The Northland First XI team head into their opening representative hit-outs this weekend, at the Brian Dunning tournament, at Taupo.
Despite wet weather cancelling their pre-season match against Counties-Manukau last month, Northland coach Stephen Cunis said his side were well prepared after working hard and professionally over the past coupleof months.
Northland play Waikato Valley, Poverty Bay and Bay of Plenty during the three-day tournament starting on Sunday on grass wickets at Owen Delany Park.
"Historically the wickets are not hard and fast and suit medium pacers but we are going with a fast, strong pace attack regardless of the conditions," Cunis said.
They have ample quick bowlers Matt Taylor, Kevin Forde, Cody Andrews and seamer John Child, who has taken over the reins with the retirement of long-serving captain Brett Hood. "John Child can play on any type of wicket and we also have a couple of handy spinners ... our strength is our pace and we will base our game plan on that and try to bowl them out smartly," the coach said.
Northland stalwart Joey Yovich was also included in the squad after he was ruled out of the Northern Knights side to play Wellington Firebirds due to injury. The allrounder is expected to rejoin the Knights after the Dunning tournament.
The batting effort will be led by Steven Knox who recently returned to Northland from Scotland and provides the experience at the top of the order. Top order batsman Henry Cooper is not playing as he is sitting exams.
Northland First XI to play at the Brian Dunning Tournament: J Child (c), C Andrews (Maungakaramea), C Coffey (Onerahi), S Knox, B Hyde (Kamo), I Page, C Page, J Yovich (City), R Smith, B Kneebone (keeper) (WBHS), M Taylor, K Forde, C McGoldrick (Kaipara).
