Saltires' new Kiwi ace tipped to Work magic

The 21-year-old New Zealand-born left-hand bat and spinner has been plucked out of the SMRH club in Edinburgh following the departure of Luke Butterworth to represent Australia A.

And SMRH president Bert Barclay is in no doubt what attracted Saltires coach Peter Steindl most to Worker.

Barclay says: "George really caught the eye last month when he scored centuries in a couple of representative matches.

"It was at Uddingston both times that he reached three figures for a Cavaliers XI against Scottish (2nd) Lions and also when guesting for a Universities select against Scotland under-19s.

"He has yet to get beyond the 30s for us in the league so far although he did have a couple of 50s against Penicuik and Edinburgh Accies in the recent Twenty:20 competition day."

It is the second occasion in recent years that SMRH have come to the aid of the Scottish selectors following on from former South African under-19 player Jon Kent's elevation.

According to Barclay, the pair offer contrasting styles: "My understanding is that George might bat a bit lower down the order, possibly at 7 or 8, and his slow left arm bowling will be a particular asset in helping to supplement the spin of Majid Haq and Preston Mommsen.

"With the bat he likes to score a lot of his runs square of the wicket or past the bowler; Jon liked to go on the front foot and use a long reach."

Whether the powerfully-built Worker goes on to represent New Zealand remains to be seen but he is heavily involved at provincial level and having opened for Central Districts is believed to be attracting attention back home from Canterbury.

Meanwhile, the Steelbacks will travel north boasting an impressive five-out-of-five in the pro-40 event.

"In the CB40 we have really improved this season, with five wins in five games," says skipper Andrew Hall, who could return tomorrow after being rested for a couple of twenty:20 games.

"This (is) the best start in this competition for as long as I have been here. All the players have put in performances that have won games for us. In fielding, batting, bowling I have seen a big improvement in the players. A semi-final place is achievable if we continue in this vein."One of these five victories came against Scotland despite the best efforts of Preston Mommsen, who hit 81 while currently injured bowler Matthew Parker claimed three wickets as a visiting target of 200 was passed with six wickets down.

From the Scottish team which defeated Northants on their 2006 visit to Raeburn Place only Fraser Watts remains in the squad.