TPL Round 5 Preview

TPL Round 5 Preview

With all the meaningful rugby now over for the season the sporting focus can fairly and squarely return to cricket.  This Saturday sees the fifth round of the TPL club cricket competition with all the action being in Nelson. In a slight anomaly of the draw this round sees a repeat of round one with some very tasty re-matches.

This time around ACOB are hosting Car Company Stoke Nayland at the beautiful Botanics. The previous encounter between these two resulted in a controversial tie in the dark so both will be hoping to go one better.  Stoke Nayland have won all the rest of their matches while ACOB got their first taste of victory last week over WTTU.  They have been relying on Jake Milton with both bat and ball but have a strong and balanced line up.  Stoke Nayland too are very strong.  They have numerous players who have begun the season well and will be expecting to extend their competition lead.

Last time the Dolphins and WTTU met there were also involved in polemics as fading light resulted in a no result when WTTU were seemingly on the ropes.  Prabodha Arthavidu is backing up from an authoritative ton last week, while Rikki Bovey, Jerrym Lamb and Josh Poole all produced strong performances as the Dolphins steam rolled Wakatu.  WTTU will welcome back Tom Cross and will be hoping for more runs to balance their well- rounded bowling attack.  There should be plenty of spice in this fixture as WTTU finally get on their home track of Jubilee Park.

Wanderers/Motueka also get their first game at their home venue of Brightwater.  They will be hoping to celebrate by achieving their first score in excess of 100.  Runs have really been at a premium for the combined outfit and they will not be competitive unless they can get some points on the board.  The visitors to Brightwater will be Nelson College and the schoolboys likewise have been struggling a bit with the bat, but their bowling and fielding has been sound.  They will need to be on their toes to carry on their recent form.

Wakatu are also getting their first hit out at their home venue of Victory Square as they host the high – flying Falcons. The Falcons snuck home against Nelson College last week but have plenty of form players with the likes of Matthew Stretch and Nick Weaver consistently in the limelight displaying their all – round talents.  Campbell McLean had a nice double last week for Wakatu but will need some more support from his team- mates.

All matches kick off at 11:30 on Saturday.