Lance to spearhead challenge

It is with the bat, rather than the ball, that United will most need Tom Lance to perform in his comeback tomorrow. Photo/File

Once more into the breach go Property Brokers United on their trip to New Plymouth's Pukekura Park tomorrow.

The perennial Wanganui cricket one-day champions were strengthened this week with the news leading batsman Tom Lance was available for the match against the Taranaki one-day champions, New Plymouth Old Boys. Old Boys claimed the title for the first time since 2009 with a seven-wicket victory against Woodleigh on Sunday.

United captain Max Carroll said Lance, recovering from a leg injury after he started their home campaign with scores of 97 and 110, had said he felt good to go despite not being at 100 per cent.

"He'll pick up the bat where he left off, hopefully."

Lance will no doubt remember falling cheaply when his middle stump was lost in United's five-wicket defeat to Taranaki's Marist United in the corresponding clash last year.

Marist United had beaten Woodleigh in the Taranaki one-day final that season, but this year NPOB emerged and showed what a fearsome batting lineup they possess as they chased down Woodleigh's 283-8 at Pukekura for the loss of only three wickets.

Veteran Jamie Watkins and teenager James McDougall shared an extraordinary second-wicket partnership of 245, with Watkins dismissed late in the piece for 126, while McDougall batted through to 121 - both raising their centuries by smashing sixes.

"They've got players, a couple of reps, capable with the bat.

"But we're not too fazed with that," said Carroll.

While only Active Physio Wanganui spinner Robbie Power has been on Pukekura Park recently, having played in the Hawke Cup match against Taranaki in late November, Carroll said their experienced men knew what it was all about up there.

"Fifth year in a row [in this playoff], Taranaki is a pretty competitive province.

"The catching can be difficult at times, coming out of the trees. But there's a first-class game coming out on it soon, so the pitch will be pretty good."

Knowing they must bat out a full 50 overs either chasing or going in first drop it falls to the likes of Lance, Carroll, and young Chris Sharrock to hold on to their wickets. Sharrock scored an undefeated 91 last weekend.

United had also hoped to bring former captain Andrew McCaa back from Rotorua as an invitational player for the match, but he was unavailable.

For Carroll, his recent eye surgery has improved his vision, yet he admits that has yet to transfer into run-scoring.

The game starts at 12pm tomorrow at the park.

The winner will then travel to Palmerston North to play the final of the Central Districts one-day competition for a spot at the national club finals.

Property Brokers United: Chris Sharrock, Dylan Martin, Tyler McElwaine, Tom Lance, Max Carroll (c), Robbie Power, Gerard Hobbs, Stephan Holloway, Brendan Walker, Ritesh Verma, Darren Jones.

New Plymouth Old Boys (possible): Riley McGregor (c), Dean Stewart, Kent Jordan, Brad Fale, Kane Robertson, Brad Purcell, Jamie Watkins, James McDougall, Mattie Thomas, Callum Stuart, Simon Clinton Baker, Jackson Braddock Pajo, Warwick Millar, Kyle Pillay, David Loake.