New Zealand: Canterbury move challenge for Barton (6 Aug 1998)

6 August 1998

Canterbury move challenge for Barton

The Christchurch Press

Hamish Barton, a young man with an impressive cricket pedigree, hopes to transform potential into performance by moving from Auckland to Christchurch.

A former New Zealand under-19 representative, Young Cricketer to Lord's, and national academy graduate, Barton does not expect, nor will he get an easy passage into the Canterbury team.

Canterbury already has the most experienced spinner in the country, Mark Priest, and an obvious heir apparent, Carl Anderson. But they are both left-armers and Barton believes his right-arm off-spin could complement their skills.

"I know it will be a hard challenge to get in but I like that. Hopefully my performances will go well and I'll get a couple of opportunities to play for Canterbury next season," said Barton, 22, on arrival in Christchurch yesterday.

Barton felt the need for a change, had enjoyed Christchurch while at the Lincoln academy, so packed his cricket bag and golf clubs. With some justification, he felt his talents were under-utilised in Auckland.

"We were playing (left-armer) Mark Haslam, me, and (leg-spinner) Brooke Walker. I was being used as an all-rounder and didn't get much of a bowl," Barton said.

In Christchurch he plans to change his job description to that of an off-spinner capable of batting at seven or eight in the order.

"I see being an off-spinner as a huge opportunity in New Zealand, and if I'm to go further I need to do more bowling."

Barton was even more of a spare part in his handful of Shell Cup appearances, having opened both the batting and bowling on occasions.

His preference is the first-class scene, where in 14 matches he has scored 419 runs at 20.95 -- with a highest score of 76 not out against Canterbury -- and taken 16 wickets at 48.81.

During the winter Barton has been working with former Auckland team-mate and now Central Districts coach Dipak Patel.

In the current climate of sensitivity regarding inter-district transfers, Canterbury officials have emphasised that Barton was not "poached". Chief executive Tony Murdoch said Canterbury was not paying for Barton's move but would assist in finding him a part-time job and in joining a club.

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