FRESH off starring for the Sydney Thunder’s Indigenous side and helping Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens claim the Shoalhaven District Cricket Association one-day crown, Nate Jones has once again been picked in the NSW Imparja Cup side.
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The 21-year-old, who last year helped NSW take out the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, is again in the 13-person squad which will head to Alice Springs in February.
“I was thrilled to have gotten the call once again to play for NSW,” Jones said.
“It’s always a massive honour to play for your state and I’m stoked to be given another chance this year.
“Having played last year, I’ll definitely go into the tournament more confident – especially on a mental level.
“In saying that, it will again be difficult to prepare for the tournament, not really knowing what changes have been made to other squads and how everyone’s individual preparation has been – all I can concentrate on is getting myself in the best shape possible.”
Jones and his side, which features Brendan Smith ©, Dajali Bloomfield, Ben Mitchell, Ryan Fenning, Marty Jeffrey, Brock Larance, Tyran Liddiard, Pat Rosser, Lachlan O’Connor, Ben Patterson, Brynley Richards and Adam Burton, will go into the February 4-11 tournament full of confidence, after not losing a game in last year’s competition.
“After a clean sweep last year, I know we will be giving it our all in every single game to replicate that achievement,” he said.
“We know it’s going to be tough but it would be great to bring the trophy home again.”
Jones, from Bomaderry, currently sits in second, to North Nowra-Cambewarra’s Justin Weller, in the wicket takers list this season, taking 15, at an average of 10.13.
“Being a fast bowler, I think what the team really need from me is to keep an end really tied down and backing up my other bowler,” he said.
“It would be a great feeling to make a big impact for the rest of the team.”
Jones’ team will start their campaign against Victoria on February 4 at Traeger Park, followed by matches against Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory.