Sparsholt are re-signing Aussies Bazball-style batter Joe Merlino for a second season of Southern Premier League cricket at Locks Lane.
The 21-year old batsman/wicket-keeper, who plays for Cardiff Boolaroo in the Newcastle & District Premiership in Northern New South Wales, finished second behind Fareham & Crofton’s Tom Kent in the SPL Division 3 batting charts last summer.
His 684-run aggregate included a league highest 173 against Parley and another century off the South Wilts second team attack.
Merlino has made three half-centuries in domestic Newcastle grade cricket this Australian winter, with Cardiff Boolaroo poised to qualify for the end of season finals.
He will arrive at the Norman Edwards Ground in time for Sparsholt’s tasty Division 3 opener against newly promoted Odiham & Greywell, who cruised the Hampshire League title in 2024. Picture Bob Selley.
The 21-year old batsman/wicket-keeper, who plays for Cardiff Boolaroo in the Newcastle & District Premiership in Northern New South Wales, finished second behind Fareham & Crofton’s Tom Kent in the SPL Division 3 batting charts last summer.
His 684-run aggregate included a league highest 173 against Parley and another century off the South Wilts second team attack.
Merlino has made three half-centuries in domestic Newcastle grade cricket this Australian winter, with Cardiff Boolaroo poised to qualify for the end of season finals.
He will arrive at the Norman Edwards Ground in time for Sparsholt’s tasty Division 3 opener against newly promoted Odiham & Greywell, who cruised the Hampshire League title in 2024. Picture Bob Selley.
