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BLACKCAPS young gun Tim Southee is relishing the opportunity to play Twenty20 cricket for the Northern Knights. Halfway through the HRV Cup he has his eyes on the silverware and is working hard to ensure last year’s wooden-spooners make it into this year’s final.
The 21 year old has had to step up for the Knights and lead the bowling attack along side Daniel Vettori. He is currently second on the wicket-takers ladder, with a best performance of 3-15. He’s also doing well with the bat, contributing valuable ends lower down the batting order. He smacked 32 off 16 balls against the Wizards in the fourth round of the HRV Cup, setting the Knights up for victory. “I went in thinking there was nothing to lose, but when we started to get closer to our target I took it sensibly.”
With his bowling he puts his success down to being precise with every ball. “You have to be one step ahead of the batsman every time. There’s always a chance of getting wickets,” he said. “But there’s also the chance for the batsman to get plenty of runs. It’s all part of the game.”
He’s hoping to deliver a few more stunning batting and bowling displays for the Knights in the hope of reaching the final. “Last year we didn’t have any of the BLACKCAPS and didn’t win a game at all. We’ve lost a couple of games so far this season but we’re confident that we can finish strongly and secure a place in the final.”
Although he is focussed on the Knights claiming top spot, he is also soaking up the atmosphere the HRV Cup brings. “The crowds have been amazing and every game I’ve been to there’s been great support for both teams. It’s a pretty fun game for all involved.”
There’s also more than just a bit of friendly rivalry between the BLACKCAPS in the various teams. “You want to have bragging right against your mates,” he said. “At one level it’s a bit of a laugh, but it can get quite serious and competitive.”
Southee is second on the HRV Cup MVP table behind Volts fast bowler - http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/domestic/mvp/69/hrv-cup-twenty20/series-player-points.aspx
