CRICKET - Three local players named in ND squad

THE Northern Districts under-17 team has more of a Northland flavour to it this year, with three of the region's players named in the squad following the recent interdistrict tournament in Gisborne.
Kyran Dill, Curtis Cherrington and Rory Darkins did enough at the tournament to gain selection into the squad, as Northland finished in third place.
The weather at the tournament wasn't ideal, but although the wickets were wet, the sun shone long enough at the Harry Barker Reserve to get play underway every day.
With good wins in their first two matches, Northland's tournament hopes rested on their third clash against Hamilton.
Northland batted first and were soon reeling at 3 for 5.
Cherrington and Vishaan Harypursat put together a partnership that enabled the side to reach 131 and gave the bowlers a chance.
A determined and gritty bowling and fielding display led by Aaron MacIntosh, with 3/19, saw eight Hamilton wickets fall before they reached the total.
The loss meant they played and beat the better Waikato Valley team for third place.
The loss to Hamilton may have hurt, but coach Karl Treibur felt it at least had a bright side.
"It was pleasing that we ran them right down to the wire but it may have helped Curtis [get in the tournament team too]," Treibur said.
"He might have been a bit lucky to get in because he only put up one really decent performance at the tournament, but fortunately it was against Hamilton, which had the best attack and he showed what he could do under pressure."
Cherrington's experience last year also did him no harm.
He was called in as a late replacement in the ND under-17 team last year and went on to score a half century in their match against Auckland.
Darkins' selection was no big surprise.
The leg spinner was captain of the ND under-15 squad last year, but since then has turned himself into something of an opening batsman and has been named the team's vice-captain.
The third squad member, Kyran Dill, has also become an all-rounder, Treibur said.
"Curiously, he was selected last year as a batsman and I think he opened the batting last year [in the ND team], he opened the bowling for us at tournament and batted at number three."