Bay of Plenty Indians set for thrilling Rotorua/Taupo senior reserve grade final

Bay of Plenty Indians player Yohann Irani, pictured batting against Central CC earlier this season, and his side are in the final this weekend. Photo/File

The Rotorua cricket community is set for a tantalising final in the Rotorua/Taupo senior reserve grade.

The Bay of Plenty Indians take on GM Painters Lake Taupo CC 2nd Xl tomorrow at Smallbone Park for the trophy.

Indians reached the final after beating Taupo Old Boys 1 by 54 runs last weekend while Lake Taupo made the top two clash with a narrow one wicket win against Rotorua's Eastern Pirates.

The Rotorua side beat their final opposition by eight wickets in their previous fixture - however Lake Taupo fielded a much weakened team.

Indians captain Shonit Chandra stressed his side would treat the crucial match as "any other game" and a good batting performance was key to a winning result.

"We are not taking anything for granted," Chandra said. "I've said we shouldn't take this as a final - that can really affect the build up and performance.

"I'm very confident about our fielding and bowling - it's our batting performance that needs work. We have to make solid partnerships in the top order. Those early big scores are essential.

"Taupo have a very strong bowling line-up and can make it difficult for us at the crease. We have to face up to them right away and put the pressure on them."

Both teams will be eager to add to their trophy collection this season - each with a scalp to their name, Lake Taupo won the pre-Christmas Rotorua/Taupo senior reserve grade final in December while BOP Indians won the New Zealand Indian Sports Association cricket tournament, over 20 overs, in January.

"We are on a high this year. Mentally we are in the right place," Chandra said.

Indians have added onus after last winning the title in 2010 and previously making the semifinals four times in the past five years.

"We're really eager to win. It's been too long for us and would really cap off a fantastic season. I hope all our fans come out to cheer us on - we need the support."

The match starts at 1pm.