North Otago, which has only a remote chance of becoming the zone challenger, will play its final Hawke Cup elimination game against Mid Canterbury this weekend.
It will be a memorable game for North Otago all-rounder Glynn Cameron, who will be playing his 50th game for the province.
At the other end of the age spectrum, Waitaki Boys' High School all-rounder Jeremy Smith (18) will be making his debut, coming in to replace Ricky Whyte.
Mid Canterbury, a relatively inexperienced side, will be playing its second game after losing outright to Otago Country last weekend.
Mid Canterbury coach Richard Pithey has hopes for his young side.
''We had two 16-year-olds in against Otago Country, Jeremy Punselie and Dion Biggs, while Will Southby, Tom Meyrick and Ben Ward are only 18-year-olds and Matt Tait a year older.
''We definitely improved against Otago Country, especially with our bowling. But in the second innings, while we had players making 20s, 30s and 40s, what we really required was someone to go on.''
Mid Canterbury has made two changes to its team. The experienced Paul Warren comes into the side to strengthen the bowling, and Kurt Polson joins his brother, Rob.
Maximum points for Mid Canterbury against North Otago would, with games yet to be played against South Canterbury and Southland over the next fortnight, give the side the opportunity of becoming the zone challenger.
Games remaining to be played are South Canterbury (12 points) v Mid Canterbury (0) next weekend, and a week later, South Canterbury v Otago Country (18) and Mid Canterbury (0) v Southland (18). The zone challenge is from March 8-10.
Hawke Cup
Oamaru, today and tomorrow
North Otago: Jeremiah Shields, Jordan Horrell, Ben Cant, Stephan Grobler (captain), Duncan Drew, Ed Smith, Sean Conlan, Glynn Cameron, Jeremy Smith, Ricky Whyte, Darcy Hooper-Smith, David Sewell.
Mid Canterbury: Ben Ward, Rob Polson, Jono Print, Des Kruger, Matt Winter (captain), Rhys Phillips, Will Southby, Tom Meyrick, Matt Tait, Paul Warren, Kurt Polson, Dion Biggs (12th man).
- Terry O'Neill.
