Cricket reps take on Nelson

The Marlborough men’s rep cricket side make their first appearance of the season at Horton Park on Sunday.

They take on arch-rivals Nelson for the historic Newman Shield, which is currently held by the men from over the hill.

Both sides will field a few new faces. Marlborough welcome allrounder Sukh Aulakh to the rep ranks, the big-hitting opener expected to provide some fireworks of he gets going. Also new to the senior rep side is Renwick’s Kirk Nicholas, who has been a steady source of runs for his club side in recent times.

The Marlborough bowling attack will be led by skipper Nick Weaver, Jaden Adams, Luke Pannell and Hunter Ruffell, although there are several other options such as Aulakh, Corey Bovey, Tom Sutherland and Baxter Croad available in a side replete with allrounders.

Batting has been the rep side’s Achilles Heel in recent campaigns, meaning some disciplined top order efforts are required to set a basis for a winning total, whether defending or chasing.

Marlborough: Sukh Aulakh, Andrew McCaa, Matthew Stretch (wk), Nick Weaver (captain), Corey Bovey, Hunter Ruffell, Tom Sutherland, Harrison Boyce, Kirk Nicholas, Luke Pannell, Jaden Adams, Baxter Croad. Coach Andrew McCaa, manager Mike Croad.

Nelson: Ollie Jones-Allen (captain), Jack Aldridge (wk), Ryan du Plessis, Sean Neal, Ben Neale, Mike Olsen, Tim O’Connor, Matthew O’Sullivan, Carl Quinn, Jonty Raxworthy, Finn Raxworthy, Ronan Restieaux.

The match begins at 11am at Horton Park.

Tomorrow division one and two cricket continues, Celtic playing Wairau Valley in div one 50-over action, Wairau meeting Renwick.