Junior Black Caps proud

Ben Pomare and Tim Pringle. Photo: Peter White

Selection in the New Zealand Under-19 cricket team to tour Bangladesh in April is a dream come true for Tauranga's Tim Pringle and Ben Pomare

They continue the strong connection between Tauranga Boys' College and the national age group side, with Joe Carter and Sean Davey the last two old boys to make the team together.

The most famous former Tauranga Boys' player, Kane Williamson, has some close connections with Pringle and Pomare.

Williamson was just 16 when he was selected for the NZ Under-19 team, which he captained a year later, and he made his first class debut for Northern Districts while in Year 12 at Tauranga Boys'.

Batsman/left arm spinner Pringle is the youngest player selected this year, aged 16, and is a Year 12 student.

Indeed, it is rare for a player as young as Pringle to be selected at this level, but clearly the famous adage from former Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby applies: 'If you are good enough, you're old enough”.

Batsman/wicket keeper Pomare, 18, has followed the same school path as the Black Caps captain, attending Pillans Point School and Otumoetai Intermediate before moving across town to Tauranga Boys'.

Pringle and Pomare have come through the talent conveyer belt of Northern Districts Under-17s and Under-19s' teams to earn a black cap with the silver fern.

Pringle was not expecting to make the New Zealand team this year.

'It was awesome to get the call from (head coach) Peter Fulton,” he says. 'I was stoked to be honest. I think my form for ND Under-17s got me in as an all-rounder.”

Pomare says making the New Zealand team was his goal before the national Under-19s were held.

'It was pretty good news. My form over the past couple of seasons got me selected. This is the team you want to get in and progress up to Bay stuff, ND and then towards the Black Caps.”

Carter, who captains Pringle and Pomare in the Bay of Plenty senior side, says they are both talented young men.

'Pringo (Pringle) has proved himself over the last couple of seasons and it is exciting for him. Being that young going into an environment like that will bring its challenges, but he has the talent.

'Ben has lots of energy, is really tidy behind the sticks and holds the bat well. I am sure they will both go really well.”

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