Tough opening challenge for Geyser City first XI cricketers at WBOPCA Championship

Geyser City first XI team player Peter Walters and his side are aiming for an opening win in the newly formed WBOPCA Championship this weekend. PHOTO/ FILE

Rotorua's Geyser City first XI are targeting opening success in the newly formed WBOPCA Championship.

But they face a tough first challenge - taking on Western Bay of Plenty reserve grade first-round winners Lake Taupo CC in their Pool One fixture away tomorrow. Geyser City go into the game looking to improve on their first-round performances after securing just two wins - leaving them just above bottom-placed Cadets on the table.

Lake Taupo remain undefeated in their debut season in Western Bay of Plenty cricket.

The reserve grade competition has opened up the Championship title race with two pools of six, with three from each pool going on to contest the WBOPCA Championship. The remaining six sides play for the WBOPCA Plate Championship.

Tauranga Boys College, Katikati, Sikh Sports and R&A Sangha make up the rest of Pool One whilst Greerton, Aquinas College, Mount Maunganui, Whakatane United, Cadets and Te Puke form Pool Two.

Geyser City club chairman Mike Holmes said the side must get off to a good start in a competition they were aiming to make the semifinals in.

"We are in a good place team spirit wise," he said. "Our first game after New Year is always tough but we have to attack from the off and brush those Christmas cobwebs off quick.

"Batsmen need to place a high price on their wicket and choose their shots carefully. We can definitely make the semifinals but must make a strong first statement to kick us on."

The other match-ups in Pool One see Tauranga Boys College take on Katikati at home with the hosts just missing a place in the top four from round one. Sikh Sports play R&A Sangha at Fergusson Park.

The highlight game in Pool Two is between Mount Maunganui and Whakatane United at Blake Park and is set to be a thriller.

WBOPCA Western Bay of Plenty reserve grade fixtures:

Pool One:

Lake Taupo CC v Geyser City, Kaimanawa Reserve, Taupo.

Tauranga Boys College v Katikati, Blake 2, Tauranga.

Sikh Sports v R&A Sangha, Fergusson 2, Tauranga.

Pool Two:

Greerton v Aquinas College, Pemberton Park, Tauranga.

Mount Maunganui v Whakatane United, Blake 1, Tauranga.

Cadets v Te Puke, Tauranga Domain, Tauranga.

WBOPCA reserve grade, first round honours:

Batting: 1. Fergus Lellman (Aquinas College) 408; 2. GS Mahal (R&A Sangha) 264; 3. Alex Yates (Whakatane United) 245.

Bowling: 1. LS Bhatti (R&A Sangha) 23; 2. Roger Urbahn (Lake Taupo CC) 19; 3. Chris Tupea (Whakatane United) 18.

Catches: 1. Simon Smith (Lake Taupo CC) 10; 2. Nintin Bindal (Whakatane United) 8; 3. Pete Walters (Geyser City) 7; 4. Tasman Carson (Tauranga Boys College) 7.