They won’t all ditch us

THE green light for Melbourne grade cricket is going to lure a few home from the CTPL, but it will be far from a mass exodus across Bass Strait when the VCA starts on November 28.

University’s Sam Harbinson, Glenorchy’s Matt Fotia and New Town’s Abdul Haseeb are locked in to remaining in Tasmania, while Clarence’s Zak Elliott will make a decision at Christmas whether to stay or go. But the Greater Northern Raiders will lose dynamic duo, former Tigers all-rounder Evan Gulbis and ex-Renegades batsman Brayden Stepien.

Greater Northern coach Tim Coyle said the team were fully aware Gulbis and Stepien would return home when cricket resumed in Melbourne.

However, the two will play with the Raiders right up to the last minute, including a twoday game at University of Tasmania Stadium against Clarence on November 21-22.

“We knew at the start that was the case,” Coyle said of the duo’s return. “It has been good to have Brayden and obviously Evan has been outstanding for us as well, it has just added another level to our group.

“They’ve set some pretty high standards for them and it has been outstanding for us.”

Coyle, who coached the Tigers to their first Sheffield Shield title, said the Raiders program had its difficulties, but was a worthwhile concept. “I wouldn’t say it is 100 per cent buy in (in the area),” he said. “It is a difficult program to manage just by its nature, trying to bring players together from 11 teams, players that have loyalty and commitments to their clubs, which we have to take into consideration. But if we have six or seven players who are committed and good enough to be playing at this level then we can work around the other four or five and give young people opportunities to step up to this level of cricket.”

The Raiders will resume today at Anzac Park at 0-14 chasing Lindisfarne’s 174 with Stepien nine not out and Gulbis in next. At University, Kingborough is in a strong position at 5-275 thanks to Jake Steele’s maiden first grade century after debuting 15 years ago.

New Town is in trouble at home against Glenorchy, resuming today at 3-22 chasing the Magpies’ 9-277 declared, while North Hobart (3-19) is in a similar position in reply to South Hobart-Sandy Bay’s 212.