Boult return comes at the perfect time

BOULTED: Bay of Plenty fast bowler Jono Boult has been released by Northern Districts to play in the Fergus Hickey Rosebowl against Northland this weekend. PHOTO/FILE

Fergus Hickey Rosebowl holders Bay of Plenty face a must-win clash against Northland in Whangarei.

While it is too early in the season to say that the two day game against Northland tomorrow and Sunday is a season defining game, the reality is that Bay of Plenty need to win the encounter to stay in contention to defend the trophy this summer.

An indifferent start to the season was the result from three days of play at the annual Northern Districts one-day tournament in Taupo which traditionally opens each Fergus Hickey season.

A sole win against Counties Manukau and double losses to Northland and Hamilton opened the Bay of Plenty 2013/14 season ledger card.

However, resilience and fighting spirit are two of the qualities of Bay of Plenty First XIs over the years and the Bay side are likely to go into the encounter in the Far North with a steely determination this weekend.

Injuries to three players in the team that contested the ND one-day series at Taupo has seen two very experienced allrounders and a quick bowler brought into the Bay side.

Northern Knight Jono Boult has been released by ND for the Northland encounter - the long time Bay team member will play his 55th match in the Bay of Plenty uniform on the weekend.

A highest score of 107 and best bowling figures of 6/30 tell the tale of the contribution that the allrounder has made to Bay of Plenty since his debut a decade ago.

Bay of Plenty coach Ben Williams will hold the player/coach tag for the trip to the Far North.

An impressive six wicket bag for Te Puke in Baywide cricket last weekend showed selectors that Williams had quickly hit top form with the ball this season.

The third player added to the Bay team is Te Puke fast bowler Jeremy Bates.

Bates is another in the Bay side equally adept with both bat and ball having smashed a century for Te Puke in Baywide club cricket last season.

The Bay of Plenty team is; Peter Drysdale (captain) Joe Carter, Bharat Popli, Tom MacRury, Brett Hampton, Mitch McCann, Tim Clarke, Ben Williams, Tony Goodin, Jeremy Bates, Campbell Thomas, and Jono Boult.