It’s not all over yet

IN THE LEAD: Old Boys Rugby won the Doleman Cup this season. They also lead the DJ Barry Cup, with two rounds to go, but High School Old Boys are not far behind. Picture by Paul Rickard

Poverty Bay cricket competition leaders Old Boys Rugby will be out to boost their buffer tomorrow as they strive to solidify their claim for the title.

Bain Construction OBR are five points clear of Bollywood Stars High School Old Boys in the DJ Barry Cup — not yet enough for them to feel comfortable.

“It’s all about trying to buffer our advantage before next week,” OBR captain Jonathan Purcell said.

With two rounds to go, the two leading teams have no more games against each other before the season ends.

The top two sides instead play third-placed Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates and bottom-placed Gisborne Boys’ High School in the next two weeks.

OBR play Boys’ High tomorrow.

“Boys’ High are getting better and better,” Purcell said.

“A few of their senior guys are leading them well.”

After a couple of good weeks for Boys’ High, including their first win of the competition last Saturday, captain Paul Stewart said tomorrow would be a real test of their progress.

“OBR will be the gauge of how far we’ve improved,” Stewart said.

“We’re up for the challenge at the weekend.”

They took some confidence from the win against Pirates.

“We’ve still got areas to improve on — batting time and making runs.”

HSOB, who lost to OBR last Saturday, play Pirates tomorrow.

HSOB senior batsman Glen Udall said his side would bring plenty of enthusiasm to their task.

“While last week was a big blow to our chances of securing the DJ Barry Cup this season, we will remain focused on approaching this weekend’s game against Pirates with optimism,” he said.

“We are realistic enough to concede that on paper, with full squads available, both OBR and Pirates are potentially more powerful sides than HSOB.

“We definitely have limited bowling stocks and rely on game-changing batsmen to carve out victories for us.

“Having said that, Jagroop Singh has been the find of the season for us with the ball. He is underrated and can cause batsmen real problems with his consistency.

“Pirates definitely have the class in their side to cause us major headaches and we respect that.

“Despite their recent results, they will be a daunting prospect for us.”

Pirates captain Dane Thompson said his team were looking to end the season with a couple of good performances.

“We’re obviously not where we want to be but have to keep pushing on and make it interesting for OBR and HSOB competing for the title.”

He said Pirates would be without Brad Reynolds tomorrow but, other than that, would be just about at full strength.

The games have an early start time of 10.30am at Harry Barker Reserve.

In the Hope Cup, the semifinals are tomorrow at 2pm. Coastal Ultrasound Horouta play OBR’s second 11 and Campion College play Ngatapa.