North Otago and Otago Country will play the first zone six Hawke Cup match this weekend, although weather may have the final say.
North Otago has had limited preparation, with only one warm-up game against South Canterbury, won by 24 runs by the latter. The home side batted first and made 134 for eight and then bowled North Otago out for 110.
North Otago’s other warm-up game, against Mid Canterbury, did not start as Mid Canterbury failed to field a team.
North Otago is led by Union’s Jeremiah Shields and has experience in the form of Duncan Drew, Stephan Grobler and Llew Johnson. The side has two newcomers in Harry Semple and Angus Philpott.
Semple, who early in his career played for Bay of Plenty — originally as a quick bowler — has reverted to spin and is basically now a batting allrounder.
Philpott is originally from Southbridge and played previously in the Canterbury Country region, although he had had experience in Hawke’s Bay.
He is also a batting allrounder.
Otago Country has drawn from far and wide and has Taylor Cumberland, from Albion in Dunedin, in its side. He qualifies having been born in Central Otago. Former Otago player Rhiane Smith will coach the side.
Wet weather has plagued Central Otago this week and the outlook is not great.
The other zone six Hawke Cup game will have South Canterbury play Mid Canterbury at Aorangi Park in Timaru this weekend.
Hawke Cup
Alexandra, today
- North Otago: Jeremiah Shield (captain), Ben Mavor, Cameron Grubb, Duncan Drew, Jeremy Smith, Llew Johnson, Harry Semple, Angus Philpott, Lachlan Kingan, Stephan Grobler, Scott Kitto, Blake James.
- Otago Country: Taylor Cumberland, Sam Pimm, Sukhdev Singh, Steve Hobson, Tim McCormick, Kyle Paterson, Tim Cotter, Barry White, Sam Bastin, Sam Blakely, Adam Hubber.
- By Terry O'Neill
