Cricket rep side named

Marlborough’s senior cricket selectors have named their team to take on Nelson in the first zone three Hawke Cup qualifier this weekend.

The sides will meet at the Marsden Recreation Ground, bidding to get some early points on the board as they strive to cement a Hawke Cup challenge from a strong group that includes Buller and former holder Canterbury Country.

The match will have special meaning for Marlborough, stalwart Matthew Stretch being chosen for his 100^thmatch for the province, while allrounder Josh Poole returns to the side after some time out, offering much-needed experience with both bat and ball. Skipper Nick Weaver returns after missing Marlborough’s last match and will add considerable bite to the pace attack.

Nelson’s side includes the classy Greg Hay and allrounder Thomas Zohrab, both of whom were absent from the recent MacDonald Trophy and Newman Shield clashes between the old rivals.

Both those matches were won by Nelson, who will go into Saturday and Sunday’s clash as firm favourites.

Marlborough: Hunter Ruffell, Sam Boyce, Matthew Stretch, Andrew McCaa, Corey Bovey, Josh Poole, Luke Frankland, Tom Sutherland, Nick Weaver (C), Luke Pannell, Jaden Adams. Kirk Nicholas 12th man.

Nelson: Jonty Raxworthy, Nic Clark, Greg Hay, Thomas Zohrab, Finn Raxworthy, Ryan du Plessis, Ronan Restieaux, Mike Olsen, Sean Neal, Ollie Jones-Allen (C), Matthew O’Sullivan, Jared Silvester.