Harry Gadd arrived as a solo import from England, but has ended up one of a handful at Charlestown for 2019-2020.
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Born and bred in Portsmouth, Gadd travelled halfway around the world only to be met by a few of his own countrymen at the Magpies.
Also landing at Kahibah Oval this summer is Mike Tyrer, who played at the same UK club as Charlestown wicketkeeper Matthew Bench, and Jackson Mace's northern invitees Jacob Mulhall, Joah Bradley and Nathan Cyrus.
"I knew I was coming out [to Australia], but had no idea about the other guys," Gadd said.
"Now there's five of us [English players] at the same club."
Banter around England's recent World Cup rugby union loss had been kept to a minimum according to Gadd but the 2019 Ashes result in Australia's favour gets a fair work out.
Having celebrated his 20th birthday earlier this week and living with Charlestown president Chris Oliver, the older of two brothers says he now feels at "home".
"I'm enjoying it big time," Gadd said.
"We're only three games in, but it's been good getting involved. I feel pretty much at home now."
Gadd recalls first picking up cricket as a child, going along to some indoor sessions with his father before joining nearby United Services.
Five years ago he stepped up to Havant, who feature in the Southern Premier League.
He's now approaching a fourth straight campaign, played back-to-back, having travelled to New Zealand and lined up for Queenstown in the South Otago competition 12 months prior.
"The main difference [between playing in the three countries] has been the heat," Gadd said.
"I noticed it out there batting the last couple of weeks. And it's nice playing on wickets that aren't wet and damp all the time."
Charlestown captain and Newcastle representative Jed Dickson said right-handed batsman Gadd has produced "mature" knocks the last two outings, having had time to adjust to new conditions.
Gadd top scored with 44 against the Sea Dragons at University Oval on Saturday, following a 42 against Waratah-Mayfield at home the week before.
The Magpies have won on both occasions.
He opened with a duck in a first-up loss to Cardiff-Boolaroo last month.
"The main thing is trying to contribute," Gadd said. "I'm looking forward to winning as many games as we can."
Charlestown, who welcome back Dickson and Daniel Arms from the NSW Country Championships, host undefeated leaders and one-day title holders Hamilton-Wickham on Saturday.