CRICKET - Friendship helps rising stars

Trent Boult struggled to get the bat off his elder brother when they were playing cricket in the backyard as kids.
But rather than any emotional scarring, the experience has helped turn him into one of the country's most promising bowlers.
Boult, 19, and Kane Williamson, 18, from Tauranga, are the young guns of this year's Northern Districts team, now preparing for their top-of-the-table clash between the Knights and the Central Stags at Cobham Oval tomorrow.
"Having an older brother like Jono to take on in the backyard meant I had great competition, it has just kind of worked out that he's the one holding the bat and I do the bowling," Boult said.
Jono Boult is in the Knights Development side as a batsman and part-time offspinner, while Trent was awarded a full contract this year as an opening bowler.
The transition from schoolboy to cricket professional has been tough but having his "old" friend Williamson beside him has certainly helped.
"Kane and I have grown up together as we've come through age group cricket and it's great to have him here with me and that means that we don't have to worry too much about getting teased by the others," he said.
"In fact, most of the time, we're the ones that give it rather than take it."
Both players have had some great performances in the State Championship and State Shield series so far this summer but admit they've got a long way to go.
While Boult is struggling to get to grips with the quality of the "batter-friendly" wickets he's striking at the first class level, Williamson has been struggling to make an impression following a top order that is scoring well.
"The level has definitely been a step up for both of us. I've found you have to be almost errorless when you play an innings (at this level), you can't give that one chance and that's what it's all about really, if you're not quite on to it you get out for 20 when you're in good nick, that's the big difference," Williamson said.
A year ago, the pair were in Malaysia as a part of the New Zealand under-19 World Cup side alongside Maungakaramea bowler Tim Southee. He has gone on to bigger and better things and the expectation is that, one day, these two talented youngsters will become Black Caps. But a high public expectation isn't what they need right now.
"You hear a lot of people talking about us as up-and-comers but, right now, I can't see that. It's what I'm doing now that's important and, as far as I'm concerned, I have to play each game as it comes, go through my processes and try and score runs rather than worrying about making teams or whatever," Williamson said.
The youngsters have aspirations to play for New Zealand but they are prepared to bide their time and learn their trade.
"Whether it comes this year, or in three or four years, it doesn't matter. At the moment, we're focusing on getting some good performances under our belt at the first-class level and, if our performances are stacking up and we're doing well, then that will push our case for selection but we're in no rush - neither of us is even 20 yet," Boult said.
Boult made an impressive first-class debut, taking 5-58 against Otago in November but has found it hard to replicate that form since then.
He was unlucky not to get a wicket or two in a lively first spell against Otago on Sunday. He followed up two athletic catches in the field before returning to claim the wicket of big-hitting Ian Butler in his second spell.
Williamson seems to like Cobham Oval. He top scored there with 67 against Wellington in the first State Shield match and played well on Sunday until he was caught and bowled by Nathan McCullum for 43 against Otago. He also bowled seven overs of offspin in tandem with Bruce Martin and, while it didn't net him any wickets, his bowling helped restrict the Otago scoring rate.
ND coach Grant Bradburn is pleased with the pair's progress. ``I've been really impressed with the way those guys have moved into the professional environment, they're confident young guys.'