A strong contingent of Otago juniors is about to face a stern test when it competes in the junior interprovincial matchplay tournament in Cambridge from September 30 to October 3.
A lack of strength in the neighbouring provinces has led to the demise of the Piper Cup (versus Aorangi) and the Ben McCorkindale Memorial (versus Southland), leaving Otago juniors with little serious competition.
However, along with Canterbury, the Otago under-19 and under-16 squad will compete against eight North Island teams in Cambridge.
The event has been played for several years with eight North Island teams but will now be played in two sections of five, with the South Island teams added.
Teams of nine compete in this event. All players must be under 19 and at least three members of each team under 16.
With the wealth of talent in Otago at present, the selectors had a difficult task selecting the nine players and have opted to play Cromwell star Inia Logan (15) as one of the under-19 players.
The team has been announced early to allow for some fundraising activities as the invitation to compete came out of the blue and has not been budgeted for by Golf Otago.
Golf Otago funds travel, accommodation and food for all senior, masters (over-40), under-21, under-19, under-16 and schoolboy teams, and a further $10,000 is required to ensure Otago can compete.
With a clash of events, Alex Pyper (Cromwell), Zane Pennycook (Lower Waitaki) and Abigail Crawford (St Clair) will now represent Otago in the national Eagles tournament at Levin in late September.
As there are several trials to come, the team order will be named at a later date.
