Early wickets essential for BOP Indians in derby clash

BOP Indians co-captain Umesh Morarji and his side face tough opposition on the weekend. PHOTO/FILE.

Rotorua's cricket community is set for a fiery local derby tomorrow with top of the table Eastern Pirates taking on BOP Indians in the Rotorua/Taupo senior reserve grade.

It will be a closely contested match, at Ray Boord Park, with both teams in good form - unbeaten Pirates level pegging at the top of the table with Taupo Old Boys' first team whilst BOP Indians have won two out of their opening three matches.

BOP Indians co-captain Umesh Morarji said he was wary of the tough opposition and taking early wickets against an impressive Pirates batting line-up would be essential.

"It's early on but these are the sorts of games we need to be winning to take the title," he said.

"Pirates will certainly be our most difficult opposition so far because of the hot form they're in. They will bring that confidence on to the crease so taking out some of their key batters early on is a must."

Despite BOP Indians' solid start to the season Morarji said his side had much improvement to make if they were to challenge for any of the three major titles - T20 champions, pre-Christmas finish and overall league crown.

"We've been T20 champions for the past two years in a row but we can't take that for granted," he said.

"There are a lot of good teams and every wicket will really count throughout the season.

"I'm not completely happy with our overall performance at the moment. I think there is a lot for us to work on and over this week we've looked closely at our bowling and cutting out silly single runs in the field."

Meanwhile, Rotorua's Central Reserves will look to bounce back after last weekend's away defeat to Taupo Old Boys' first team when they take on the second side at Neil Hunt Park tomorrow. Chance Cars Geyser City Reserves face difficult opposition when they take on Taupo Old Boys' first team at home.

Rotorua/ Taupo senior reserve grade:
Saturday, 1pm start.

BOP Indians CC Reserves v Eastern Pirates, Ray Boord Park 1, Rotorua.

Chance Cars Geyser City Reserves v Taupo Old Boys 1, Ray Boord Park 2, Rotorua.

Central CC, Central Reserves v Taupo Old Boys 2 Neil Hunt Park 2, Rotorua.

Taupo Schools 1st XI v GM Painters Lake Taupo CC 2nd Xl, ODP 1, Taupo.