Central Indians to reignite Williams Cup campaign

Central Indians' bowler Prabh Gill, pictured in action against Mount Maunganui, is a big loss for his side this weekend. PHOTO/ ANDREW WARNER

Rotorua's Bayleys Central Indians are seeking to reignite their BOPCA Williams Cup campaign.

And the team have the perfect opportunity against Cup strugglers Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College away in the Bay of Plenty premier trophy competition at Blake Park tomorrow.

Central Indians go into the fourth-round game looking for a confidence boost after two straight defeats including last weekend's 56-run loss to unbeaten Carrus Mount Maunganui.

Tauranga Boys' are aiming to pick themselves up after last weekend's heartbreaking last-ball defeat against Eves Realty Greerton.

Central Indians' co-captain Andrew Gibbs said he was wary of this weekend's opponents with the current table concealing Tauranga Boys' true quality.

"I really rate Tauranga, and we're all a bit surprised to see where they are in the table," Gibbs said. "So we can't take anything for granted.

"I do think we go into the game as favourites though. Despite not getting the wins we've played well and should have the experience edge on Tauranga."

Gibbs said there was the potential of several new faces in his team's lineup and the bowling attack would have to adjust because of the unavailability of left-arm spinner Prabh Gill.

"I'm working on a couple of possible changes at the moment but we will field an experienced top team," Gibbs said. "It's a big loss not having Prabh because he's a very good defensive player. We'll adjust accordingly though."

Meanwhile at the top of the table the only two unbeaten sides will face off - Element IMF Cadets host Carrus Mount Maunganui at the Tauranga Domain in an encounter with the Baker Cup (WBOPCA Challenge Trophy) on the line.

But both teams will look to their reserve grade ranks with four first team players apiece selected for the Bay of Plenty representative team's defence of the Hawke Cup at the Bay Oval.

And Greerton will be chasing three successive Williams Cup victories this season when they square-off with New World Te Puke at Pemberton Park.

BOPCA Baywide premier competition fixtures

Williams Cup - round four:
(Saturday, January 28)

Tauranga Boys' College v Bayleys Central Indians, Blake Park, Tauranga.

Carrus Mount Maunganui v Element IMF Cadets, Tauranga Domain, Tauranga.

Eves Realty Greerton v New World Te Puke, Pemberton Park, Tauranga.

Williams Cup points table: Carrus Mount Maunganui 21, Element IMF Cadets 21, Eves Realty Greerton 15, Bayleys Central Indians 6, Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College 3, New World Te Puke 3.