Central North will field one of their strongest sides in recent years at the Country Championships, after leading players answered the selection call in search of title No.1 at the annual event, captain Tom Groth has said.
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“There is some confidence about the group”, Groth added.
The NSW Country keeper said the return to the side of experienced North Tamworth No.3 Brendan Rixon was a “huge bonus”, ahead of the November 2-4 tournament at Inverell. Rixon will join his brother and Redbacks teammate, Michael, in the side.
Groth said: “It think having Brendan Rixon and Michael Rixon both available this year … is a huge bonus for us, because they’ve been a couple of our better performers at this level in the last 10 years.
There is some confidence about the group.
- Tom Groth
“Particularly Brendan. He’s experienced and he’s been there and done it. He’s represented NSW Country and he’s scored runs at this level consistently over a 10-year period.”
Groth said a “pretty good” group of players had been assembled, although some wanted players were unavailable – including Newcastle-based former Old Boy Andrew Harriott, who was selected and then withdrew.
“It’s certainly one of the strongest teams we’ve put out for a few years,” Groth said. “[I’m] pretty happy, really.” He added: “A few people have realised it’s a home carnival and it’s a good opportunity to have a strong carnival on our home turf.”
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Groth said the side had a nice mix of experience and youth – the latter supplied by Isaac Barry, Jack Montgomery and Jackson Gwynne.
“It will be interesting to see how they go,” Groth said. “It will be a step up for them, no doubt, but I’m sure they’ll be up for it. They’re all mature kids.”
Central North: Tom Groth (c), Brendan Rixon, Michael Rixon, Simon Norvill, Lachlan Cameron, Isaac Barry, Tom O’Neill, Pat Magann, Jack Montgomery, Jackson Gwynne and Jelany Chilia. Two players to be added.