NPMU Blue Retains Strong Squad

NPMU Blue is looking forward to another competitive season this year with their mixture of youth and experience with many players returning for another shot at another title. Historically one of the more consistent performers in recent club history and frequent semi final starters, the Blue team's glory days were through the 2006-2008 period winning both North Taranaki and Taranaki wide titles.

Last season saw the Blue team dominate most opponents only to fall in the semi finals to club brothers, The Hounds. The return match this year threatens to be titanic. According to left arm all rounder Hamish 'Highlights' Hislop injuries are never far in the horizon for this group so new players are always welcome.

This year, the team will be captained by the effervescent Mike Coronno a player with significant experience in premier grade cricket as an all rounder and manager. The off season market has been generous to the Blue team with the return of club legend Tane Hawkins (aka the Daisy Cutter) whose right arm medium pace will inject some much needed accuracy into the bowling attack. Big tings are expected of youngster Xavi Clarkson (who has made a habit of rissoling CD Stag Ryan Watson at pre season trainings) while the Taylor brothers (Steve and Bryce), both future premier players in the making, will look for another heavy season with the bat. The team statistics have been consistently lead by Trent 'Ice' Riddick over the years and he will look to add to his already considerable representation on the club honours board once again.

A common theme amongst the Blue team appears to be wives who wear the pants so keeping the wahine happy will be an important cog in any success this year for these boys. They take on NPOB at St Joseph's this Saturday.

(squad: Mike Coronno (c), Trent Riddick, Hamish Hislop, Rob Ramsay, Matthew Moorby, Steve Taylor, Pete Lebon, Bryce Taylor, Dave Whittaker, Daniel Cawley, Tane Hawkins, Xavi Clarkson, Marcus Churches, Matt Roberts).