GORAE-PORTLAND has made a key addition to its playing group ahead of the Hamilton and District Cricket Association’s 2023-24 season, with Finn Saurine set to slot into their A grade side as soon as round one.

Saurine recently moved to the region with his partner for work and is a top-order batsman who said he has also been known to don the gloves as wicketkeeper from time to time.

“I’m loving Portland so far… I’m working in conservation and really enjoying it,” he said.

Saurine first got involved with the region’s sporting landscape when a work colleague told him that Westerns Football Netball Club was looking for some numbers toward the end of the season, but he said he ended up getting more than he bargained for.

“My mate said they were a bit short in the twos, and bearing in mind I haven’t played (footy) in about 10 years, and next minute I was starting in the ones,” he said.

“I’d already done some research into the different clubs in the area but Go-Ports’ social media presence really attracted me to the club.

“They seemed really family-friendly and transparent… and the new rooms are a fantastic addition as well.

“So far it’s been a really good family club.”

Saurine, who previously played for Seville Cricket Club in the Ringwood and District Cricket Association, said he’s keen to contribute on the field to some renewed success for the club after a challenging 2022-23 campaign.

“I’ll mainly be coming in as a top order bat, I’ve kept a little bit, but I know the club already has someone well-established in that position, I’m certainly not looking to tread on anyone’s toes.

“I haven’t really bowled much in recent years, but the boys seem pretty keen for me to have a trundle, so I guess we’ll see.”

Saurine’s numbers certainly tell a tale of a strong top-order bat, as he made 368 runs last season at an average of 26.29 including two half-centuries.

However, he said the focus of the season is well and truly away from individual accomplishments and on the success of the team as a whole.

“Individually I’d love to score some runs, but I want to see that translate to wins on the board,” he said.

“Batting at the top of the order, your goal is to set the team up for success.

“I’d love to help bring some success to the club, I know it’s been a tough year or two, but I think we can challenge ourselves to compete for a spot in finals.”