MacDonald denies rift forced Howell to leave (4 May 1999)

4 May 1999

MacDonald denies rift forced Howell to leave

The Christchurch Press

Canterbury cricket coach Garry MacDonald says Llorne Howell's shift to Auckland is not a direct result of a falling out between the pair during the Shell Trophy season.

The pair had a disagreement in the last Trophy match Howell played for Canterbury against Auckland in Rangiora in March.

Yesterday, MacDonald played down a suggestion that Howell quit because of the argument.

"I've had differences of opinion with senior players in the side, at times, and I don't think that would be the main reason for him to up stumps and off."

Howell said he might elaborate more fully on his reasons for leaving later.

The 26-year-old believes the shift north will improve his job prospects. He is a year away from finishing degrees in finance and languages, and was uncertain if he would be available for Auckland, preferring to "see how things pan out".

Auckland coach David Trist is aware of Howell's move and would doubtless be keen to use his hard-hitting talents in the limited-over version of the game and experience at top level. Trist was the Canterbury coach when Howell made his Canterbury debut as an 18-year old in 1990-91.

Canterbury Cricket's chief executive Tony Murdoch said Howell was contracted to Canterbury until the start of next season and was surprised at his decision to move.

Howell said his last season had been a frustrating one, with an inability to recover full fitness from the shoulder operation he had last winter.

He had hopes of regaining full use of his throwing arm last season, but that never eventuated, consigning him to almost a passenger in the field.

"I never felt I could really contribute. I couldn't throw any more than from 40m and that was with quite a bit of pain."

Howell shoulder operation was required after the bicep had pulled partly away from the shoulder.

Howell said that while physiotherapists were confident he would regain full use of his shoulder this season, the surgeon was less optimistic.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)