Taranaki take on Horowhenua in cup

Round three of the Furlong Cup will see the Taranaki men’s side head to Levin to take on Horowhenua this weekend.

After a no result in round one against Wairarapa, the team scored a morale-boosting first innings win against Manawatu¯ prior to Christmas to see themselves sitting mid table.

The corresponding fixture last year saw the Horowhenua side leave Pukekura Park with first innings points, a result the Taranaki side will look to reverse this weekend.

In their favour, coach Debu Banik and his selectors have been able to name a full-strength side with a number of players showing form last weekend in club cricket.

Dean Robinson will once again open the innings. Robinson scored his 12th century for Taranaki in the last round and has come back after Christmas in form, with an unbeaten half century in last week’s North v South fixture.

He will open the batting with CD U19 representative Sebastian Lauderdale Smith.

The only change to the team that beat Manawatu¯ will see Ben Frewin come in for Woodleigh’s Shaun Sullivan.

Frewin tormented New Plymouth

Boys’ High School last weekend, taking six for 15 and the selectors know that they will require 20 wickets this weekend to stay in the hunt for a Hawke Cup challenge.

Mattie Thomas will again captain the side and will call on Ryan Watson and Ha¯ wera’s Ethan Keller to take the new ball.

Play commences today at 10.30am.

Full Team: Dean Robinson, Sebastian Lauderdale Smith, Liam Muggeridge, Davis Mills, Adam Keene, Phil Barraclough, Mattie Thomas, Ryan Watson, Ben Frewin, Michael Blanks, Shay Smith, Ethan Keller