While Loffler, Craig Christophers, Kieran Venema, Jonathan Purcell (captain) Matt Cook and Jimmy Holden are the mainstays of the team, Josh Adams has been a key player over the past two seasons, at key moments.
“Josh is an excellent fielder who can also get quick runs for us when needed, said Loffler, who is also a Poverty Bay selector.
“With more experience and better shot selection at times, he’ll turn into a good solid batter.
A Boys’ High victory would set them up for a crunch clash with second-placed Horouta, who play top-of-the-table Bollywood High School Old Boys, tomorrow.
Boys’ High skipper Drew Scott said “Everyone is in a good space and growing in confidence with the bat. We all want to make runs”.
Boys’ High wicketkeeper Matt McNeil rolled his ankle during a fielding drill training and is a doubtful starter.
“Jack Faulkner is a capable all-round cricketer who could also take the gloves,” said coach Ben O’Brien-Leaf.”
“We also have a new player, 15 year-old Amani Karauria-Lunt, who has come to us from Melbourne.”
'We tend to save our best for HSOB' - Horouta¦ Horouta club captain and opener Greg Taylor is hoping to have a large squad to pick from.
“At this stage, only Vaughan Thompson is unavailable, but it’s still going to be a tough game. HSOB are the form team,” said Taylor.
Although reluctant to single out individuals, Taylor said Chad Collins and Pratik Jethwa were players who give their all.
“They’re pretty useful bowlers and we’re hoping to give them some overs in the next two big games. Both are also prepared to put in the hours improving their batting.
“Amit Vyas has returned to us after a season with Bollywood and has worked hard on his batting.
“Amit provides good middle-order runs. He’s always happy and encouraging teammates. He’s a good clubman.
“HSOB are the form team and have all-round strength. But for us it’s not about individuals, it’s about everyone making contributions with bat ball, and in the field.
“We tend to save our best for HSOB. Hopefully that will be the case tomorrow.”
HSOB have emerged the biggest threat to OBM completing the treble.
They gave a hint of what was to come before Chrostmas and since then have assembled a formidable line-up.
In Carl Shaw, Glen Udall, Scott Tallott, Ajay Kumar and David Salmon they have a top order who can take the game away from any opposition.
Left-arm spinner and tailender batsman Ryan Majstrovic has also made valuable contributions with bat and ball in the revival.
With no disrespect to the others, Tallott could prove to be the jewel in the crown as the season heads towards an exciting end.
Campion not about to concede defeat ¦ Campion College, who are bottom of the table and out of contention for a spot in the top three playoffs, take on third-placed Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates.
Barring the biggest upset of the season, Pirates will win this encounter and move into second if HSOB beat Horouta.
Campion player-coach Mark Naden is not about to concede defeat is imminent.
“It’s another tough game but we’ve had some real positives,” he said. “Nathan Andrews has been batting for 10-plus overs, and bowling really well.
“Edward Fili-Weti and Tevita Kavai are back in the team for this weekend. They are strong boys, who are developing into good leaders. Blake Marshall is also a good athlete.
“Luke Hurlstone has been bowling great and his batting is improving. Max Briant is developing into a potential lethal fast bowler and powerful batsman.
“Give these boys, and the likes of Liam Spring, Blake Marshall, Cam Rowell and Taz Ward, in a couple of years they will be a competitive unit.”
