The first round of the Nelson Cricket season was washed out on Saturday, further postponing an already agonising wait for players to get back on the field.
Nelson College’s Finn Raxworthy and Kaleb McKay are both champing at the bit to get on the pitch after the season was cut short at the start of the year due to Covid-19.
Kaleb, 18, will be looking to step out of his brother’s towering shadow this season as star seamer Jarrod McKay moves on from College cricket.
“I will need to step up where he has left, improve from last year and also score some runs.”
Kaleb says he has learned plenty from his brother, who made his first-class debut for the Central Stags in 2019.
“It’s been really good having him, an experienced player who can back you up with the ball.”
Though he admits Jarod is slightly quicker than he is, Kaleb says he will also look to carve out his own successful college career.
Teammate Finn Raxworthy knows all about brotherly competition after plenty of backyard battles with twin brother Jonty.
The two will bat in the top order while offering duel spin options.
Both Jonty and Finn are entering their third seasons with the First XI.
“There will be pressure on both of us to score some runs.”
Finn says there are downsides to playing with his twin brother, namely running between the wickets.
“We don’t really like to communicate with each other, but we do it for the team.”
He says there is a healthy rivalry between the pair.
“We are always looking to get one up on each other but that’s just what it’s like between two brothers.”
Kaleb will also captain the side as they hope to qualify for the coveted Gillette Cup.
He says his task will be to keep everyone energised and motivated.
“We have an experienced team but also lots of new players coming through with plenty of potential.”
Among those newcomers will be year 11 Lucca Hemingway, who recently struck 65 against St Andrews and backed up with 40.
With persistent rain ruling out any chance of play at the weekend, attention now turns to round two as teams will be eager to make an early impact.
This weekend will see Nelson College meet Wanderers/Motueka, Athletic College Old Boys take on Whakatu and defending champions Stoke Nayland play Waimea Toi Toi.
