Four newcomers in SC squad
Four new faces headline the South Canterbury Hawke Cup squad for the upcoming season.
Coach Nick Horsley has named Sri Lankans Supeshala Jayathilake and Sasindu Nanayakkara along with Star’s Phil McGregor and Pleasant Point’s English recruit Tom Costley as the new players in the side. McGregor has represented South Canterbury before but it was some seasons ago.
Timaru batsman Sam Porter returns after missing out last season, while James Blackstock is another name returning to the squad.
There is plenty of experience back from last year with Stan Mair, Prabodha Arthavidu, Craig Hinton, Sam Carlaw and Glen Drake all named and James Laming to commit for a full season after family commitments forced him out last year.
The Beck twins Adam and Liam, Phil Lill, Nick Maguire and Dunedin-based allrounder Jack Harper make up the squad. Wicketkeeper-batsman Willie Wright will also be named but is unlikely to be available until after Christmas.
A bonus this season is prolific run scorer Arthavidu is now classed as a local player following three seasons in Timaru, meaning the likes of Jayathilake, Nanayakkara and Costley will fight for the import spot.
The squad features players from all five club teams in South Canterbury, four come from Celtic, Timaru and Pleasant Point, three from Temuka and two from Star. Horsley has seen little of Costley, but he is willing to get him in the squad and see what he can produce.
‘‘He’s played to a good level and we’re keen to give him a chance. He did well last week.’’
Horsley is happy with the squad assembled. ‘‘I think it’s a very strong squad and we’ve got some very handy players back in the team.’’
The side features six spin bowling options, six seam bowling options and plenty of batting depth, with three players able to keep wicket.
He said the four warmup games before their opening Hawke Cup clash on December 3-4 in Ashburton against the same opponents they face this weekend in the Ron Biggar Memorial, would be key for the players to earn their spots.
Horsley said the squad were keen and eager to perform and had come back from the off season in fantastic shape.
One player he expects to play a big part in the Hawke Cup campaign is Jack Harper.
‘‘He’s a pretty special talent. I mean anyone that bats four and as well as Jack does and can bowl 135kmh is someone you want in your squad. He allows us to pick an extra spinner or even batter and he will be a big part of the squad this season.’’
Veteran Grant Watt has missed out but Horsley said it only takes an injury or two for chances to pop up.
A new Hawke Cup rule means anybody who spent at least three years at either primary or high school in the region is eligible for selection if playing outside South Canterbury.