Cricket: Youngsters provide hope for the future

The wet weather was not conducive to cricket but things are looking bright for Rotorua's senior reserve competition.

With rain looming, the eight teams in the senior reserve grade division decided to get out and get busy. The pleasing factor was the skill and technique shown by the young college teams which gives hope to Rotorua cricket.

John Paul College player/coach Mark Chapman will be hoping his opening batsmen Mukund Ranchod, 15, and Amit Kumar 17, can build on their performance at the weekend. The pair overcame their disappointing display in round one the previous weekend against Central - to post a half century partnership against the Indians on Ray Boord Park.

Most impressive was their ability to build an innings.

The right-handed batsmen looked comfortable going forward or back to the quicks in the Indian team. Eventually the Indians managed to snare the youngsters - Ranchod for 23 and Kumar for 27, but not before the pair showed they are a talent for the future.

Others to show form with the bat were Sam Kelly and Marc Rigter before the rain settled in and the games in Rotorua were abandoned.

Central's reserve team appear to be the team to watch out for. Taking on Taupo College who have combined with Tauhara College to make up a 1st XI, opening batsman Ben Fraser put on a well constructed 62 off 50 odd balls faced.

He was joined by Richie Downs who also put on a half century before the rain came.

Despite Taupo College being dealt to by the older and more experienced Central side, the youngsters showed with the right field placements and a tighter bowling line they will take wickets and will give who ever they go up against a challenge.