Cup contender has solid look

Press, 15 January 1986, Page 30

Cup contender has solid look

The North Canterbury cricket side is showing signs of developing into a strong unit for the important matches in its bid to become the first challenger for the U-Bix Cup, the new symbol of minor association cricket supremacy. Because it held the now defunct Hawke Cup at the end of last summer, Nelson was given the right to defend the new trophy. The first challenge will be played from February 16 to 18, and the invader will be the winner of zone 4, which consists of Marlborough, West Coast, Buller and the C. S. Stevens-sponsored: North Canterbury side.

These four teams are currently competing in a round-robin series to determine the qualifier. West Coast drew with Marlborough after earlier beating Buller on the first innings in a rain affected match, and North Canterbury and Marlborough fought out a draw in a high scoring encounter. Marlborough’s game with Buller was rescheduled because of rain.

At this stage West Coast has 10 points, North Canterbury three, Marlborough six, and Buller one.

In its two most recent matches, against Marlborough and South Canterbury, the North Canterbury batsmen prospered, but the

bowlers struggled to dismiss the opposition. At Blenheim, North Canterbury scored 358 for eight wickets, in reply to Marlborough’s 378 for nine declared. Paul Winter, who made 108 not out, Bob Masefield, 81, and Mike Satterthwaite, 77, provided the bulk'of North’s runs.

In the South Canterbury match, John Masefield (139) and Peter Williams (80) shared a partnership of 224 for the second wicket after the captain, Michael Johnston, had been dismissed off the second ball of the game. Later, Satterthwaite (73 not out) and Hugh Wright (32' not out) built an unbroken stand of 110 for the fourth wicket, enabling North Canterbury to declare at 369 for three wickets.

South Canterbury, 219 for seven at stumps, was saved from first innings defeat by a determined innings of 72 not out by a young left hander, Russell Dennison. North Canterbury’s next match is against Buller at Westport, on January 25-26, followed by the West Coast fixture at Rangiora the next week-end. North will seek outright wins in these games to clinch the position of U-Bix Cup challenger. The team will be disadvantaged by the unavailability of Steve McNally, on the assumption that he will retain his position in the Shell

series side. Gary Saunders, who was not available for the South Canterbury match, will almost certainly return to the side, but there are several contenders for the other new ball position. The selectors probably will have observed form at the colts’ tournament in Nelson last week-end with interest, as there were four young contenders from North Can-, terbury in action.

Chris Horne and Michael Sharpe, who made their debuts against South Canterbury, might have the inside running, but the Malvern speedster, Don Kars, and Ellesmere’s Greg Lewis have reasonable prospects. Kars is also a solid batsman

and an excellent fieldsman, while Lewis performed well for Canterbury in the recent under 20 tournament.

Danny Langrope bowled his slow-medium deliveries with more accuracy against South Canterbury, although he has yet to recapture the fine form he displayed last season.

The spin attack probably will be entrusted to Bob Masefield and Chris Abbott, but the selectors might consider a three-pronged spin thrust, especially for the match at Westport. This would mean re-introducing David Aitken, a young offspinner.

Fewer options exist among the batting candidates. The captain, Johnston, will open the innings, he has had no luck recently, being run out in Blenheim and getting a nasty delivery in the first over against South Canterbury. But he. was in fine form in other' matches and was considered unlucky to miss Canterbury B selection.

Johnston appears to have opted for the experience and solidity of Williams in choosing an opening partner. John Masefield and Saterthwaite are sure of two batting positions. Masefield showed determination and .skill in fashioning his ad-

mirable century against South Canterbury and Satterthwaite has been the find of the season. His four innings have yielded scores of 80,42, 77 and 73 not out. Wright batted more freely when relieved of the responsibility of opening, and he is likely to be retained in the middle order.

Canterbury’s rugby halfback, Bruce Deans, has resumed playing club cricket, and is reported to be keen to regain a position in the team. He was last onthe representative scene in 1983-84.

If there is a vacancy in the batting line-up, it will be at No. 3. Masefield filled the place successfully against South Canterbury, but is probably better suited to a middle order position. If this transpires, the msot likely contender is the former Canterbury captain, Rod Fulton. He was prevented by illness from paying in the South Canterbury match. Winter is certain to retain his wicket-keeping post; he has continued the progress he made last season. His “keeping is of a high standard and, as his century against Marlborough showed, he is also a most competent batsman. He is a player who deserves the opportunity to prove himself at a higher level.