UK duo primed for big campaigns with Hannans

Hannans’ quest for an A-grade flag this summer in the Eastern Goldfields Cricket Association has been boosted by the acquisition of UK teenagers Harry Merritt-Blann and George Hannington-Hodge ahead of the season-opener on October 19.

The duo, from West Sussex in England’s south, trained for their first time with their new teammates last week as officials ramp up plans for the club’s centenary season.

Hannans’ milestone will be celebrated across three days next year — starting on February 28 and extending across the March long weekend.

Merritt-Blann, 18, joins Hannans as a well-regarded right-arm medium-fast bowler and right-handed batter.

Hannington-Hodge, also 18, is on board as a right-armed fast bowler.

“We’ve been good mates for about 10 years now, played at the same club since we were about nine and have been through multiple county training and trials together,” Merritt-Blann said.

“I’d really looked forward to the harder (Australian) pitches which are more batter-friendly.

“Obviously the biggest challenge will be the heat — especially because I’m someone who generally likes to field in a jumper, so when I’m diving around I’m burning my elbows.

“During our (UK) heat waves, it might get to 29C.

“But in early May back home, it’s 10C and so cold and you’re going out to field with three jumpers on.”

Hannington-Hodge said he viewed a stint with Hannans as a perfect avenue to build his game and life skills.

“A big appeal was just that new environment and being exposed to not just cricket but also life in a different light,” he said.

“It (Kalgoorlie-Boulder) is bigger than I thought — I’d expected it would be a lot smaller than 30,000 people and the flies are a bit annoying.

“But I went to Barbados with my school last Easter and it was obviously quite hot there.

“Hopefully that has given me a little bit of a taste (of the Goldfields’ heat).

“I was a bit 50/50 about coming out but the common response was ‘just do it because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ and I’m glad I took that advice.”