Three young cricketers from the Airedale and Wharfedale League are spending the winter down under playing for Waikato Valley League side Otorohanga on New Zealand’s North Island.

‘Oto’ is captained by former Ilkley and Ben Rhydding overseas player, Leighton Parsons who averages over 88 in the top of the table side.

Ilkley batsman Rory Kroon has scored over 350 runs at the half-way point of the season. Oliver Musgrave and Alex Miller from Ben Rhydding CC are both having a good season. Alex contributing with both bat and ball and Oliver the team’s leading fielder on points.

All three are enjoying the club social life to the full.

Last week the boys helped ‘Oto’ to a decisive victory, Rory scoring 65 out of total of 323-4 assisted by another colleague, Alex Bailey, who is rejoining Ilkley after two seasons at neighbours Otley.

They shared a century partnership, with Alex who is on holiday in New Zealand ending up 152 not out.

Otorohanga have won their last six matches and if they retain their position will qualify to play in the end of season grand final.