Perth batsman Craig Anderson has returned to Whangarei to help City Cricket Club lift a few trophies after a disappointing 2008-2009 season.
Since arriving in New Zealand two months ago, Anderson has shared City's triumph when they won the winter indoor cricket competition, and has been in the nets training with the City premiers.
"The feeling is good in the team and the guys want to take it to the next step this time," he said.
"Last season, they made it through to the finals but fell short - but this year, the young guys are a year older and are more experienced ... I think we will be a lot stronger this year."
The proficient batsman is no stranger to Northland cricket having played for the region and City club for two years before returning to Perth to work with his Kiwi partner four years ago.
In Perth, Anderson captained the Shoalwater Bay premier men in the Peel Regional Competition as well as the Peel representative side.
Family ties brought the couple back to Whangarei, where 39-year-old Anderson said he quickly settled in, and felt right at home.
"I'm working for Circa Marine & Industrial and we are really busy ... we're moving into our house soon - there's no worries at all," the aluminium welder said.
Anderson had no qualms about returning to play for City, a "good family club" and where he knew a few of the old faces, such as Joey Yovich and the newly-named captain for 2009/2010, Bert Horner.
The Australian adds grit to an already sharp batting lineup, including Chris Page and Ian Page, who debuted for Northern Districts A last year, along with Kurt Wilson.
It is a very talented lineup which will enable City to bat pretty deeply, Anderson said.
"We also have some young bowlers coming through ... and enough smart heads to keep us on track," he said.
A large contingent of the Northland squad will challenge for the club championship with City, including Yovich, Horner, Ian and Chris Page, Wilson, Josh Matthews, Harry and Rory Darkins and Tim Anderson.
Craig Anderson said he would, hopefully, be able to offer something up to compete for the regional side again this season and would be putting his hand up to make the squad.
While City have lost key players Andrew Pratt and Steve Shrawtzfeger , who moved overseas, and a retired Dan Goodwin, the club gained Harry Darkins from Onerahi Central, and Whangarei Boys High School's Rory Darkins, Todd Beehre and Vishaan Harypursat.
Welsh cricketer Owain Hopkins was also scheduled to return as the club's pro, lining up for the premiers as well as coaching the youth teams, arriving in time for the October 3 club cricket season start date.
Yovich is currently in Sydney for five weeks playing pre-season cricket with Cronulla Sutherland but would return once the season was in fullswing.
City club secretary Amy Batten said City did not live up to their expectations last season but were working towards the championships this time around, led by new skipper Horner and manager Alan McKenzie.
City has strong batting lineup
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