PB host Bay of Plenty in one-dayer

Jak Rowe on the pitch. Picture by Paul Rickard

POVERTY Bay coach David McDonald is under no illusions about the task facing his team tomorrow when they host Bay of Plenty in a one-day Fergus Hickey game at Harry Barker Reserve

“They’re traditionally one of the strongest teams in the Northern Districts association, with or without their ND players,” said McDonald, whose side drew with Waikato Valley but lost on first-innings points in a two dayer here in November.

“They’re always there or therabouts at the top of the competition and we’re expecting another tough encounter tomorrow.”

Making life even more difficult for McDonald and skipper Mitchell Turner, the home side will be without Thomas Hayes, Alex Gooding, Robbie Tallott and Thorn Parkes.

Seasoned campaigners Hayes and Gooding are unavailable.

Gisborne Boys’ High School skipper Tallott and King’s College student Parkes are on duty with the Northern Districts under-17 team at the national u17 tournament in Lincoln. Tallott came of age with an unbeaten 28 against Waikato Valley.

“It wasn’t just the 28 runs he scored that day that saved us from losing outright. Robbie also batted for 168 minutes and faced 115 balls,” McDonald said.

Needing to score 177 to make the visitors bat again, Tallott anchored the Bay’s second innings and defied a strong bowling attack to guide the Bay to 167-6 when play finished.

“Robbie and Thorn were our most consistent players in the senior secondary Schools tournament here before Christmas.

“Thorn’s unbeaten ton (102) against Northland was superb.”

McDonald said Tallott’s older brother Sam, as well as Jak Rowe, would be key players tomorrow.

“Jak has the ability to get any batsman out. He’s bowling good line and length consistently and showing a lot of maturity.

“Sam was our best player in the one-day tournament in Taupo before Christmas and hopefully he’ll carry that into this game.”

Team for Sunday: Sam Tallott, Carl Carmody, Josh Bates, Nick Smith (BoP/ batsman), Scott Tallott, Dane Thompson, Mitchell Turner, Jak Rowe, Jono Purcell 2 to be confirmed Ian Loffler/Tom Boorman.