Five local players sign with CD teams

CALL UP: Whanganui all-rounder Jess Watkin has been called into the White Ferns training camp at Lincoln in Christchurch next week after again signing with the CD Hinds.PHOTO/FILE

FIVE Whanganui cricketers have been signed to Central Districts franchises for the upcoming season.

Two former Whanganui representatives are among those named in the first 13 players to be offered contracts for the Devon Hotel Central Stags ahead of the 2016/17 season.

Ben Smith has signed for his fourth year with the team, while Tom Bruce now based in Taranaki, can also legitimately be claimed by the River City.

Bruce did his schooling in Whanganui and like Smith captained the Wanganui Collegiate School 1st X1 of his year.

Meanwhile, three Whanganui female players have been named in the Central Districts Hinds, including skipper Michelle Mitchell. She is joined by talented allrounder Jess Watkin, who has also been chosen to attend the White Ferns camp at Lincoln in Christchurch next week. Whanganui's Lisa Grant is the third from the River City to sign with the Hinds.

Mitchell said it was a massive honour to be named Hinds captain in what will be her fourth season.

"I was vice-captain last season to Kate Broadmore who has moved on to Canterbury where I originally came from. It's like trading places." Mitchell said yesterday.

Mitchell has juggled Whanganui representative duties with Hinds commitments for the past three years.

"It's a massive honour to be named captain and I'm looking forward to a top season," she said.

Individual training is already under way, but the Cricket Wanganui winter training programme begins with Term 3 in July 25. Further information can be provided by emailing info@cricketwanganui.co.nz.