Wanganui out to grab first points

The last time Wanganui met Manawatu was an epic battle ending in a draw. Photo/File

With just two Hawke Cup matches to play, Active Physio Wanganui are desperate to avoid the wooden spoon.

Player/coach Dominic Rayner is looking for his bowlers to fire up when they face Manawatu at Fitzherbert Park this weekend.

Wanganui have had a dismal Hawke Cup season and have yet to score a competition point, while Manawatu lead the charge on 20.

"It's been a tough season and it won't get any easier this weekend playing the top of the league," Rayner said.

"At this stage of the competition all we can hope for is to get off the bottom of the table."

This weekend Wanganui will be missing Henry Collier and Nick Blundell, who are away on under-19 duty, while Brett Cameron is playing in an under-17 tourney. Ben Smith, Robbie Power, Todd Inness and Morgan Inness are also unavailable.

Back in the fold are Chris Rayner and John Macilraith, and Rayner will hand the captaincy back to the returning Bryce Grant.

"The unavailable players hurts our batting line-up, but then again we will have six seam bowlers, which will be interesting given the rain we've had," Rayner said.

"We've had quite a bit if rain already this week and there's more forecast for Palmerston North this weekend and Sunday's not looking particularly good."

The Active Physio Wanganui batters will also need to perform for the team to have any chance of rolling the best side in the league. The last time Wanganui met Manawatu was last season at Victoria Park when the visitors set a huge target.

Wanganui batted bravely during what was left of the Saturday innings and then returned on the Sunday to draw the match.

However, with a team full of bowlers and Wanganui's current form, any repeat of that epic match would be a brave bet.