Otago Cricket are excited to announce that hard-hitting batsmen, Josh Finnie & Llew Johnson, have been offered the final two Otago Volts contracts for the 2022/23 season.

Former NZU19 captain & Dunedin local, Josh Finnie, returns to the contract list for his seventh time.

Finnie has made 112 appearances in the Volts’ blue & gold – his best returns coming in the ‘List A’ format, where he has amassed 867 runs for Otago at an average of 28.0.

This season, Finnie has made himself available for red-ball cricket, offering Coach Ebrahim and the Volts a powerful, batting all-rounder in all formats.

“Josh has shown the ability to break open matches and turn games in an instant,” said (Dion) Ebrahim.

“He is still a young player who is yet to reach his potential. With his availability for red ball cricket, we have options to adopt the style we wish to play.” Ebrahim explained.

The fourth new face in the 2022/23 contract list is that of 22-year-old, North Otago product, Llew Johnson.

Johnson has been a stand-out performer in Men’s Provincial A & Dunedin Club Cricket over the past 3 years. In November 2020, Llew struck a league record-breaking 256* for his club side, his extraordinary knock coming off 154 balls.

In just a small number of domestic appearances thus far, Johnson has flaunted his ball-striking ability, and willingness to innovate at the crease.

Ebrahim explained Johnson’s selection, and what he expects the two players to bring to the squad.

“Llew has been an outstanding performer for several seasons. He is a passionate, homegrown lad who has freakish athletic talents (…) The opportunity to become a professional and fulfil his ambitions has come after much work and commitment.” explained Ebrahim.

“Both players are aggressive in playing style and have genuine match winning capability,” Ebrahim continued.

“Our squad is balanced across skill sets and style of players. My job will be to unlock the capabilities of all our players so that they can play with a freedom to express themselves and learn constantly.” Ebrahim concluded.

Johnson will join Andrew Hazeldine, Ben Lockrose, and Jacob Cumming, as newly contracted Otago Volts.

The Volts will begin their official pre-season preparations for the 2021/22 summer in early September.

Otago Volts 2022-23:

1. Matt BACON
2. Max CHU
3. Jacob CUMMING*
4. Jacob DUFFY
5. Josh FINNIE
6. Dean FOXCOFT
7. Jake GIBSON
8. Andrew HAZELDINE*
9. Llew JOHNSON*
10. Ben LOCKROSE*
11. Jarrod MCKAY
12. Travis MULLER
13. Dale PHILLIPS
14. Glen PHILLIPS**
15. Michael RAE
16. Michael RIPPON
17. Hamish RUTHERFORD

*Indicates new contract offer.

**Indicates NZC contract.

*ENDS*

Article added: Friday 08 July 2022