Whanganui cricket: Shaun O’Leary takes over captaincy from Greg Smith

Shaun O'Leary will debut as Whanganui's captain for the team's Furlong Cup game against Hawke's Bay.

New skipper Shaun O’Leary will take the reins for Jurgens Demolition Whanganui’s final Furlong Cup fixture in Napier this weekend.

Greg Smith has stepped aside after three consecutive seasons, and four overall, as captain.

O’Leary will lead the team against provincial powerhouses Hawke’s Bay, followed by the 50-over Chapple Cup tournament in February.

The prospect of O’Leary being captain had been discussed before the new year, and coach Warren Marr said he, Smith and selector Drew Morrison decided it was best to make the transition now.

“That’s a succession plan that was put in place.

“While Greg is still here, I think it’s important [O’Leary] gets to work alongside him as he grows as a leader.

“We have to have a succession plan – things are going to change with the older guys leaving the team. The timing’s good.”

O’Leary will be giving orders to his two older brothers – strike bowler Connor, who has taken 16 scalps this Furlong campaign, and spinner Hadleigh, who returns to the side for Aidan Muir, who has under-17 representative duties.

“They were pretty excited for him when it was announced. They can see the potential – they know he’s a leader,” Marr said.

In his 2021 final year at Whanganui Collegiate, Shaun O’Leary captained the school’s 1st XI and 1st XV.

He scored more than 1000 runs in a calendar year for the former, while also representing Central Districts Under-17 and scoring a century on Furlong Cup debut for the Whanganui senior team.

In rugby, he led Collegiate to the Central North Island final and captained Whanganui Under-18 to win the Trustbank Central Shield as Hurricanes Under-18 champions for the first time.

Hawke’s Bay may not be in the running for this season’s Furlong Cup but, as they already hold the nationally recognised Hawke Cup which all regional champions challenge for, they will want a dominant performance at home as they await the winner of this weekend’s Taranaki v Manawatū clash.

“We’re going to play the best CA [Cricket Association] side in New Zealand – there’s no doubt about that,” Marr said.

“It’s always a challenge, it’s very exciting. We love playing at Nelson Park.”

The other change is another nod to the future as wider squad pace bowler Harry Burroughs will debut, replacing his former Whanganui High teammate Charlie Meredith, who has taken 11 wickets this campaign.

“Harry bowled really well at training. He’s pretty pumped,” said Marr.

“It’s a tough ask, debuting against Hawke’s Bay, but he’s not the first one to do that.”

Former Collegiate student and loan player Oscar Mabin has had an incredible campaign – his 234 runs at an average of 78 second only to Tom Dempster’s 262 (average 52.4).

Mabin has also taken nine wickets, third behind Connor O’Leary and Meredith, and therefore steps up in Meredith’s absence.

Whanganui’s most consistent batsman among those who have played all six previous innings this campaign has been opener Nick Harding – two half-centuries in 224 runs at an average of 44.8.

Play will start at 10.30am on both days.

The Whanganui team is:

Shaun O’Leary (c), Joel Clark, Nick Harding, Tom Dempster, Greg Smith, Connor Rees (wc), Oscar Mabin, Charlie Meredith, Connor O’Leary, Chris Sharrock, Ben Smith, Harry Burroughs.

Draw for January 18

Premier 2

Whanganui Renegades v Matt Burke Engineering Marton Saracens

Property Brokers United P2 v Wicket Warriors Whanganui

Bye: Wanganui Vet Services Marist 2nd XI, Whanganui Collegiate P2

Premier 3

Richards Construction Marton Saracens P3 v Kaitoke Knight Riders

Wicket Warriors Whanganui P3 v Property Brokers United P3

Bye: Whanganui High School P3, Whanganui Collegiate P3