NZ: Murray preferred as Canty captain (4 Nov 1997)

Tuesday, November 04, 1997

Murray preferred as Canty captain

by Geoff Longley

Darrin Murray's experience at cricket max has led to his being preferred ahead of long-time provincial skipper Lee Germon to captain Canterbury for the series this season.

Murray was last night named skipper of the side which starts the competition on Friday. Germon is still part of the side and will take over the captaincy for the Shell Cup and Trophy series after Christmas.

Convener of selectors Brian McKechnie said the suggestion to split the duties was his and Murray and Germon were both comfortable with it.

"Lee didn't play any max games last season and would have taken a bit of time to adjust, while Darrin led the side there last season," said McKechnie.

"Darrin knows about the field placings required while there is also a time restriction on overs bowled in each innings so you have to get through quickly."

McKechnie said the decision was no reflection at all on Germon's leadership, which has helped Canterbury to one-day and four-day titles.

The selectors have otherwise chosen a largely predictable squad for the abbreviated games of two 10-over innings a side.

Glenn Muir has retained a place in the side despite being sidelined with a knee problem of late. He has been chosen ahead of the in-form wicket-taker Wayne Stead. Counting against Stead, in the crash-bash version of the game which places a premium on fielding, was his long-standing shoulder complaint which hampers swift throwing.

McKechnie said tight left-arm slow bowler Carl Anderson was another contender but he has university examinations while all-rounder Mark Hastings has been affected by a virus of late but may be considered later in the season.

The team is: Darrin Murray (captain), Blair Hartland, Llorne Howell, Brad Doody, Gary Stead, Craig Cumming, Lee Germon, Mark Priest, Warren Wisneski, Shane Bond, Glenn Muir, Michael Owens.

Canterbury's opening match is against Central Districts under lights at Wanganui's Cooks Gardens on Friday night. Central Districts won the final last season at Canterbury's expense.

Canterbury's Darrin Murray, Blair Hartland, and Llorne Howell showed heartening form ahead of the Conference Cricket series with sizeable scores in a one-day match at Hagley Park yesterday.

Murray made 97 in 116 balls with 11 fours for a Southern Conference selection and shared an opening stand of 113 with regular partner Hartland (46). Murray then was involved in another century stand worth 106 with Llorne Howell (54no) as the Conference selection swept to an eight-wicket victory.

The Southern Conference side was untroubled to overtake The Rest's 224 for nine from 50 overs and reached 228 for two from 43.1 overs.

Short scoreboard: The Rest 224-9 (Greg Davis 49, Michael Austen 39; Aaron Gale 2-30, Paul Wiseman 2-33) lost to Southern Conference selection 228-2 (Darrin Murray 97, Llorne Howell 54no, Blair Hartland 46).

Debbie Hockley, who will lead the Canterbury women's team in its provincial championship from January 11-19 in Napier, is the third captain in as many seasons. Hockley assumes the leadership from Karen Le Comber who took over last season from Sarah Illingworth when she retired.

Hockley, Le Comber, Catherine Campbell, and Katrina Withers are the four New Zealand players in the side and will form the cornerstone of the team as it bids for its 19th title in 20 seasons.

The unavailability of Trudy Anderson, Helen Bastion, and Helen Fouhy from last season's side has opened places for the return of Sarah Helmore and Delwyn Brownlee and newcomers Susie Burrows and Jane Geary.

Team: Debbie Hockley (captain), Lisa Astle, Delwyn Brownlee, Susie Burrows, Catherine Campbell, Paula Flannery, Sally Frahm, Jane Geary, Sarah Helmore, Karen Le Comber, Nicola Payne, Helen Watson, Katrina Withers.

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