Sponsorship 'awesome' surprise for Kneebone

Promising Northland cricketer Bradley Kneebone will wing his way to Scotland with a few extra quid in his pocket, thanks to the Cobham Club.

The club's Paul Tomich said it was made up of a group of past and present cricketers from Northland, whose primary goal was to support the development of cricket throughout Northland.

"The club regularly finds a worthy cause, project or individual to support," Tomich said.

"This year, we have approved a sponsorship of $2000 to help Bradley Kneebone, a bright young cricketing star, to further develop his cricket."

Kneebone, who plays club cricket for Onerahi Central, is the regular Northland wicketkeeper and opening batsman and, this year, made his first century while making his Fergus Hickey (two-day competition) debut for the province.

The 18-year-old left yesterday for Edinburgh, where he intends to play and coach at the Heriot's Cricket Club - one of Scotland's oldest cricket clubs - until October, when he will return to Northland for the cricket season.

Before leaving for Scotland, Kneebone said he was really looking forward to his first season playing abroad.

"My main reason for going is to become a better player and gain some life experience, through cricket," Kneebone said.

However, his main aim for the future is to perform well for Northland.

The club's $2000 in sponsorship money came as a huge surprise for Kneebone.

"I couldn't really believe it, but it's awesome," he said.

"The club do a really good job supporting cricket in Northland."

The young cricketer was presented with a cheque at a function last week at the Judge House of Ale by club committee member Tim Anderson and co-club captain Barry Cooper.