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| Glynn Cameron |
It's do or die for North Otago this weekend when they come up against Central Otago in their Hawke Cup cricket clash in Oamaru.
A first-innings win by either team will ensure they represent the Otago zone to play Mid Canterbury, the winners of the Canterbury zone.
The winner of that match will then challenge Hawke Cup holders Northland for the title.
Coach Glynn Cameron said the team would have to back themselves to take first-innings points, and were feeling confident after defeating Central Otago when the side last met in November.
In that match, North Otago took first innings points, largely due to an unbeaten century by Neil Rushton
However, they will be without Rushton for this weekend's match as he will be away on Otago duties for the State Shield competition.
North Otago may also be without experienced wicketkeeper Duncan Drew, who suffered a suspected broken thumb at practice earlier in the week.
He will know today if the injured will prevent him from playing this weekend.
Cameron said the loss of Drew, who is also vice-captain, would be a big blow, as he brought a wealth of experience to the team.
Valley batsman Craig Smith will make his debut as North Otago captain.
"Craig was the obvious choice. There are of a lot of Valley guys in the side, and he really wants to do it," Cameron said.
He was not too concerned with the patchy form shown by some of the players in the Dick Hunt club competition.
"Club cricket and rep cricket are different. People responded better in rep cricket, and it's easier to get yourself out of club cricket by going for the big shots."
He said he believed his side could rise to the challenge of this weekend's vital match.
"The way North Otago has gone this season shows they can step up to the level."
Cameron was happy with the club form shown by youngster Geoff Smith, who made 94 last weekend, and by Stephen Halliwell, who has been consistently scoring runs for Albion in the club competition.
"Stephen has been very consistent in club cricket and deserves his place in the team."
Cameron said the side had some "outstanding bowlers" in the three pronged pace attack of Brad Kernahan, Craig Smith (junior) and Michael Walding.
The game will be played at St Kevin's College, as the pitch at Centennial Park is still unusable.
Cameron said the St Kevin's pitch would be a good, hard track with runs flowing freely from it.
"We have to be confident of our openers getting off to a good start and be confident in our three-pronged attack."
Short Scorecard(s)
Representative - Hawke Cup - Zone Series
Central Otago vs North Otago at St Kevins College, Oamaru
North Otago 146 ( S.A. Simpson 51, N.W. Rushton 39, Lovelock 6-39, Harper 2-14, Standfield 2-39 ) & 87-4 ( G.D. Smith 29no, S.A. Simpson 25, G.R. Cameron 16, N.W. Rushton 11no, Paterson 2-24 )
Central Otago 474 ( C. Blair 117, E. Standfield 98, J. Pyle 82, S. Harper 50, B. Hill 29, N. Harvey 13, R. Ritchie 11no, B. Kernahan 4-54, G. Lemon 2-44, M. Walding 2-63 )
First innings win to Central Otago
Full scorecard for the match
Player Pages:
Glynn Cameron | Bradley Kernahan | Craig A Smith | Geoff Smith | Micheal Walding |