One in, one out – Hambledon the potential benefactors, Fawley the definite losers.
Two of the sides seeking to retain their Southern Electric Premier Division 2 status have experienced differing fortunes in the overseas player market this week.
Hambledon have picked up South African Shane Nkomo, while Fawley have parted company with injury stricken Australian Paul Kruger.
Nkomo is a potentially exciting signing for Hambledon and comes on recommendation from Nono Pongolo, who has begun establishing himself on the provincial circuit in South Africa.
The 28-year old leg spinner, who will make his debut against Hursley Park today, hails from the Langa township.
He’s been under the tutelage of former South Africa Test great Gary Kirsten, who runs a coaching programme at Langa.
Kirsten said: ‘I started working with Shane about 18 months ago when I began a coaching programme at the Langa Cricket Club. I saw immediately he was a player with great ball-striking ability and potential. He was always at the nets whenever I came down. I also watched him coach and could see he is a caring guy who has good thinking on the game and knows how to get a message across. I have enjoyed working with him.
While Hambledon whet their lips at the prospect of Nkomo having Premier 2 batsmen in a spin for the second half of the summer, Fawley will have to make do without any overseas aid.
They signed Paul Kruger, a 22-year old from the Queensland country districts, to spearhead their attack.
It didn’t work out – Kruger had a back problem, hardly bowled a ball in anger and is now believed to be in Norway, presumably not playing cricket ...
Two of the sides seeking to retain their Southern Electric Premier Division 2 status have experienced differing fortunes in the overseas player market this week.
Hambledon have picked up South African Shane Nkomo, while Fawley have parted company with injury stricken Australian Paul Kruger.
Nkomo is a potentially exciting signing for Hambledon and comes on recommendation from Nono Pongolo, who has begun establishing himself on the provincial circuit in South Africa.
The 28-year old leg spinner, who will make his debut against Hursley Park today, hails from the Langa township.
He’s been under the tutelage of former South Africa Test great Gary Kirsten, who runs a coaching programme at Langa.
Kirsten said: ‘I started working with Shane about 18 months ago when I began a coaching programme at the Langa Cricket Club. I saw immediately he was a player with great ball-striking ability and potential. He was always at the nets whenever I came down. I also watched him coach and could see he is a caring guy who has good thinking on the game and knows how to get a message across. I have enjoyed working with him.
While Hambledon whet their lips at the prospect of Nkomo having Premier 2 batsmen in a spin for the second half of the summer, Fawley will have to make do without any overseas aid.
They signed Paul Kruger, a 22-year old from the Queensland country districts, to spearhead their attack.
It didn’t work out – Kruger had a back problem, hardly bowled a ball in anger and is now believed to be in Norway, presumably not playing cricket ...