Cricket: Bay of Plenty ready for Taupo

Jono Boult steps up to lead Bay of Plenty in the T20 format. Photo/File

The Bay of Plenty is heading into new territory when they play in the annual ND one-day tournament in Taupo on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Last season, the annual tournament - with the Brian Dunning Trophy on the line - saw 50-over cricket interspersed with two games of Twenty20 on the opening day.

This year, the chase for the Brian Dunning prize will see Bay of Plenty play all the five other ND minor associations in T20 combat. Bay of Plenty start their campaign against Waikato Valley and Counties Manukau, before meeting Poverty Bay, Northland and Hamilton in successive matches.

"The team is very excited to be playing this new T20 format and will be going with the single goal of bringing home the trophy. We have experience in spades with not only our players but also the conditions in Taupo," Bay of Plenty coach Charles Williams said.

"Our short-format captain Jono Boult has extensive Twenty20 experience and we will look to him for leadership in Taupo. Jono is constantly talking so it is natural to use his skill-set as captain. I have been very impressed with his guidance and coaching of our younger squad members and have no doubt that Jono's captaincy will strengthen our team in Taupo."

The Bay team to play in the Taupo three-day tournament has a huge amount of experience in its ranks.

"Bharat Popli rejoins the Bay team while ND are playing the one-dayers. Having his talent and leadership in our batting line-up is a real bonus. Joe Carter, who is fresh off a big century in Baywide cricket last week, will open the innings and his exceptional work in the field is sure to pay dividends in Taupo," Williams said.

"Pete Drysdale has fashioned himself into a very good short-format player, who is constantly adapting to the situation and he is also a very handy bowler. Sean Davey is fresh off playing for ND A in Taupo and is a genuine first class all-rounder.

"Our keeper Tim Clarke has real leadership and experience in spades and has the added responsibility of leading the fielding unit behind the stumps. Tom MacRury bats at the top of the order and has a well known ability to clear fences with the ball.

"We are also welcoming back Tommy Clout after a two-year injury hiatus. His left arm medium pace will be a good point of difference for the team. Tommy has been working extremely hard to get back into the representative side and everyone is excited to have him back."

■ Bay of Plenty: Jono Boult (c), Pete Drysdale, Tom MacRury, Joe Carter, Sean Davey, Brett Hampton, Bharat Popli, Tim Clarke, Ben Musgrave, Tim Pringle, Alastair Blackett, Tommy Clout, Stephen Crossan, Donovan Deeble.