There’s a big game to be played on Monday — and every Gisborne Intermediate School cricketer worth his salt wants in.
But before the New Zealand Cup opener between Gis Int and Ilminster Intermediate at Ilminster next Monday comes Gis Int’s 35-over trial match — Gentlemen v Players —at 9.30am tomorrow.
“Anticipation is building around this game, our platform for boys to perform against other quality players who share a passion for cricket,” said Gisborne Intermediate principal and coach Glen Udall. “As with our proud tradition in the TW Challenge, and the boys are eager to etch their name in Gis Int folklore.”
The TW Challenge between the Ts (Taruheru, Turanganui) and the Ws (Waipaoa, Waimata) on April 6 last year threw up a spectacular result: a nine-wicket win to the Ts under Sebastian Wilson, who was in the middle when opener Gareth Langford hit his 18th boundary, a cover drive, to finish on 83 not-out off just 38 balls, ending the contest in 11.5 overs.
Jarrod Ormiston (Gentlemen) and Bekko Page (Players) will lead the First 11 trial teams at Gisborne Intermediate tomorrow. As has been the case for 10 years, there will be no batting retirements or seven-eight ball over rule in effect. Batsmen will have the opportunity to make centuries — Thorn Parkes made 200 not-out in 2013 — and bowlers will bowl six legal balls.
