AUCC Weekend Preview
It`s another big weekend for our men`s premier side as they not only look to
secure their spot in the top four of the two-day competition but also book
themselves a place in the one-day final.
AUCC Premier Men v East Coast Bays – Windsor Park
Two late wickets before the close of play on day one has given our premier
men`s side the advantage leading into day two of their game against East Coast
Bays at Windsor Park.
Thanks to a crucial 29 from the Croatian Sensation Daniel Marsic Varsity were
able to post a solid total of 191 batting first after losing what appeared to be a
crucial toss in bowler friendly conditions. Chris Dineen and Warren Barnes then
bagged a wicket each when the Bays reply got underway and the hosts were
26/2 at the close.
Varsity`s strength all season has been their bowling attack and even though Vishi
Jeet may not be available due to Aces commitments the seam bowling quintet of
Anthony Ireland, Warren Barnes, Chris Dineen, Josh Fisher and Richard Sillars
has quickly developed into one of the most feared in the premier competition.
With the eight team Major Championship set to split into top four and bottom
four after the current game our boys, currently sitting in fourth position, know
that a first innings win will guarantee them a spot in the top half for the
remainder of the season.
AUCC Premier Men v Takapuna – CMP `B` Block
After Saturday`s game our Premier Men`s side will then turn their attention to
Sunday`s Jeff Crowe Cup semi-final when they will face Takapuna on CMP`s
number one ground.
After topping their group Varsity received a bye into the semi-finals but if they
are to go any further they must first dispose of one of the strongest limited over
outfits in premier cricket.
Sunday`s opponents have won multiple National Club 50 over Championship`s in
recent years and are perennial contenders for all three premier titles. The
visitors will not be able to call on any of their four Auckland Aces players on
Sunday however they do still possess a powerful line up and are coached by
former University player Shoruban Pasupati.
Varsity are still uncertain about whether Vishi Jeet will be available for Sunday
but one confirmed change is the return of Marc Ellison for two-day specialist
Daniel Marsic.
AUCC Premier Reserves v East Coast Bays – CMP `E` Block
Our Premier Reserves side require just four more runs to secure a first innings
victory over East Coast Bays at Colin Maiden Park however Nigel Fletcher`s side
will have their sights firmly set on an outright result on Saturday afternoon.
Ben Lewis was the star performer for Varsity on day one. The left arm spinner
claimed three wickets before smashing a quick fire 97 when Varsity replied.
Unfortunately for Lewis, and the team, he was not only unable to complete his
century but also forced to drop down to the Senior A grade for this weekend
after being named as a pre match change for Ayush Rajoura who played in the
premier grade last weekend in place of Aces spinner Vishi Jeet.
AUCC Senior A1 v Waitakere City – CMP `B` Block
Much like the Premier Reserves our Senior A1 side will also be looking to push
for an outright victory when they take on Waitakere City on CMP`s B Block.
Back on day one Varsity dismissed City for 170 thanks in no small part to Vijay
Chauhan`s five wicket haul. Chauhan then completed a fine all round
performance by reaching 20 not out as day one drew to a close with our boys on
44/1 in reply.
AUCC Senior B3 v Grafton United – CMP `D` Block
The AUCC Senior B3s unbeaten run, which dates back to November, is in
jeopardy leading into the second morning of their game against Grafton United
on CMP`s `D` Block.
Despite an heroic 81 from Dave Lewy Varsity were dismissed for 160 on day one
to which the visitors replied with 120/2 before the close. After being decimated
by call up`s to the higher grade`s for last weekend the B3s are able to name a
much stronger side for day two with senior players such as Caleb Jasmat, Raghav
Bhalla, Anthonie Clement and skipper Donald White all returning.
AUCC Reps
Premier Women players Anna Peterson and Sara McGlashan will once again be in
action over the weekend as the White Fern`s take on England in a pair of OneDay International`s at Mt Maunganui.
After his impressive debut last week Vishi Jeet could be in line to make his
second first class appearance for Auckland as the Aces get ready to travel to
Christchurch where they will take on Canterbury in the latest round of the
Plunket Shield.