Former Cape Cobras and Western Province cricketer Michael Rippon’s move to New Zealand, where he is playing for Otago, is proving quite successful.

Rippon, who has played six ODIs and 18 T20Is for Holland, is an important member of Otago’s ongoing Ford Trophy campaign.

The 27-year-old’s talent with the bat was on display during a fine 71 against Northern Districts earlier this month, while the leg-spinner impressed against Auckland, Canterbury and Central Districts with the ball.

‘It is going very well. I just feel a lot of the work we have been doing over the last few years is starting to pay dividends,’ Rippon told the Otago Daily Times.

‘And on a personal note, I’m happy with the way I’m trucking at the moment and want to keep it going.’

Otago currently occupy first position in the Ford Trophy’s six-team standings, after seven wins in 10 attempts. Wellington are second and Auckland third.

‘We’re not panicking. There is nothing wrong with losing, but you want to get down to a position where the game is in the balance,’ added Rippon.

‘Sometimes you can look at the scoreboard and think you are so far out and throw in the towel. But for me it is about being competitive for the full 100 overs.’

Image: Gallo