North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Shore sides chase club cricket glory
Birkenhead City Birkenhead’s premier team led by coach/player Akash Christian want a consistent season. Christian has played first class cricket in India and has 10 years experience playing in United Kingdom.
‘‘We have lot of talented youngsters like Jacob Curtling, Simon Rajwer, Dylan Steyn, Jeremy Houghton who we want to develop as skillful cricketers and motivate them to play high level,’’ Christian says.
East Coast Bays
Last season East Coast Bays were the only club that made the top four in all three formats. Club chairman Rod Schmulian sees that as a minimum for this season.
‘‘With a young team, we are in a development phase and being competitive in all three formats is our initial aim,’’ Schmulian says. Louis Delport continues as coach and captaincy duties will be split between Andy Lane (two-day) and Seb Langridge (one-day and T20). Some stalwarts will be missing this season including three-time Auckland Club Cricketer of the Year Brad Schmulian and former captain Matt Mimmack.
North Shore
With a largely unchanged squad from last season, North Shore’s flagship team will be coached and captained by Graeme Beghin in the two-day and 50 over formats. Michael Olsen will captain the side in the shortest format as they look to retain the Auckland T20 title. ‘‘The club will aim to achieve a first place for the Tom Hellaby, while pushing for playoffs in the limited over formats,’’ Beghin says.
An Emerging Hearts women’s team will also wear Shore senior colours this summer.
Takapuna
Takapuna’s men’s premier side are the reigning two-day major championship title holders. Coach Shoruban Pasupati says he wants to continue the winning feeling with a focus on turning around their form in the 50 over competition. ‘‘The boys enjoy attacking cricket, in fact it is part our mantra.’’
Takapuna have Auckland Aces Brad Cachopa, Robbie O’Donnell and Dane Hutchinson, who may make appearances during the club cricket season. Auckland Hearts players Lauren Down, Roz McNeil and Lucille Matthews are with the premier women’s side.