Quote:
Originally Posted by CharlesLara
Wasn't particularly trying to say that we ditch all over 30 players thats an extreme point of view. People like Fulton, Papps etc are examples that they are well deserved in a best XI in their respective provinces. My point is that a guy like Tim Mac, who ISN'T, making runs and holding up places of younger bats (Jeet Raval or eg) and literally forcing them to move provinces isn't good. One thing that doesn't help Auckland is its depth and sheer weight of numbers when it comes to talent pool, also Auckland would rather bring in older players from other provinces instead of nurturing the wealth of talent they so obviously possess locally.
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I remember in the 1990's there was a suggestion that they should start a North Harbour team because Auckland, with its larger population, had so much depth. A classic example was Matt Horne who had to move to Otago in his mid 20's to get consistent games and quickly progressed to the New Zealand team.
Then they seemed to go in the other direction with Conference Cricket, just 3 sides: North, Central & South. I think Greatbatch said it was some of the most intense FC cricket he'd had in NZ. That lasted a few seasons, but I suppose it wasn't financially viable.
At the time there was also a concern about retaining older players in the game and knowledge not getting passed on. I guess with the contracts they have achieved that to some extent, with a lot of guys in their 30's continuing to play. Although as you say, the older guys need to be performing too.