Individual success leading to team success is the focus for the Southey Sayer Wairarapa Korus heading into their penultimate game in the Shrimpton Trophy against Hawke’s Bay in Napier tomorrow.
The Korus have had a disappointing past three weeks, suffering heavy losses to Taranaki and Manawatu, followed by the frustration of a long trip to New Plymouth only for their second game with Taranaki to be washed out.
Coach Simon Roseingrave felt the latter gave him and the players a chance to reflect on what improvements could be made ahead of tomorrow’s game against their toughest opposition. “We had a good chat as a team in New Plymouth as we watched the rain fall on what success means for individuals and how to apply themselves,” Roseingrave said.
“We’ll concentrate on putting some individual success out, and hopefully that will contribute to some team success.
“The Bay is a difficult place to go and win – I didn’t think we’ve won a fixture up there for five or six years – so we’re going to be up against it, but the players have played enough this season, and it’s time for some better performances out in the middle.”
The selection roundabout continues for the Korus, with captain Ocean Bartlett called up to the Central Hinds, joining teammates Georgia Atkinson and Emma McLeod for the resumption of the Halleyburton Johnstone Shield national championship.
That sees up a debut call-up for promising St Matthew’s bowler Ava Register, who will become the 25th player to play for the Korus this season. Roseingrave said the slow-medium bowler deserves her opportunity after some impressive showings for St Matt’s and at the age group representative level.
“She puts it on a good spot, and she does swing it. She’ll be nervous because it’s her first game, and I don’t expect too much because we have to ease Ava in but she’s certainly got a future, and she’s the sort of bowler who will be very handy.”
Poor batting has let the Korus down in the recent losses to Taranaki and Manawatu, and a repeat of those efforts would likely result in another heavy defeat.
Again, much of the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of discarded Hind, Melissa Hansen, who has uncharacteristically struggled for runs in recent outings, while Vanessa Taylor, Olivia Clark, Sally Booth, and Macy Lyford are all capable of useful contributions with the bat.
Roseingrave is confident of an improved showing from his young team but is aware of the challenge ahead against the Shrimpton Trophy leaders.
“We’ve got quite a few young ones who have played a handful of games this season; they know the environment and the expectations across the 12, so I’m hoping we’re competitive,” he said.
Play is scheduled to get underway at Nelson Park, Napier, at 10.30 am tomorrow.
Wairarapa Korus
to play Hawke’s Bay
Olivia Roseingrave [captain], Sally Booth, Vanessa Taylor, Olivia Clark, Melissa Hansen, Jess Roseingrave, Macy Lyford, Caitlin Elliott, Jess Monk, Madison Brown, Lily Hunt, Ava Register
