Fulton to lead Nth Canty Hawke Cup challenge

Press, 4 March 1983, Page 26

Fulton to lead Nth Canty Hawke Cup challenge

North Canterbury has three former Canterbury cricket representatives — and two of last year's winning Ranfurly Shield team — in its side which will begin a Cyclone Hawke Cup challenge against Northland at Whangarei on Saturday.

the side will be led by Rod Fulton, who has also played for Northern Districts. but who has been out of first-class cricket since 1978-79. The other Canterbury players are of more mature years. Russell Merrin, a medium-pace bowler, is 37: Frank Rapley. the off-spinner, is a spritelv 45.

The footballers are the Deans brothers. Northland will also have some very experienced players. Among several with first-class credentials are the former test bowler Bob Cunis. who is 42, and Brian Dunning, also 42.

Other well-known Northland players include the present Northern Districts representative Barry Cooper, Murray Childs and Dennis Lloyd. The North Canterbury team, which will be managed by Mr Peter Johnston, is: Fulton (Scargill), Peter Williams (Kaiapoi). Michael

Johnston (Le Boris Bay). Peter Devlin (Rangiora). Alan Devlin (Rangiora). Robbie Deans (Scargill). Bruce Deans (Scargill). James Shipley (Greendale). Merrin (Kaiapoi). Chris Heslop (Southbridge). Chris Abbott (Darfield). Rapley (Rangiora).

North Canterbury is likely to mount a formidable challange.

After an early-season loss to Nelson, it has beaten a Canterbury eleven, Ashburton. South Canterbury and Suburban in Minor Association Cup matches.