TAMWORTH wicketkeeper Tom Groth’s seventh straight selection into the NSW Country squad and his record at the Australian Country Championships are feats sure to go down in the history books.
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Groth has won the Australian Championships twice in that time and gone on to represent Australian Country.
In his first five tournaments, he incredibly averaged over 100 with the bat after a few spectacular innings and some very handy not outs closing the innings.
“It’s an honour to be named again and is something I really enjoy,” Groth said.
“The team looks good and has a few new faces as well.”
Groth has been keeping well for South Tamworth and has also knocked up his first ton for the season.
The keeper is seeing them well, although the rain has left him a bit short of time at the crease.
“Last weekend was a washout and the week before we (South) fielded all day,” Groth said.
“It looks wet again this weekend.
“I would love to have some more time in the middle under my belt.”
The change to the national schedule has impacted on NSW Country as well, robbing it of a chance to play at the SCG next weekend.
“It is really disappointing,” Groth said.
“Especially for the young blokes who may never get another chance to play there.
“Once again, country cricket takes the back seat.”
The side was going to play the Imparja Cup side.
The keeper is the only Central North representative after the side had a forgettable State Country Championships but also blooded some new faces.
The Bush Blues have gone the same way, naming three debutantes to mix it with the veterans like Groth.
North Coast’s Andrew Lindsay and Justin Moore have come into the attack as batsmen, while Central Coast’s Mitchell Coombs will join the bowlers’ stable.
Central Coast’s Kaine Harmsworth is returning after a stint in the McDonald’s Sydney grade competition as well.
“There is a lot of experience in the squad,” Groth said.
“It is a good-looking side and whatever team we put out there will be strong.”
The side will be coached by Central Coast coach Glenn Rowlands.
Last year the side played well for a third place, although a win over Queensland late in the week could have handed it the title.
The Bush Blues have won two of the last four years and have eleven Australian Championships trophies.
This year’s championships will be played in Bendigo from January 5-12.
