Kampong is delighted to welcome former New Zealand Under-19 star Ben Pomare to the club for their 2023 Topklasse campaign.
Pomare is an outstanding prospect who progressed through the Northern Districts ranks and made his first-class debut in April 2022.
A swashbuckling batter and accomplished wicket-keeper, Pomare broke into the Knights line-up, skippered by Ish Sodhi, in their Plunket Shield fixture against Wellington. His selection was based on his exploits for both the Bay of Plenty, with whom he skippered to the Fergus Hickey Trophy last summer (2021/22), and ND ‘A’ sides over recent seasons.
Pomare has long been regarded as a “pro in the making”. He starred for ND at the 2017/18 National U17 Tournament (272 runs at 54.40), then enjoyed two successful U19 campaigns for the State. His performances culminated with New Zealand Under-19 selection, playing 10 matches, including 2 at the ICC U19 World Cup in South Africa (Jan 2022).
At Premier club level, Pomare has been a stand-out for Mount Maunganui in the strong Bay of Plenty Premier Competition. In 2020/21, he was amongst the Premier’s top run scorers hitting 435 runs at 36.25 in the 50-over competition, including a highest score of 167.
Pomare really is a star for the future who, having recently completed a Bachelor of Health (Sport and Human Performance), as a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar from the University of Waikato, is now set to head abroad for his cricketing development. He will link up with Netherland’s club, Kampong, for their 2023 Topklasse campaign.
