Cricket: Young stars UK bound

Cobham Club president Greg Guy with Henry Cooper and Ben Hyde. Photo / John Stone

Northland's Henry Cooper and Ben Hyde have stepped into thousands of shots at the crease over the last few years, but the latest delivery heading their way will help them play in England in the off-season.

Two of Northland's most promising cricketers, Cooper and Hyde's efforts haven't gone unnoticed; both have received funding and support from the Cobham Cricket Club and the Northland Cricket Association to progress their game through playing cricket in the United Kingdom during the New Zealand winter.

Although Northland is regarded as the winterless North, Hyde said no amount of indoor training can get you ready for the real thing.

"There's no substitute for playing matches," the Worlington Cricket Club-bound Hyde said.

"[So] we're going to play cricket over there for the English summer ... the whole point is to improve and come back to play for Northland next summer."

Taking his post in the staunch rugby league territory of Huddersfield, Cooper will front for Broad Oak Cricket Club, a proposition he said he "absolutely can't wait" for after getting a taste of things at the same club last year.

"It took me a while to adapt last year. It's so different over there ... different balls, different environments and even the rules they play by.

"Each ground has a bit of character," he added.

"Over here you get sports complexes used for rugby, cricket and all other sports. Each club over there [UK] has its own boutique ground and the pitches have their own characteristics, so I sort of know what to expect now."

A lusty opportunity for both to further their progression in the sport they love, Hyde said support from the Cobham Club is "obviously much appreciated".

"We got a bit of money from the Cobham Club to help with our expenses going over there for flights and accommodation and things.

"Hopefully we can put it to good use and come back home with our best foot forward next year," Cooper added.

Cooper departs on March 31, followed by Hyde on April 6.