Cricket: Cooper picks up final ND contract, joins Randell in squad

Onerahi Central batsman Henry Cooper picked up the final Northern Districts contract. Photo/Photosport.nz

The 2017/18 Northern Districts cricket squad will have a strong Northland feel about it after Henry Cooper and Brett Randell were handed contracts.

Cooper, 24, picked up the final contract for ND which unites him with Northland cricketers Randell and Tim Southee on the list.

Currently in England playing in the Pennine Cricket League for Rochdale, Cooper made his debut for ND in the Plunket Shield against Central Districts last November, going on to play five Plunket Shield and three Ford Trophy matches across the season.

Northern Districts Plunket Shield and Ford Trophy head coach James Pamment is delighted that Cooper has earned the final contract.

"It is always exciting when a young player receives his first professional contract and in the case of Henry Cooper it will be especially significant given that he is following in the illustrious footsteps of his father, ND legend Barry Cooper," he said.

"Henry is a product of the Northland Cricket and NDCA High Performance programmes and has come a long way in recent seasons. Back to back seasons in the UK have advanced his game considerably - learning the important craft of winning games of cricket, posting significant contributions and developing his all-round skills.

"2016/17 in NZ was Henry's breakthrough season, he was outstanding for Northland through the District Association competition and he showed great application and skill by scoring his maiden First Class hundred and a very good half century against Auckland at Eden Park."

Randell is also another young player who has been awarded his first ND contract, following on from a promising season with Northland, ND A and the ND senior men.

Randell is currently playing for Honley Cricket Club in the Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League.