Former first-class cricketer Ewen Thompson is backing the loan system Central Districts is using to ensure promising players from its provinces are on the park for major tournaments.
"It sends a message out to my players that with the loan system we'll pick others if the rules allow it," saysthe Horowhenua-Kapiti coach before playing against Pay Excellence Hawke's Bay in their opening Chapple Cup match today in Napier.
Player/coach Thompson (right) has inherited the services of Angus Schaw, from the Bay, and Hayden Hill, of Manawatu - two CD catchment areas overflowing with talent but unable to play everyone from their squads last summer.
"If all my 12 were training then I would have stuck with my group," says the ex-Black Cap, who will give his two players who missed this weekend a chance to play in the Hawke Cup campaign, the symbol of minor association supremacy.
Thompson is keen to have a crack at the Bay although they had not knocked them out but put pressure on them.
Among his key players are captain/wicketkeeper Matt Fowler, left-arm seamer Caleb Gaylard, who made his first-class debut last season, as well as up-and-coming allrounder Drew Peacock.
