TAUPO MEETS TAURANGA IN CRUCIAL MATCH

Taupo Times, Volume 20, Issue 5, 21 January 1971, Page 10

TAUPO MEETS TAURANGA IN CRUCIAL MATCH

Up to seven current Bay of Plenty representatives, two from Taupo, will take the field in the Attrill Cup cricket match between Taupo and Tauranga at Taupo on Sun-

day. The game will be a stern test for the home team, which must win to keep its chances of capturing the trophy alive. If Taupo wins the fate of the cup could rest on the

meeting of Tauranga and Rotorua later in the season. Tauranga beat Whakatane on the first innings and drew toith Te Puke in the first series of matches, while Taupo beat Whakatane and lost to Rotorua. While Te Puke is liable to upset it seems unlikely to enter calculations, and its meeting with Whakatane at Whakatane on Sunday will be of academic interest. The next round, on February 21, should decide the issue. Taupo travels to Te Puke for its final game and Rotorua hosts Tauranga in what could be the crucial game - depending on the result of Sunday 's TaurangaTaupo fixture. However, Rotorua has also to meet Whakatane, last season's cup holder, and its game against Te Puke is subject to mutual agreement. On paper Tauranga is the strongest side in the Bay of Plenty-wide contest. Dave Andersen and Bill Anderson are Bay opening bowlers and Ted Hipkiss, if chosen, is, like Andersen, a former Northern Districts pace man.

Pat Whelan is a form batsman and John Symon one of the best young wicketkeepers in the country. Facing them will probably be a large percentage of the Taupo team which played in the first two Attrill Cup games, though College lefthander Fred Rewa could force his way into the side. Neville Cambie, Mike West and Alan Hunter appear certain to comprise the pace attack, though one of them could make way for a batsman change bowler. Warrick Davey picks himself and his floating off spinners could hold the key to Taupo's chances. Leftarmer Jim Govind should be the other recognised spinner, and John Darlington can also give the ball a tweak. There are plenty of change bowlers among others likely to take the field and the ultimate decision could be close. At this stage the venue is the Kaimanawa Reserve and a fast true wicket is, weather permitting, assured. Play begins at 10 a.m.