WAGGA RSL all-rounder Rikki Bovey has played at a decent level in England and his native New Zealand.
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But it was a sliding doors moment which ultimately sent the 27-year-old on a path to becoming a Bulldog.
The top order batsman and left-arm spinner met his partner, Beth McGilloway, when playing for Alford and District Cricket Club in the UK.
Bulldogs captain-coach Sam Perry had played there previously and McGilloway, whose brothers played for Oldfield, suggested the couple embark on a new adventure in Wagga.
"I met my partner in the UK, she came back with me to New Zealand and her visa ran out," Bovey said.
"I couldn't go back to the UK as mine had run out as well, and she asked Sam if we could come over to experience Wagga and I could play some cricket. It's worked out a treat."
Bovey had a mixed start with his new side in last week's loss to Wagga City.
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He claimed 3-10 off six overs with the ball, but made just five opening the batting as Wagga RSL's run chase fell short.
They will look to bounce back when they host St Michaels at Wagga Cricket Ground this Saturday.
"I put my first ball away and was probably a bit eager, I nicked one to slip I usually would have left. Early doors (at a new team) I wanted to get bat on ball," he said.
"You put your first ball away and you think 'I'm away here', and you get pulled back to reality a few balls later."
Bovey said his tenure in England and dealing with the ideal bowling conditions had improved him immeasurably as a batsman.
"In New Zealand I was a fairly attacking player, but then I went over to the UK and played a few years of red ball 50-over cricket where it swung around," he said.
"With the red ball it was doing something right through until the 50th over, so technically you had to be decent.
"It helped my game loads, as a bowler too as the pitches offered something for spinners. But it definitely improved me as a batsman no end."
The Bulldogs only required 145 to beat Wagga City last week, but losing early wickets meant the end equation was far too steep once rain reduced the overs in their run chase.
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