Batting could be tough

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

CRICKET by Jack Malcolm

Round two of the DJ Barry Cup sees HSOB play Gisborne Boys High School and OBR play Horouta.

After a week of sun followed by rain, it will likely be a bowlers surface again, with a slick layer of new grass for batsmen to contend with probably having formed.

Bollywood Stars HSOB sits on top of the table after their decisive win last weekend, ahead of Coastal Concrete OBR who also won their opening game.

Galaxy World GBHS and Siteworx Civil Horouta are still searching for their first win, with key players due for a run of good form after a slow start to the season.

HSOB captain Carl Shaw said they don't expect GBHS to be an easy team, with the players continuously improving and developing.

“They bowl really good consistent areas and are an exceptionally good fielding unit. Their batting is also not to be underestimated.

“They have shown an ability to bay time and value their wickets, which is critical to making the most of the extra 10 overs.”

He said of his team last week that they weren't able to put the nail in the coffin with the bat, hoping they too will take advantage of the 50-over format to pile on some runs.

GBHS captain Nathan Trowell said he expects a “close and competitive battle,” with both teams looking to take control with the bat.

“We need to execute both our bowling and batting plans this weekend.

“For us, we will be looking to build partnerships with the bat and for someone in our top 4, or top 6, to make a big score.”

On the other side of the draw, Horouta will have to be on top of their game if they are to come away with their first win of the season.

With Keegan Martin and Jagroop Singh back in the fold this weekend, they will have one of their strongest teams on paper as they look to face an OBR team who was still finalising a playing order as of Thursday evening.

“From our team perspective, we have the players to win. . . now it's about playing well and as a team,” said Horouta captain David Situ. Situ said he expects a tough and fair game against OBR, with who they have built a passionate yet friendly rivalry. OBR captain Nick Greeks said they wouldn't be underestimating Horouta this Saturday, heightened by having to field a less experienced team.

“We will look to contain the likes of Keegan (Martin) and David (Situ) with a tight line and length and take our chances.”