Sinclair is quoted as saying the Bay are the best team in Central Districts and that Manawatu sent an understrengthteam to play Taranaki at the weekend to deprive the Bay of becoming top qualifiers.
Does he actually realise that unbeaten Taranaki defeated the Bay convincingly or did someone not pass that message on to him while he was commentating on television rather than fulfilling his position as player/coach during that time?
Manawatu sent the strongest team available to them and Taranaki played very disciplined and tough cricket to gain first-innings points and deservedly earn a challenge this weekend.
Sinclair also makes reference to Taranaki complaining about the Bay playing too many overseas players.
The cup eligibility rules are very clear and Taranaki Cricket, I believe, made the Bay aware of this before they selected three ineligible players for the fixture - not make it a position where it could have been made to look like "sour grapes".
If the Bay is "the best district" then why play so many ineligible players when young talent are not getting an opportunity to play.
Maybe Sinclair should do some coaching and development in his region rather than complaining without researching facts.
Unfortunately I am unable to attend the challenge in Manawatu this weekend but I wish the best two North Island Central Districts teams, cup holders Manawatu and challengers Taranaki, well.
I hope the game is played in great cup spirit. Maybe "Skippy" Sinclair could organise a rematch against Poverty Bay. It looks like he needs to do a lot to catch up to them based on this season's earlier match.
- Phil Mustard, Taranaki
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