Settled CD contract list

There weren’t any startling revelations at Central Districts HQ when the contracts for next season were handed out this week.

The first round of contracts were announced yesterday and coach Heinrich Malan has only had a couple of changes from last year’s squad.

Major associations are able to offer between nine and 14 spots in the first round. There is a 10-day transfer period from until July 21, and the six major associations submit their final 15 on July 24.

Gone from last year are retired bowlers Marty Kain and Andrew Mathieson, as well as paceman Bevan Small, who had shoulder surgery at the start of last season.

Small, who started playing club cricket at the end of last summer, could still be in the reckoning for one of the final contract places, but CD won’t see the other two again.

Spinner Kain has moved to the United States and seamer Mathieson retired two weeks ago due to injury and because his wife is expecting a baby.

New contracted players are Doug Bracewell and Josh Clarkson. Bracewell, who torn his anterior cruciate ligament in December and hasn’t played since, dropped off the New Zealand con-

tract list, so he comes back onto a CD contract.

Young Nelson all-rounder Clarkson impressed in his first full season last summer, particularly in the limited-overs formats, but injured his back towards the end of the season and had surgery.

Malan said there had been some enquiries from players from outside the region, but they were comfortable with the players they had.

‘‘It has been the case over the last couple of years,’’ Malan said. ‘‘We’ve worked pretty hard with a small group of players.

‘‘They’re all keen playing for the Stags.’’

There are still two spots to fill on the contract list and Malan said they are still working on who they would be.

Manawatu pace bowler Navin Patel was contracted in the second to keep round last year and that could happen again this year.

Manawatu batsman Mitch Renwick could be the next cab off the rank in the batting ranks, while Hawke’s Bay all-rounder Christian Leopard, who debuted last year, and Hawke’s Bay paceman Liam Dudding are other options.

The seam bowling stocks are well filled, although CD has had rotten luck with bowling injuries in recent seasons.

Manawatu’s Dane Cleaver is the only contracted wicketkeeper.

Also in the mix are New Zealand-contracted men George Worker, Adam Milne and Ross Taylor.

Fringe Black Cap Worker is likely to play most of the season with the Stags, while Milne and Taylor will be more regular with the New Zealand team.

Of the 13 contracted players named yesterday, only Ryan McCone comes from outside CD.

Bracewell and Small are both back bowling and Clarkson started hitting balls on Monday and all should be fully fit before the season starts, as should Cleaver, who had shoulder surgery at the end of the season.

All the players that aren’t overseas have been based in Napier in the off season and they have been started pre-season work.