Central Indians given vote of confidence

Central Indians' player Himesh Gosai (in action against Te Puke last weekend) and his side are confident ahead of tough opposition on Saturday. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Bayleys Central Indians' co-captain Shonit Chandra has given his players a vote of confidence - stating the side is capable of beating any of the BOPCA Baywide premier competition teams.

Chandra's comments follow on from Central Indians' six defeats out of seven in the Baywide Cup matches and ahead of the team's away clash against second placed Element IMF Cadets tomorrow.

It will be a tough game with Cadets just four points behind table toppers Carrus Mount Maunganui, but Chandra stressed confidence was at an "all time high" despite coming into the game on the back of last weekend's "controversial" loss to New World Te Puke.

"We have taken last weekend's result as a win and everything has been coming along nicely this week," he said.

"I am incredibly confident about the team. We won't be making a lot of changes because I feel everything is coming together and we are ready to show our true potential.

"Cadets have a very solid batting line-up so we'll target those early wickets and show assured batting when we're up.

"We can beat anyone in this league. We have nothing to lose and should play with that in mind."

Central Indians may have the added bonus of Northern Districts' Bharat Popli available while Cadets come into the game after last Saturday's shock loss to Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College.

"It is yet to be confirmed but Bharat may be able to step in and add some fire, especially with the bat," said Chandra.

"The competition is wide open this year. There have been some big upsets and now we're ready to cause them too," said Chandra.

Meanwhile, leaders Mount Maunganui host Tauranga Boys' College at Blake Park.

Mount's batting attack will be led by Blair McKenzie, who heads the season tally of runs with 209.

McKenzie has blasted a century apiece in both the Baywide Cup and Western Bay of Plenty reserve grade cricket this season.

Mount skipper Dale Swan leads the bowling list with 14 wickets with best figures of 4-5.

But Tauranga Boys' have two stars of the future in emerging talents - Rhys Mischewski and Sean Wakelin, who sit equal second (with Central Indians' Andrew Gibbs) in the bowling stakes, with 13 wickets each.

And the Western Bay of Plenty Baker Cup challenge prize will be on the line at the Te Puke Domain when holders Te Puke take on Eves Realty Greerton.

The coveted trophy has changed hands on just once this season, when Te Puke beat Mount Maunganui.

Greerton's batsman Cam Neal will be one to watch - sitting second in the Baywide Cup batting stakes with 182 runs.

While standing behind the Te Puke stumps is the leader in the season catches stakes - Kurt Lansdown with nine this season.

BOPCA Baywide premier competition fixtures

Baywide Cup,
Saturday, 12pm start:

Element IMF Cadets v Central Indians, Tauranga Domain, Tauranga.

New World Te Puke v Eves Realty Greerton, Te Puke Domain, Te Puke.

Carrus Mount Maunganui v Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys College, Blake Park 1, Tauranga.

Points: Carrus Mount Maunganui 125, Element IMF Cadets 121, Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys College 105, New World Te Puke 93, Eves Realty Greerton 85, Bayleys Central Indians 17.

Baywide Cup top three stakes:

Batting: Blair McKenzie (Mount Maunganui) 209 runs, Cam Neal (Greerton) 182, Tim Clarke (TBC) 179.

Bowling: Dale Swan (Mount Maunganui) 14 wickets, Rhys Mischewski (TBC) 13, Sean Wakelin (TBC) 13, Andrew Gibbs (Central Indians) 13.

Catches: Kurt Lansdown (Te Puke) 9 catches, Matt Golding (Mount Maunganui) 7, Ben Pomare (TBC) 7.