Smith to join brother in N. Otago
CRICKET
NORTH Otago will be bolstered by a second Smith for its Hawke Cup Challenge against Nelson late next week.
Otago allrounder Nathan Smith will join brother Jeremy Smith in the lineup.
Jeremy played a starring role in the team’s victory against Southland at Queens Park at the weekend.
The CarisbrookDunedinKaikorai allrounder nabbed 11 wickets in the match and joined New Zealand great John Reid as the only player from the minor association to have scored a halfcentury and taken a 10wicket bag in a match.
That is some feat for his younger brother Nathan to match. But Nathan certainly has the potential to have a similar impact.
The 22yearold scored a rapid 76 and bagged three for 37 and two for 17 to help New Zealand A defeat the West Indies A by an innings and 143 runs during a firstclass fixture in Mt Maunganui in December.
He further enhanced his reputation during a firstclass fixture against Pakistan A in
Whangarei later that month. He took three for 29 in the first innings and added scores of 40 and 45 batting at No 6.
North Otago Cricket Association chairman Peter Cameron was thrilled the team could call on a player he described as ‘‘really the best cricketer we’ve ever produced’’.
‘‘We’re looking forward to having him on board and hopefully he can make the difference.’’
The challenge will start in Nelson next Friday and conclude on Sunday.
North Otago has claimed the Hawke Cup twice before.
It beat Manawatu to win the trophy in 200910 and tipped up Buller in 201516.