A crucial cup encounter

WELCOME BACK: Horouta club captain Greg Taylor returns from injury for a crucial DJ Barry Cup match against Gisborne Boys’ High first 11 at Harry Barker Reserve tomorrow. The winners will take a huge stride towards possibly qualifying for the semifinals. Picture by Paul Rickard

HOROUTA’S clash with Gisborne Boys’ High first 11 is the key match of DJ Barry Cup cricket on Saturday with the club side looking to repeat their Doleman Cup feat of eliminating the students from the semi-finals.

All-rounder and skipper Robbie Tallott, back from Northern Districts under-17 duty, is the main danger man for the school and has caused damage with bat and ball this season. But Horouta club captain Greg Taylor is also aware of the form of Drew Scott.

The 15-year-old, who scored 92 off 94 balls last week against Tamarind HSOB, has already declined the opportunity to play for the Poverty Bay senior representative side.

Ryan Nepe returns to the GBHS pace attack for the first time in the New Year. GBHS fielded a very young side in their creditable losing performance to HSOB last week but coach Ben O’Brien-Leaf continues to look for improvement.

“We fielded five juniors against HSOB last Saturday,” he said. “I want to see our younger players look to contribute with a positive strike rate when batting. Though they are playing against adult cricketers, they can pay attention, back up, hit the ball, call and run the first run hard to put pressure on the field.”

Horouta have some of their more experienced players returning to action. All-rounders Marty Brandso and Quentin Mill, return from the holiday season while stalwart Clarence Campbell is back in the bowling attack after illness.

“They add variety and more firepower into our bowling attack, and strengthen the batting line up’’ said Taylor. Keegan Martin and Taylor, both returning from injury, also strengthen the side.

ND under-18 women’s rep Phoebe Taylor has returned from good performances at tournament play in Auckland and will come into the attack at some stage.

Horouta have had a bye and a loss in the DJ Barry Cup while GBHS have had two losses. This makes for a crucial encounter.

OBR, Pirates and HSOBDoleman Cup winners Landmark Homes Bain Construction OBR, defending DJ Barry Cup champions Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates and HSOB are expected to qualify for the semifinals.

Pirates, with two wins from two matches, are favoured to beat GBHS 2 while HSOB, with a win and a bye, are also expected to win their match against Campion College.

OBR, with two wins from two, have the bye.