Twin brothers loving rural life

English brothers Charlie and Jasper Presswell are a long way from home.

The pair, both 18, who are from a small country town in the district of Devon in the United Kingdom, are in New Zealand playing cricket for the Ōtorohanga Raptors in the Waikato and Waikato Valley competitions.

Charlie is a gun leg spinner, who many have found it difficult to get away from, while Jasper is a top order batsman, who can not only score runs but field superbly and bowl But he is returning from injury, so isn’t bowling here in New Zealand.

“We’re loving it over here in New Zealand. We come from a small rural area as well, so this is pretty similar to back home.

“The people here have been amazing, and the club’s been superb they have really made an effort to look after us,” Jasper said.

Wanting to do something and explore part of the world, the brothers looked at playing cricket abroad as a good way to do that.

“For us it was about trying something different and giving cricket a crack somewhere else. I didn’t play a lot last season, so I was keen as to explore a bit more and then Charlie was interested, so we thought we’d look for something together,” Jasper said.

So far, they have featured in the majority of Ōtorohanga’s games.

“The standard of cricket hasn’t been too bad, we have enjoyed it. However, we have played on a lot more turf over here than we do back home and the outfields have been a lot slower. It’s definitely been a new challenge, especially as a bowler,” Charlie

said.

“Overall, it has been a blast. We play with a great bunch of guys, and I am happy with how I have bowled.”

Charlie’s match in Gisborne and a recent fixture at Cambridge have probably been the closest grounds to back in the United Kingdom, where it is all about tradition.

They have managed to visit a few spots around New Zealand, with the brothers rating Mount Maunganui as their favourite.

“It’s a really cool spot. I loved it there,” Charlie said.

They have been playing Ssummer soccer in Ōtorohanga as a new way to meet people as well.

Jasper admitted to Charlie being the more successful for the Raptors so far this season, but hoped to contribute with some scores before they head home later this month.

“As long as the guys are winning and doing well, then we’re happy. We just want to contribute in any way we can.”

A few weeks ago, Charlie got to play for the Northern Māori as a guest player against the Poverty Bay men’s side, and although they lost, he loved the experience.

“It was an honour to be an honorary Māori player for the day. I really enjoyed the experience, they were a great bunch of lads, and it was awesome travelling over to Gisborne to see a different part of New Zealand and play cricket.”

Charlie’s favourite player is Joss Buttler, while Jasper named Joe Root and New Zealand bowler Trent Boult.

The English are currently in New Zealand facing the Black Caps and won the first test at Mount Maunganui and the second at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, with the pair able to head down to both games and watch their home team in action.

“They had a tour game in Hamilton before the tests and during the break you could go on the field and I managed to meet a few of the players, which was awesome. You definitely cannot do that back home,” Jasper said.

The brothers are working at OTC Timber and are incredibly thankful to them for giving them work while over here in New Zealand and also allowing them time off to see other parts of the country.

“It’s different work to what we are used to, but they have been amazing to us. They have really looked after us,” Jasper said.

Ōtorohanga Raptors captain Leighton Parsons said the brothers had fitted in well.

“They’re great lads and have added a different dynamic to the team. We’ve enjoyed having them here at the club.”