Northland trio gear up for 'Cros vs Bros' clash

REP STATUS: Brad Bennetto will play for NZ Croatia. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

New Zealand Croatia are hoping to continue their traditions on the cricket pitch when they face Northern Districts Maori in two Twenty20 matches in Rotorua tomorrow, boosted by the inclusion of three Northlanders.

In the match dubbed "Cros versus Bros", former Pompallier Catholic College students Brad Bennetto and Adrian Smith-Hodgson join former first-class cricketer Joseph Yovich in the Croatian side.

Captained by Yovich, the match is a continuation of a relationship between Northern Districts and the Kiwi Croatians which is now into its second year.

However, the match has a competitive aspect and isn't just a feel-good day out. Both sides have players with international, first-class, or district representative experience - and last year's fixture went down to the last ball.

Yovich is expecting an entertaining battle when the two culturally-based cricket teams get down to business tomorrow.

"It's a measure of how seriously Kiwi Croatians take their sport - and how much pride they share in representing a widespread cultural group in New Zealand," the Whangarei-based Yovich said.

"So it was hugely disappointing to us to lose both Northern Maori games last season by the skin of our teeth.

"We get white line fever as soon as we cross that rope. We're disciplined in our cricket skills and look to play a big-hitting, entertaining Twenty20 style."

On the upside, Yovich has been impressed by the growth in awareness of Maori cricket and the rapid improvements made since it was launched as a Northern Districts development initiative four seasons ago.

"Maori cricket is going from strength to strength and it's great to see that at long last.

"They take a great deal of pride in what they are about, as do we, and that's created quite an affinity and respect between our two teams.

"We are certainly not taking these games lightly, and have selected a very competitive squad of 14 players drawn from Auckland, Northland and Waikato to give Northern Maori a big run for their money," said Yovich.

Also featuring for New Zealand Croatia will be Dean Devcich, who is the brother of Black Cap Anton Devcich and a useful cricketer himself.

John Vujnovich, Anton Vujcich and wicketkeeper Anthony Govorko are New Zealanders who have represented Croatia at ICC international level, while tall pace bowler Michael Ravlic is a rising star pushing for selection in the current Auckland Aces squad.

The first game begins at 10.30am at Smallbone Park, followed by the afternoon match at 2pm.

New Zealand Croatia squad: Joseph Yovich (c), Adrian Smith-Hodgson, Brad Bennetto (Northland), James Bevin, Craig Borich, Jason Brajkovic, Ben Lister, James Piskulic, Michael Ravlic, Anton Vujcich, Matthew Vujcich, John Vujnovich (Auckland), Dean Devcich, Anthony Govorko (w) (Hamilton).

McCaw Lewis Northern Maori squad: Leighton Parsons (c), Robert Kaihe, Tom Te Whare, Keith Vincent (Waikato Valley), Josh Bates, Thomas Hayes (Poverty Bay), Matt Earl, Shannon McSkimming (Bay of Plenty), Liam Hunia, Shaun Simpson (Counties Manukau), Rees Uerata (Bay of Plenty).