IT was an introduction to the NSW Country Championships that Ryan Van Kemenade won't likely forget.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Four years ago and on debut for Newcastle, Van Kemenade recalls a "massive storm rolled through" Narrabri on the Saturday afternoon which forced players to seek refuge wherever they could.
"My first one was at Narrabri and a massive storm rolled through," Van Kemenade said.
"It felt like a hurricane. Half of us went underneath a bridge and the other half jumped on the bus."
Newcastle were less than 100 runs from a likely victory over Central North when the weather changed and just short of enough overs for the Duckworth-Lewis system to kick in.
That game was washed out and so was the following day, in what shaped as a virtual final for the group.
But with Central Coast having wrapped up an early win on day two, it meant Newcastle were eliminated without suffering a loss and unable to defend their crown.
Now 22 and following a stint with North Sydney in the NSW Premier Cricket competition, Van Kemenade is back for a second crack at the annual carnival.
"I can't wait for the weekend," he said.
"It's a chance for me to play more cricket and I think we've got a really strong side. Hopefully we do well and we play against Riverina in the final."
Riverina took out the southern pool on the weekend.
The northern pool, including Newcastle, play on the Central Coast from Friday to Sunday.
All-rounder Van Kemenade, who claimed figures of 2-24 in the opening fixture of 2016-2017, started his senior career with City as a teenager but joined Wallsend midway through last season when he returned from the state capital.
"He's a good cricketer," Newcastle coach Shane Burley said.
"A dynamic short-form player especially. Good power game with the bat and a very good bowler.
"Made his debut for Newcastle as an opening bowler previously. Also in form after a good start to the season."
Van Kemenade, who lives at Maryland and works as a greenkeeper at Shortland Waters Golf Club, will be one of three players from his prior campaign in the 13-man squad.
Nick Foster and Aaron Wivell are the others also attending Tuggerah Regional Sporting Complex.
NSW Country Championship rookies James King and Dan Bailey were presented with their Newcastle caps at Wednesday's training session at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
The title holders play Central North on Friday, North Coastal on Saturday and Central Coast on Sunday.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN THE NEWS:
Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
