Sport
16 October, 2023
Laanecoorie Dunolly welcomes Luke Smith and Sergio Rosier to top-order mix
New Laanecoorie Dunolly recruits Luke Smith and Sergio Rosier have hit the ground running in their attempts to help keep the reigning premiers atop the ladder. Having arrived from South Africa just last week, the duo showed no signs of jetlag as...
New Laanecoorie Dunolly recruits Luke Smith and Sergio Rosier have hit the ground running in their attempts to help keep the reigning premiers atop the ladder.
Having arrived from South Africa just last week, the duo showed no signs of jetlag as they immediately made their presence felt against Colts Phelans.
For the experienced Rosier, who has seen plenty in his time in cricket, he was able to contribute with both bat and ball taking 2/12 off his four overs, as well as making an unbeaten 19 in Laane’s innings as they surged to an eight-wicket victory.
His time at the crease was helped by the presence of Smith, who top-scored with 34 before he was trapped LBW by Riley Govan.
Nevertheless, it was a tantalising taste of what could potentially come this summer as Laane looked to shore up their top order.
The duo have known each other for a number of years, going back to Smith’s time in school, where Rosier coached him.
Rosier takes up the story.
“Our friendship started about seven or eight years ago. I used to coach Luke at school, and we were able to play as teammates about three years ago, and we’ve also played against one another in club cricket, which was pretty cool,” he said.
Smith shares the same adulation for Rosier, expressing how he had previously seen Rosier as a role model.
“Sergio is a little bit older than me, but as I grew up, I used to look up to him, and he helped me with certain aspects of my game,” he said.
“Now we finally get to play in the same team overseas, so I enjoy the opportunity to play with someone I grew up with, and I’m sure he feels the same way too.”
Both cricketers have taken on different journeys.
Both of them came through Griqualand West under 19s in South Africa, with Rosier playing for the club in 2008 and 2009, while Smith played in 2016.
Smith has previously played in Australia, while he’s also taken on the United Kingdom.
“We came here through a cricket agency. Agents set us up with a chance to allow us to connect with clubs all over the world, and we had an opportunity to come and play cricket in Australia,” he said.
“My cricket journey has seen me play in the UK and in Australia for a second time, and I’m looking to take this chance with both hands.
“Our job is to come over and try and make an impact in whatever team we can play for, and play to our best. If we can do that, we’ll be able to make a difference.”
Rosier has had a bit of a different journey, taking in a high level of cricket in South Africa.
“I started my cricket career in the under 19s and played in the Coca-Cola league back home, which is a major thing to achieve. From there, I played in the Northern Cape team, which is just below the franchise level,” he said.
Smith plays as a top order batsman and as a wicketkeeper, and with Laane already boasting incumbent keeper James Shorney behind the stumps, Smith has a refreshing take on being able to field, as well as the dynamics he’ll add to the team.
“I started my career as a keeper. As time goes on, keepers are natural fielders, and I enjoy that aspect of the game as much as keeping. It’s good that the club has a keeper as it allows me to run around a little bit and add a bit more of a dynamic to the team,” he said.
Rosier, in the meantime, is also a top order batsman, but one who can also play as a strike bowling option, who brings decent pace.
“It comes down to consistency for me, working on my own game, and trying to put it all together with the opportunity that I’ve been given, which is how I see it,” he said.
Rosier, for the time being, was happy to take a backseat to Smith’s efforts with the bat on Saturday.
“All the hard work is already paying off. He’s been doing well for the last four or five years, and he is performing well at this level and starting to thrive. I’m proud to see him play well,” he said.
Both Smith and Rosier had the same attitude about the team upon arrival.
“The club has been great in welcoming us. They took us in as part of the family and we’re very happy to be part of the team. They enjoy their cricket as much as we do,” Smith said.
Rosier had big ambitions to repay the faith Laanecoorie Dunolly had shown in him.
“The team are very welcoming and friendly. They made it very easy for us to adapt,” he said.
“I want to make a huge impact and follow other players who have played very well in the past.”