Northland young guns are aiming high

Northland cricketers Sean Daniels and Sam Clotworthy will this week be looking to follow in the footsteps of Northern Districts duo Tim Southee and Kane Williamson.

Daniels and Clotworthy have been selected in the Northern Districts under-16 team competing at the North Island championships in Taupo.

Kamo premier player Daniels, 16, said the tournament was a good chance for him to be more intimidating with the ball.

"I want to improve on last year and take a few more wickets. I find it [the level of competition] a step down from the Northland premier grade I've been playing in.

"The standard is still high but it gives you a bit more confidence knowing the players aren't all older and more experienced than you.

"I'll really just focus on opening the bowling and looking to try and take out the top-order batsmen."

Northern Districts selector Pat Malcoln describes Daniels as a promising bowler who shows signs of having genuine pace.

Malcoln also described Whangarei Boys High School student Clotworthy, 15, as a solid top-order batsmen with an impressive work ethic.

"He showed last year he has the ability to do well at this level," Malcoln said. "We see him as someone who has the ability to anchor an innings from the top of the order."

Clotworthy said he was going into the tournament with a fresh mind after having a couple of weeks off over Christmas. He said the Northern Districts secondary schools competition played in December had given him good form.

"I base my game around being an anchor and setting the tone for the team. I want to make at least a milestone with the bat, either a 50 or a 100, to help the team to win the tournament." The team will be coached by Bay of Plenty-based Northlander Ben Williams.

One of the most exciting developments within the Black Caps in the past couple of years has been the number of youngsters who have gained selection.

Players such as Williamson and Southee have progressed from age-group talents to be regulars in the New Zealand side.

Daniels and Clotworthy have been involved with Northern District representative teams for the past couple of seasons.

ND under-16 team: James Boyd, Sean Daniels, Simon Lal, Shannon McSkimming, Myles Timoti, Gareth Wallace, Sam Clotworthy, Zak Gibson, Jonty Keaney, Scott Tallott, Sam Turner, Matt Wallbank. Coach: Ben Williams. Manager: Jarron Mason

North Island under-16 cricket tournament draw

January 15-16 - ND v CD and Auckland v Wellington.

January 17-18 - ND v Auckland and CD v Wellington.

January 19-20 - ND v Wellington and CD v Auckland.