Gisborne's Pirates ‘up for cricket challenge’

OBR medium-pace bowler Jimmy Holden is expected to be a key player in the sudden-death DJ Barry Cup semifinal showdown against Pirates tomorrow. Picture by Liam Clayton

CRICKET

Old Boys Rugby are only two wins away from completing the treble . . . but first they must beat Pirates in tomorrow’s DJ Barry Cup cricket semfinal at Harry Barker Reserve.

Waiting are Bollywood Stars High School Old Boys, who last week booked an automatic spot in the final.

“Our goal from Day 1 was to win all three trophies — Walker Shield, Doleman Cup and DJ Barry Cup,” said Loffler, who will be without Matt Henwood and Kieran Venema.

“But we’re not thinking about the final at this stage. Our focus is on Pirates.”

Apart from Venema and Henwood, it will be a full-strength Bain Construction OBR line-up.

In Craig Christophers, they have one of the best all-rounders in the district.

A classy batsman, Christophers is also a valuable member of the best bowling attack in the competition. OBR also have Jimmy Holden, Timoti Weir, Matt Cook, Arun Kurup and Jonathan Purcell to make a contribution with the ball.

Loffler and Christophers are the longest-serving OBR players.

“We want to finish the season on a high note,” Loffler said.

“Our experienced players have to step up but everyone has to contribute.

“Whether we bat or bowl first, we need to start well and apply pressure. Batting our 40 overs is something we have been aiming for. That allows us to chase or set a target. We have plenty of finals experience and can’t wait for Saturday.”

Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates skipper Brad Reynolds was not happy with his side’s performance against Gisborne Boys’ High School last week.

“We got there in the end, thanks to Pete Stewart (21 not out) and Dan Torrie (18no) — who shared an unbeaten 41-run partnership after we were reduced to 82-7 chasing 122.

“We definitely need to apply ourselves — and I include myself — with our batting, but I’m confident if we do that and prepare well mentally we can win.

“We lost to OBR in the Doleman Cup final when we let ourselves down with the bat. That Doleman Cup loss has been on our minds. This game is also an opportunity to stop OBR doing the treble.

“It won’t be easy but we’re up for the challenge.”

Pirates will be without Needham brothers Richie and Tom. If they are to win, senior players Reynolds, Dane Thompson, Hollinshead, Dan Torrie and Peter Stewart will have to lead from the front, with Tayla Hollis, Sam Patterson and Baxter Mackay making contributions.