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.
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