MATT Willett didn't have it on his radar originally for 2019-20, but the 34-year-old feels proud to be captaining Cardiff-Boolaroo on a full-time basis.
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The veteran paceman has previously taken charge of T20 games or occasionally filled in as skipper for two-dayers, but this season Willett owns the leadership role at CBs.
"I've done mainly T20 games before and a couple of two-dayers [as captain], but this is the first time I've done it full-time," he told the Newcastle Herald.
"It's a real honour having been at the club for 10 or 15 years. To finally get this chance is a proud moment."
The top job was left vacant after Cardiff's most recent captain Nick Watkins switched clubs in the off-season and joined title holders Toronto.
Shannon Bills was also in the running but he and younger brother Aaron left Pasterfield Sporting Complex for 2017-18 minor-major premiers Wests.
Top-order batsman Rahul Bakshi, who remains at CBs, had expressed some interest but ultimately turned down the position.
Willett eventually accepted the challenge after what he described as "a bit of a merry-go-round".
His tenure started with a 19-run win over Charlestown at home on Saturday after Newcastle District Cricket Association's opening round was washed out the weekend before.
He opened the bowling and took 2-20 off six overs, Nathan Hillier picked up 4-28 and Bakshi top scored with 75.
"We divided the game up, set plans and executed really well. But we've still got room for improvement," Willett said.
Upcoming opponents Stockton and Northern Districts will be without Jeff Goninan, who scored 102 in a T20 for Newcastle's representative XI against Canberra at Manuka Oval on Thursday and 89 in a club game last weekend. Seagulls recruit Andrew Nicolai comes in for the hosts.
Elsewhere in Saturday's third-round fixtures and Jake Montgomery takes over at Wallsend with regular captain Nathan Price serving the second of a four-match suspension for dissent. The Tigers are away to Newcastle City at Learmonth Park.
Defending one-day champions Hamilton-Wickham and University have a Tom Locker Cup final replay at University Oval. Two-time player of the year Saw Webber is unavailable for Hamwicks while the Sea Dragons welcome back skipper Matt Gawthrop.
Wests are bolstered by the return of 2017-18 Australian Country Championships player of the tournament Joseph Price for their clash with Merewether at Townson Oval.
Charlestown are missing injured paceman Path Shah (hamstring) when they host Waratah-Mayfield at Kahibah Oval.
Joey Gillard is set to make his debut for Belmont against Toronto at Cahill Oval.
All of the 40-over encounters start at 12pm.
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