Liam Burling . . . injured his shoulder against Manawatu. PHOTOS/FILE
CRICKET
ELI HILL
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Climbing to the top of the Furlong Cup standings may have just got harder for Wairarapa.
With four of their key players unavailable because of injury or other commitments, some of the sting has been taken out of their line-up to play competition leaders Hawke’s Bay in the two-day match starting today at Napier’s Nelson Park.
Experienced batsman Liam Burling who scored 47 runs from two innings against Manawatu in their last match is out after dislocating his shoulder taking a diving catch in that match.
Right-hand batsman Mark Childs has several little issues afflicting his body and coach Neil Perry said on Thursday that the opener had indicated he might not be able to play top level cricket again.
“It’s just a few niggles, the main one is his elbow, but there’s also a few other parts and the body’s starting to say, ‘No I can’t do this’,” Perry said.
Batsman Robbie Speers is unavailable and all-rounder Jaco Vorster is out due to work commitments.
Perry said that despite these absences, the side had been working on their depth and would still present a good challenge as they seek to lift themselves up the standings from their current fourth.
“I’m pleased that we can still present a strong side despite having to make four changes. For a smaller region like ours, replacing four players could be a struggle.
“In previous games, we’ve had to make some tough selection choices, and had to leave some strong players out, this gives them a chance to come through and prove themselves.”
Perry has replaced the four in the starting line-up from the previous game with Robbie Anderson, Gus Borren, Pete Sigvertsen and Anthony Sprowson.
John McKenzie and Anderson will open the batting, while Rathkeale player Borren, who made his debut for the side earlier in the season, will come in at first drop.
In their last cup game against Manawatu two weeks ago, Wairarapa, who were dismissed for 275 in their first innings, lost the game after Manawatu replied with 308-8 declared. Wairarapa were 58-1 in their second innings at close of play on the second day.
Daniel Ingham who will captain the side over the weekend scored 57 first innings runs against Manawatu, Childs 38, and his son, Ethan 37.
In the bowling of the Manawatu match, Quinn Childs took three wickets for 68 runs, with brother, Ethan, and Ingham taking two wickets apiece.
Their second-round match against Taranaki was abandoned, and Wairarapa beat Horowhenua-Kapiti on the first innings 281-10, 47-2 with Kapiti scoring 142-10.
With just one round to go after this week’s fourth-round match-up, Hawke’s Bay are in a strong position to win the tournament.
Hawke’s Bay sit on 12 points, followed by Manawatu on nine, Horowhenua-Kapiti on seven, Wairarapa just a point behind on six, with Taranaki on five, and Wanganui trailing on three.
Wairarapa team
John McKenzie, Robbie Anderson, Gus Borren, Patrick Gluck, Gordon Reisima, Daniel Ingham [captain], Jack Forrester, Ethan Childs, Anthony Sprowson, Quinn Childs, Pete Sigvertsen and Jared Watt.
