Cricket: Bay of Plenty head to Taupo for tournament

Bay of Plenty batsman Sean Davey in action against Hawke's Bay earlier this year. Photo / File

The Bay of Plenty cricket team are heading into new territory when they play in the annual Northern Districts tournament in Taupo, on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Last season the annual tournament for the Brian Dunning Trophy, saw 50-over cricket interspersed with two games of Twenty20 on the opening day.

This year Bay of Plenty will play all five other ND minor associations in T20 combat. They open their Taupo tournament campaign against Waikato Valley and Counties Manukau, before meeting Poverty Bay, Northland and Hamilton in successive matches.

"The team is very excited to be playing this new T20 format and will be going with the single goal of bringing home the trophy," Bay of Plenty coach Charles Williams said.

"We have experience in spades with not only our players but also the conditions in Taupo. Our short-format captain Jono Boult has extensive Twenty20 experience and we will look to him for leadership in Taupo. Jono is constantly talking so it is natural to use his skill-set as captain. I have been very impressed with his guidance and coaching of our younger squad members and have no doubt that Jono's captaincy will strengthen our team in Taupo."

T20 cricket can change ball by ball and the leadership provided by the former ND player will be invaluable. Boult's ability to adapt and relay it to the side will be a key cog in the pursuit of success.

The Bay team to play in the Taupo three-day tournament has a huge amount of experience in its ranks.

"Bharat Popli rejoins the Bay team while ND are playing the one-dayers. Having his talent and leadership in our batting line-up is a real bonus," Williams said.

"Joe Carter who is fresh off a big century in Baywide cricket last week, will open the innings and his exceptional work in the field is sure to pay dividends in Taupo.

"Pete Drysdale has fashioned himself into a very good short-format player, who is constantly adapting to the situation and he is also a very handy bowler. Sean Davey is fresh off playing for Northern Districts A in Taupo and is a genuine first class all-rounder.

"Our keeper Tim Clarke has real leadership and the added responsibility of leading the fielding unit behind the stumps. Tom MacRury bats at the top of the order and has a well known ability to clear fences with the ball.

"We are also welcoming back Tommy Clout after a two-year injury hiatus. His left arm medium pace will be a good point of difference for the team. Tommy has been working extremely hard to get back into the representative side and everyone is excited to have him back."

Brian Dunning Tournament at Owen Delaney Park, Taupo
December 4-6

Bay of Plenty Team:
Jono Boult (c), Pete Drysdale, Tom MacRury, Joe Carter, Sean Davey, Brett Hampton, Bharat Popli, Tim Clarke, Ben Musgrave, Tim Pringle, Alastair Blackett, Tommy Clout, Stephen Crossan, Donovan Deeble.