NORTHLAND cricketers face an uphill battle this weekend if they want to become Northern Districts challenger for the Hawke Cup next month. Northland trail competition leaders Hamilton and must win outright in their two-day game against Bay of Plenty at Tauranga's Blake Park and hope that Hamilton's match against third-placed Counties-Manukauends badly for them. Hamilton lead the competition on 29 points, with Northland a further four points behind on 25. Getting past the Bay of Plenty in Tauranga is always a daunting task and it has been made even harder with an understrength look to the Northland attack. Joe Yovich, who grabbed a nine-wicket haul in the side's last representative match against Waikato Valley at Cobham Oval, is required for Northern Districts. Regular opening bowler for Northland this season, Dan Robinson, is also unavailable, while another bowling regular, Jason Morgan, will also miss the match. Batsman Ian Page returns for the first time this season after a knee injury, while Northland selectors had yet to confirm a replacement bowler. A new round of one-day competition matches will start in Whangarei club cricket on Saturday. Weather permitting, Kaipara Flats will host Kamo, while at Kensington Park, Onerahi will play City and Maungakaramea meet Whangarei Boys' High School. • Northland: Rhys Farrand, Brad Wilson, Jamie Lee, Ben Cochrane, Bert Horner, Brad Chard, Stephen John, Darron Goodwin, Ian Page, Josh Matthews, Tim Anderson, Andy Thompson, (one to be added).
