Old foes square off in Pearce Cup final

It’s a familiar and fitting way for the Pearce Cup season to end, as old enemies Eastern Suburbs and Karori face off yet again for season spoils.

Starting this morning at the Basin Reserve, Easts will be seeking their 10th Pearce Cup title in 12 attempts, and a return of the Cup to their trophy cabinet after a year away at Onslow.

Karori will be remembering their 2011 final victory over Easts fondly, despite it being their only win in five Pearce Cup final attempts since Wellington Cricket brought the final back in 2006.

For most Wellington club sides, it has been a familiar story over the years when faced with Easts in the final.

There have been two draws, with rain playing its part, giving top qualifying Easts victory. One drawn match did go against the perennial title chasers, with Onslow taking the title last season thanks to their superior record ahead of the game.

But elsewhere, Easts have made a habit of bowling first and chasing down their opposition, with seven wins coming while chasing a score for victory.

Karori could be boosted by the inclusion of Wellington Firebirds batsman Stephen Murdoch, although his inclusion remains up in the air.

Easts, meanwhile, will be hoping for a big showing from their talisman Ricky Joseph with the ball. Joseph needs 11 wickets to join the 400 club for Easts, a mark only captain Lance Dry has met for the club, taking 767 wickets.

Wellington’s so called summer hasn’t been conducive to cricket, but if the forecast is correct then the three-day final shouldn’t face any interruptions at the Basin Reserve.