Punching above weight

CRICKET
POVERTY Bay is the smallest association in the Northern Districts region but punches above its weight, says senior men’s coach and Poverty Bay Cricket Association development officer David McDonald.
“We had 13 players picked for
various ND teams this year,” he said.
“Mitchell Turner — one of three to make the ND under-18 team — was our most consistent player at the ND secondary schools tournament here last week,” McDonald said.
“His inclusion is reward for his work ethic and the time he has put into his bowling this season.
“Sam Tallott, another in the ND u18 team, also deserves special mention.
“He had a stress fracture of the back and did not play winter sport, but managed his recovery with maturity well beyond his years. Both players are making a good fist of playing senior representative cricket.”
Gisborne Boys’ High School captain Izaya Broderick was the third local player to be picked for the ND u18 team.
“Izaya will be involved in the ND- Auckland two-day game at the national tournament next year,” McDonald said.
“He won’t play in the 50-over and Twenty20 games, only because of the team balance, not his personal ability.
Tallott’s younger brothers, Scott and Robbie, were also picked for ND teams, Scott in the u16s and Robbie in the primary squad.
Dane Thompson was selected for the ND u17s, while Jayden Rowe and Ryan Nepe are in the ND primary squad.
Thompson has cemented his place in the Gisborne Boys’ High School side who are unbeaten in all local competition games this season
McDonald said Jordy Hardacre and Moana McLelland both performed with distinction at the national u21 women’s tournament in Christchurch.
“Both scored runs at vital times for Northern Districts, who finished second behind Auckland. Jordy has also made the Northern Spirit first-team squad.
“Moana is a hard-hitting batter who scored quick runs down the order and cemented her place as a wicketkeeper with talent. This was quite remarkable as she had just recovered from knee surgery and, performing the way she did, she showed what could be ahead in the next few seasons.”
Danielle Crail, Emma McLelland and Nicole Torrie will get their first taste of region cricket when they play for the ND u15 girls’ team in Wanganui next month.
“Danielle has been named captain, which is a feather in her cap,” McDonald said.
Players to make Northern Districts squads —
Primary: Robbie Tallott, Jayden Rowe, Ryan Nepe.
U16: Scott Tallott.
U17: Dane Thompson.
U18: Mitchell Turner, Izaya Broderick, Sam Tallott.
Girls, Northern Spirit: Jordy Hardacre.
U21: Jordy Hardacre, Moana McLelland.
U15: Danielle Crail (captain), Emma McLelland, Nicole Torrie.