NCA 110 over – Round 4 preview

Saturday heralds the penultimate round of the NCA competition with ACOB hosting WTTU and Wakatu traveling to Stoke Nayland.

At Marsden Rec, Stoke Nayland must be unbackable favorites against a Wakatu team that has improved but has still not yet managed a victory.  Skipper Devon Serrurier has looked in good touch in recent weeks but the rest of the Wakatu line-up has been inconsistent to say the least. In contrast, Stoke Nayland have all but assured themselves a berth in the finals already.  Dylan Eginton has been in outstanding and devastating form while there has been useful support from the likes of Brendan Hodgson, Ricky Edwards, Darius Skeaping and of course club stalwart Kurt Pahl. The playing through champions will also welcome back Ili Tugaga and Patrick Howes to the bowling crease so expect an early finish at the Rec.

The strength of ACOB this week may well have a pernicious effect on WTTU’s aspirations for the title.  Although both were affected by defections to representative cricket last week ACOB appears to be the stronger, on paper at least, this weekend. This clash at the Botanics should be a belter with these two teams seemingly the best situated to gain a place in the final with Stoke Nayland.  The Zohrab boys are both back after outstanding performances with the Central Districts Under 19 team and spin maestro Josh Simpson will buoy the ACOB advance. Greg Chitty and James Graham both got half-centuries last week and skipper Bens Gully is due. WTTU will hope the return of Joey O’Connor and Tom Cross can reactivate their fortunes.  Tom Ingham missed out last week, but he has appeared dangerous throughout the season. 

Nelson College has the bye, so the schoolboys can begin their Christmas vacations early.  As usual, matches begin at 11:30 am.

NELSON, NEW ZEALAND December 15: WTTU v Stoke Nayland at Jubilee, Nelson, New Zealand. Saturday 15 December 2018 (Photos by: Barry Whitnall Photography