By Tara Murray
Riddell’s next generation of cricketers will be at the forefront of the club’s top side in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association this season.
A consistent finalist in recent seasons, the Bombers have lost a number of key players in the off season.
More than half of their semi final side from last season aren’t playing this season, including captain-coach Mick Allen, Sullivan Medalist Matthew Livingstone and James Hughes.
With the loss of so many players, the Bombers have requested that their top side drop from the McIntyre Cup to the B-grade competition.
One of the experienced players left, Daniel Fisk has taken on captain-coach role.
Fisk said it was a hard decision to drop down grades. The Bombers have gone from four senior teams to two this year.
“We’ve lost seven or eight decent players,” he said. “Most of them have decided to have a year off or have retired.
“All of have pulled the pin at the same time. They are some pretty handy cricketers and there’s not many left from last season.”
Fisk said he took on the coaching role to have an experienced head in charge and help guide the younger players.
“With a lot of kids in the side… I thought it was best one of the older people could still do the job.”
The likes of Alex Ryan, Harry Fisher, Samuel Dempsey and Mackenzie Casson will get plenty of opportunities this season.
Fisk said there was still a lot of talent coming through the club. He said it was about continuing to build their progress.
“Cricket is about confidence with the kids,” he said.
“If we had them in the McIntyre Cup we could shatter their confidence rather than build it.
“With the five or six younger players we should do quite well.”
Fisk said Heath Brown and the returning Mick Zammit would help provide experience.
He said they didn’t enter this season with any expectations.
“With the kids we have, we think we will be quite competitive in B-grade. Will we be up the top, I don’t know.
“I think we can play finals in B-grade.”
