ High teammate Drew Scott.
“We’ve been saying for a while now the boys need to learn how to win and I think it’s starting to get through.”
Cairns sang the praises of groundsman Rowan Clark.
“Northern Districts held a clinic here recently and they were so impressed with the wickets they are talking about a six-day clinic here next season.
“We’re so lucky to have someone like Rowan preparing our pitches. You look around the country at this time of the years and there wouldn’t be many teams playing on grass.”
The players get another chance to stake claims for a spot in the team to face Hawke’s Bay when the new Walker Shield T15 Bash starts on Friday night.