Looking for a third in a row

TEAM LEADERS: The performance of Leela Beattie (pictured) and Kyle Butters will be crucial if Wanganui are to retain the Christie Cup this Sunday against Manawatu.PHOTOS/FILE

THEY have kept the trophy as a guest at the Bassett St courts for two winters, but Wanganui's Christie Cup team are bracing for a big raid from the Manawatu this Sunday.

Having won the cup for the first time in 50 years against Taranaki in November 2012, Wanganui have fended off challenges from their two bigger provincial neighbours since then and are now hunting an unprecedented third summer holding the trophy.

However, three of the key players from this streak - Emma Hayman, Paige Hourigan and Victor Romero - will not be available for the squad on Sunday.

The professional coach Romero and nationally-ranked Hayman committed to Christie Cup for Wanganui at the same time a very strong youth brigade - led by Hourigan and her cousin Kyle Butters - were climbing through the ranks.

Hayman is currently playing and coaching in Australia while Hourigan is having an excellent season as a freshman at Georgia Tech in the US.

Neither woman was available when Wanganui last defeated Manawatu, 16 matches to 8, at the Manawatu Lawn Tennis Club 12 months ago.

However, Romero remained a key fixture and his withdrawal with injury seriously depletes the strength at the top end of the team for Sunday.

The six males and six females will play their Manawatu counterparts in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, where they must win at least 12 of the 24 matchups to retain the cup.

Wanganui development officer Gene Ridgway said they will look to their other New Zealand level representatives in Butters, Leela Beattie and veteran Karen Cranston to carry the load, along with Wellington-based coach Simon O'Leary.

"These players are mixed in with local talent Paris Butters, Tim McKenzie, Patrice Mathey, Brian Keen, Sean Edmonds, Tara Butters, Charlotte Gollan, and Rachel Cronin - creating a balanced side of youth, talent, and experience that will put up a good fight.

"This is going to be a massive fixture."

Beattie, Cranston, O'Leary and Kyle Butters all got the clean sweep by winning their three matches when Wanganui last met Manawatu.

Ridgway said the visitors are bringing a top quality team.

"The tennis is going to be fast, powerful and exciting with a close finish predicted."

-Play starts at the Wanganui Tennis Club at 9.30am on Sunday, supporters welcome.