Reliable Cameron to lead U17 bid for national glory

Wanganui's Brett Cameron will lead the Central Districts Under 17 team in January. Photo/File

Wanganui cricket guru Dilan Raj has gone with a young man he can trust to lead the Central District's Under 17 team in their national tournament games in Wellington next month.

As CD U17 coach, Raj has chosen Active Physio Wanganui Hawke Cup batsman Brett Cameron to captain the squad, who will play three two-day matches and two 50-over games at Karori Park from January 14-22.

Cameron was one of four Wanganui players named in the various Central District teams for the national tournaments, with Henry Collier and Nick Blundell in the Under 19s and Ben Smith in the Provincial A team.

Raj said he gave Cameron the reins because of his experience at this level, having played in last year's tournament in Canterbury. "The second reason as well is I've got quite a close association with him."

The team, also made up of four Nelson players, two Taranaki, two Hawke's Bay and one each from Manawatu, Wairarapa and Horowhenua-Kapiti, will leave early for Wellington so they have time to get to know each other.

Raj wanted a good relationship with the skipper right off the bat and said rather than giving direct instructions Cameron already thought as he did about the type of cricket they wanted to play.

"He's actually a captain in his own right now, he's become a good little youngster."

The team will rely on the services of talented Nelson allrounder Josh Clarkson, who Raj said could already play Under 19 level.

"[His batting's] as safe as Henry [Collier] but he can also explode like a Mark Fraser."

Given his workload as captain, Cameron will share the wicketkeeping duties with Nelson's Joel Harden.

Starting on January 13, the CD U19s play a two-dayer, four 50-over games and three T20 matches at Lincoln University.

Raj said they were a good team, resembling the CD Under 16 squad who won the national title a couple of seasons ago.

Collier will use the games as warm-up to the New Zealand U19 campaign for their World Cup in India, while for Blundell it is his last chance to try and keep his face in the national squad frame.

"He needs to show the selectors they have made a mistake. He's not going but he needs to be the next cab off the rank if there is an injury," said Raj.

Smith has joined the A squad for their tournament, which consists of six 50-over games and three T20s, starting this Thursday at Lincoln.

He had to make way in the Central Stags HRV Cup lineup for the recently arrived Josh Cobb, a 23-year-old English professional who plays for Leicestershire.

Meanwhile, two Wanganui female players enjoyed success as the CD Hinds beat Northern Districts by 12 runs in a rain-affected 50-over game in Lincoln on Sunday.

Michelle Mitchell scored five not out and bowled three overs for 17 runs, while Jessica Watkin was the substitute fielder.