Cricket: Northland primed for Auckland challenge

Opening batsman Brad Kneebone will be a key figure for Northland as they start their season tomorrow. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Northland has selected their first team of the year as they headline a bumper weekend of club cricket.

Taking on an Auckland XI, Northland have chosen to go with a mix of experience and youth that will be led by former first class cricketer Neal Parlane.

Pace bowlers Stacey Hyndman, from City, and Whangarei Boys High School's Caleb Boswell-Smith will make their debut in Northland colours.

New Kaipara Flats recruit Brett Randell will also make his debut, but brings a wealth of experience to the side.

The big fast bowler was contracted and released by Auckland last year and is hoping the move north will give him another avenue to first class cricket.

He is coming off a five-wicket bag for Rodney in the Dargaville Shield.

Northland will have three Northern Districts A players in their line-up: opening batsman Brad Kneebone, first drop and off-spinner Henry Cooper and wicket-keeper Rory Christopherson.

All of Northland's top three, Kneebone, Cooper and Ben Hyde, plyed their trade overseas during the New Zealand winter. This should give them a leg-up going into the contest.

The side also includes Kaipara Flats' Kyran Dill and Maungakaramea's Tyler Lortan and Kurtley Watson.

The match starts at 11am tomorrow at Cobham Oval.

The team is:
Brad Kneebone
Ben Hyde
Henry Cooper
Tyler Lortan
Neal Parlane (c)
Kyran Dill
Rory Christopherson
Kurtley Watson
Caleb Boswell-Smith
Brett Randell
Stacey Hyndman
Sean Beamish