While Scholes have a massive all-round talent in Tom Brook, they also have the jewel in the crown of Drakes Premiership batting.
Joe Carter – who was born in England and lived here until the age of 11, when his family emigrated to New Zealand – won the league batting prize in 2013 and could well repeat the act this season.
Contracted with James Pamment’s Northern Districts, where he is keen to make an impact in all formats this coming home season, Carter has the ability to push for further international honours, having played in the Under 19 World Cup for the Black Caps.
Now 22, he is hard working and dedicated but modest and unassuming about his ability – something which Scholes skipper James Noble is keen to address.
“We knew what Joe was capable of from his previous season with us and he’s been superb again – a fantastic cricketer,” said Noble.
“I rate him very highly and, in my opinion, he is the second-best player I’ve ever played against behind Wasim Jaffer – and that gap is closing by the minute.
“I still think he could be even more ruthless at times, but the shots he plays mark him out as a class act and everyone at Scholes wishes him all the best with his career back home.
“We want to see him gaining higher honours, obviously, but if he has the chance to come back here and help us push for more success, then he always knows he’s welcome because he is a Scholeser now.”
Noble believes Carter – in addition to the dedicated Drysdale – has helped bring the best out of his young charges.
“Tom Chadwick has scored runs at a quick rate and with real class as an aggressive opener, and he could well finish the season with 1,000 runs plus at a very good rate,” added Noble.
“Pete Drysdale moved up to give us more stability at the top of the order and Toby Booth has taken his chance at No4 with 400-plus runs at 30 and 14 catches as well, so he is an old head on young shoulders and a great lad to have around the place.
“We set everyone targets at the start of the season and Josh Brook, deservedly moving up from the Seconds, was tasked with taking us 30 wickets. He’s already got 70 and that speaks volumes for not only his ability, but the way he’s taken on the challenge.
“His younger brother Louis, too, continues to come on leaps and bounds, bowls it in the right areas and will only get better – his spell against a very good Hoylandswaine order on a flat deck was tremendous – and then to have a batsman of the quality of Tommy Boorman coming in down the batting order has been a real bonus.
“Since he’s come back from New Zealand he’s got some very useful off-spin as well and, while he would love to bat higher up – as would I – he has done a great job for the club where he has basically spent all his life.
“Jono Boult gave us an aggressive edge – he can certainly play cricket – and that rubbed off on the rest of the team because he backs himself, and encourages everyone else to back themselves as well.
“Jono was also one of the first to send us a message of congratulations on winning the league, even though he is now back in New Zealand. He was in touch throughout and that shows how much he enjoyed his time with us.
“And I’m delighted for Richard Holmes to have picked up another trophy because he’s still the best keeper around and, even pushing 50, he’s got plenty of seasons still left in the tank.
“He’s a great clubman, his experience on the field is a massive plus and he also helps the young lads through, so his contribution is immense.”
