Guru Rice takes over Notts training camp (22 March 1999)
CENTURION (South Africa) - Clive Rice's reputation as a guru for reviving lost causes has already started with his latest project, Nottinghamshire, a county of under-achievers who are now camped with the former South African captain in the Pilansberg
22-Mar-1999
22 March 1999
Guru Rice takes over Notts training camp
Trevor Chesterfield
CENTURION (South Africa) - Clive Rice's reputation as a guru for
reviving lost causes has already started with his latest project,
Nottinghamshire, a county of under-achievers who are now camped with
the former South African captain in the Pilansberg.
Whether a bonding session in the middle of a bushveld crawling with
wild life is an ideal way to start a new partnership is a matter of
conjecture. Even the first evidence of what is in store for the
English County is unlikely to emerge when they meet a Northerns side
at Centurion Park tomorrow.
After finishing 11th, 17th and 13th in the past three summers, Notts
plunged to 16th last year in the county championship and the distinct
threat of being cast adrift in the Second Division in 2000 has forced
the county to seek the services of Rice as their director of coaching.
Rice led Notts to the championship title in 1981 and a championship
and NatWest Trophy double in 1987 - his last season with the county as
their captain.
"There is a buzz of anticipation at Trent Bridge this year at the
return of one of the county's legends," said Nott's chief executive
Mark Arthur. "The mood is more optimistic than it has been for years
and we are looking for big results from the South Africa tour."
He said the appointment of Rice showed the county's intentions and the
signing of Vasbert Drakes was also part of the county's uplftment in
their management team's profile.
Rice joined the side when they arrived in the country on Saturday and
began their sojourn in the Pilansberg as part of the "getting to know
you" routine with matches at Centurion and the Wanderers.
Northerns will use Wednesday's match to give players such as Johan
Myburgh a run with the senior squad as part of preparation for next
season. There is likely to be a youthful look about the Northerns
side as Peter Kirsten does some experimenting of his own.
Source :: Trevor Chesterfield, Pretoria News