Lymington dealt overseas blow as Sanders cancels

Lymington's campaign for promotion to the top flight of the Southern Premier League was dealt a pre-season blow recently when first-choice overseas player, South African Mark Sanders, was ruled out by his new province.

The promising 23-year-old former Natal B batsman was expected to arrive at the Sports Ground later this month, however after joining Boland on contract he was prevented from linking with the Division II club.

Keen not to dwell on Lymo's misfortune, chairman Peter Tapper confirmed this week that the Larks were already targeting another foreigner - an Australian - though with a committee meeting pending and the matter top of the agenda he was particular not to name him.

"Mark Sanders has won himself a first-class contract with Boland and they won't allow him to come over, but we are on the hunt for a replacement," Tapper said.

"We've made no decision yet and are looking at all our options, although there is an Aussie who we are courting at the moment."

He added: "Mark is a quality opening bat with a good track record and there is no doubt that he would have been an asset for us, but BAT have also got themselves in the same situation, with their Kenyan, Kennedy Otieno, now not coming. It's one of those things that can happen."

West Australian all-rounder Aaron Heal, a popular member of Lymington's side last summer, recently made his debut for his state's Second XI - but unfortunately he is not available to make a return to the Sports Ground in 2003 as he has chosen to concentrate on paving a career away from cricket.

The talented 20-year-old left-hand batsman and left-arm orthodox spinner from Rockingham-Mandurah, who played several games for Hampshire's Seconds while staying with relatives at Everton in 2002, joined former Bashley (Rydal) wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi in the Warriors squad entered in the ACB Cup - also playing alongside the likes of one-Test wonder Matthew Nicholson and former Australian batsman, coach and selector Geoff Marsh's teenage son, Shaun.

"There's no chance that he'll be back as he's taking a break from cricket this Australian winter and is training to be a greenkeeper," Tapper explained.

With a clear intent to improve on the third place finish it has achieved in the past two seasons, Lymington's strategy for success in 2003 centres around keeping a settled side on the field, with former Zimbabwe A all-rounder Dan Peacock continuing as first team captain, big-hitting Ben Craft taking on the role as his deputy and the majority of last year's squad again available for selection.

With the likes of Craft, Martin Hunt and Matt Molloy already regulars in the club's Premier League team, half a decade or less after graduating from Lymo's ever-impressive colts set-up, indications are that this summer there will also be an even stronger emphasis on youth and developing local talent.

"One big plus for us," said Tapper, "has been the appointment of Level Three coach Dave Gelling, who guided Hampshire Academy to promotion last year."