SC cricketers shine in England club comps
Four South Canterbury cricketers are making a good fist of their forays to England.
Star’s Adam Fahey, Timaru’s Sam Porter, Temuka’s Phil Lill and former Temuka pace bowler Nathan McNicol, who is plying his trade in Christchurch as he tries to crack the first-class scene, are all proving their worth in English club cricket.
Fahey is at Warboys Cricket Club in Huntingdonshire, near Cambridge and is loving the experience.
‘‘The level of cricket is good. It’s competitive every week, and yeah I’m really pleased. I feel like I have improved as a cricketer,’’ Fahey said.
The 22-year-old has been in superb touch, racking up two hundreds. ‘‘It’s good to know that I can apply myself for long periods to make bigger scores.’’
He said the level is slightly lower than Hawke Cup, but higher than club standard in South Canterbury.
‘‘I’m really enjoying it, and from the last week it looks like summer has finally arrived.’’
Fahey, who plays for Star in the local competition where he opens the batting, has been coming in at No4. ‘‘I’m looking forward to returning and playing at home.’’
He is averaging a healthy 33.93 from 17 innings and scored 509 runs, with a highest score of 114.
McNicol has been having plenty of success at the Runcorn Cricket Club in Cheshire. He no longer plays in the South Canterbury competition but can now be spotted in East Shirley colours in Christchurch, where he has been starring at premier level.
The opening bowler has taken a best of 5-40 and also picked up 4-7 in a T20 fixture last week. However, his batting has also been a shining light.
He clubbed 60 off 32 in T20 knockout fixture and scored an elegant 74 off 77 deliveries in a oneday fixture.
McNicol said the standard is similar to Christchurch. ‘‘The bowling just isn’t as strong,’’ he said.
The season has been disrupted somewhat by indifferent weather, McNicol said.
‘‘We haven’t been able to play every week due to rain. I’m finding it great but nine matches have been abandoned by rain.’’
McNicol said his bowling form had been struggling due to not playing every week.
He went close to securing the final contract for the Canterbury Wizards, but although he missed final selection he could still see some action during the New Zealand domestic season.
Porter has been in fantastic form for Bingley Congs Cricket Club in Yorkshire. He scored a century in his first game and has backed that up with three 50s and a number of scores in the 40s.
‘‘Yeah it’s going pretty well, helps I’m in a pretty good team. We haven’t lost a game yet. I’m really enjoying it, great experience. Good group of lads and an awesome club.’’ he said.
Porter is hoping he has improved as a cricketer and will be able to produce a number of strong performances back in Timaru. He said the standard was of a similar level to South Canterbury.
Lill has been producing the goods for the Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club in Bristol. A few weeks ago he picked up five wickets for five runs with his offspinners and has scored 440 runs, with a highest of 87.
‘‘I’m in not a bad team. We currently sit third out of 10.’’