I’m already thinking of coming back

KIRKBURTON overseas Luke Williamson has been in the Drakes League only a few weeks, but he’s already thinking of a return visit next season.

The 22-year-old is hoping to make a career with James Pamment’s Northern Districts in New Zealand and believes the experience in England and Huddersfield will do him good.

While the runs haven’t flowed so far as he would have wished – he feels 800 would be an achievable first-season target – Williamson is enjoying his cricket.

“We have a good bunch of lads, awesome really, and they have welcomed me into the club and the social side as well,” said the player who lives just south of Auckland.

“I always wanted to come over here when I finished my education and when I got hold of James Pamment he put me in touch with Craig (Fletcher) and that’s how the move came about.

“Obviously I’m hoping to play firstclass cricket with Northern Districts eventually.

“Last season I played a few games in the A team, went away to the tournament and scored a few runs. I didn’t do as well as I hoped to, but the experience was good.”

Williamson, who made a string of Under 19 appearances for New Zealand three years ago, is keen to build on his domestic form while in this country.

“For Kirkburton we want to win trophies and, from a personal point of view, I just want to develop my cricket this season, score lots of runs and become better,” he said.

“The pitches here are a wee bit slower than at home and it’s a question of trying to adapt.

“The standard here is quite similar to our representative cricket (such as Bay of Plenty), whereas our club cricket is nowhere near this level.

“No-one watches club games apart from an occasional parent and, while it’s our summer sport, club cricket is not well watched or well played by a long stretch – it’s all rugby back home.”

Williamson has a degree in accountancy and economics from Otago University in Dunedin but spent last summer labouring to earn cash for his trip to England.

“I was training three days a week for the cricket and then playing most Saturdays and Sundays, so it was pretty full-on,” he explained.

“I’m not doing much midweek over here, so I’m hoping to catch up with the Black Caps and watch them while they are over.

“Like I say, I’m quite enjoying my time and, if I can have a good season, I would love to come back and try and build on that next year. That’s the plan, and if I continue enjoying it I think I will come back.” ■■There will be a minute’s silence before all today’s Drakes Huddersfield League matches in memory of the victims of the Manchester Arena bomb blast.