New Zealand’s Jamie Gibson embracing fresh challenge with Waringstown

Luke Georgeson – who played for the Wellington Firebirds during the winter – struck 106 in CSNI’s victory over Instonians.

Then there was Waringstown’s new overseas professional Jamie Gibson (also a Firebird) who wasted no time in showing what he’s all about by picking up figures of 6-23 before contributing a fluent 39 in an opening day win against Woodvale.

Gibson has played 20 first-class matches throughout his career, scoring 704 runs and collecting 22 wickets and is thoroughly enjoying his first trip to this country.

“I’m absolutely loving it,” he said. “The people have been so good to us, particularly the chairman who has gone out of his way.

“It has been easy and everyone is really lovely in the club.

“We are gelling so, hopefully, there’s a big season ahead.”

This is the 29-year-old’s first stint as an overseas professional since 2016 when he played for Normandy in the Surrey Championship, after spending the previous year in London with Hampstead.

Gibson is excited by the opportunity at Waringstown and is keen to make his mark not only on the field, but also provide assistance off it too.

“It has been a while,” he said. “We were supposed to go over the last couple of years, but Covid intervened.

“The main motivation for me is the new experience itself.

“Living somewhere different and meeting new people is what I will value the most when cricket is finished for me.

“It’s also about playing in a strong league and challenging myself as a pro as it comes with different expectations.

“It’s important to me to contribute on the field but also around the club and make sure I’m helping out as much as possible.”

Even with his experience, Gibson still felt the nerves ahead of last weekend’s first match - but did a good