Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Donawa to swap studs for spikes

Justin Donawa

Justin Donawa is poised to showcase his talents on the local cricket scene again.The Darlington forward has been granted clearance from the English non-League side to play for Somerset in the Premier Division Twenty20 competition.“I love to play cricket,” Donawa said. “I just enjoy playing cricket in general so whenever I get the chance to do it I jump at the opportunity.”The multitalented athlete last played for Somerset in the domestic league in 2016. He was unavailable for the past three years becaue of university and commitments with the Bermuda squad.“I haven’t done it in so long, so it will just be nice to get back out there with the boys,” Donawa said.The 24-year-old fast bowler could make his first appearance in a practice match that Somerset have provisionally scheduled against Warwick at Somerset Cricket Club on Sunday.“I’ll be getting a little run out which will be interesting,” Donawa added.Michael Corday, the Somerset chairman, is thrilled over Donawa’s late addition to the squad.“We are very excited about his availability,” Corday said. “We know what Justin brings to the table. He’s quite nippy, he’s accurate and approaches everything in a professional manner.”Donawa attended Somerset’s 38-run defeat against St David’s in their opening Twenty20 fixture at Somerset last weekend.“They did well to hold St David’s to what they held them to but unfortunately I don’t think our batting did us any good,” he added.“Nonetheless, Somerset have always had good players and good teams and I think the crop we have now is a mixture of experience and young guys. They have the potential to do well in this modified schedule this year.”Donawa, who joined Darlington last August and has since had his deal extended another season, believes playing cricket during the off season will help him to maintain his fitness.“I have been doing stuff on my own to try and stay semi-fit and obviously the cricket will help me in some capacity in terms of my fitness and stuff like that,” he said. Donawa is one of two experienced players set to bolster Somerset’s squad as all-rounder Kamau Leverock has joined the club from Flatts and is due to return to the island this week.“It’s a big pick up for Somerset and we should definitely do well with him,” Donawa added.“The bowling attack and the batting is in good shape and it’s just up to them to perform really.”