Recently retired Bay of Plenty cricket stalwart Tim Clarke is one of two new additions to the Bay of Plenty senior men's selection panel.

Preparations for the new season have officially begun with the veteran wicketkeeper's appointment, along with long-serving Taupo cricket identity Stu Martin.

The pair join the re-appointed senior men's coach Charles Williams and development team mentor Russell Williams on the selection panel, chaired by Bay of Plenty Cricket Association's Cricket Manager Tai Bridgman-Raison as Convenor of Selectors.

The two new selectors bring a wealth of cricket knowledge and experience to the selection panel.

Tim Clarke retired at the end of last season's representative programme after playing 77 games in the Blue and Gold uniform. The Tauranga Boys' College teacher has been a joint player/coach for the school's first XI in recent seasons and has a particular interest in development of the region's young talent.

Stu Martin is a former senior player, a BOPCA board member and has recently taken up umpiring, which will help him keep a close eye on up-and-coming talent through the season.

Selectors are required to take an active interest in Bay of Plenty regional cricket, to identify potential senior representative players. They're expected to be proactive and engaged in selection discussions, with the ultimate goal of putting together Northern Districts' Fergus Hickey and Brian Dunning competition winning teams in the upcoming season.

Meanwhile the return of the Northern Districts Spring Roadshow is another sign of the approaching cricket season. The highly popular event is back in the Western Bay for two visits, on September 6 and 27.

The roadshows have a two-fold purpose, with junior high performance sessions from 3.30 to 6.30 followed by a two hour open invitation coaching module, for current and aspiring coaches of all grades.

Further information on the roadshow is available from Tai Bridgman-Raison on 027 861 7314, or email [email protected]