One day semi-finals on Sunday

Travis Stewart

Four teams are still in contention for the first piece of silverware this year as NPOB take on Stratford and NPMU host Inglewood in the semi finals of the Alpha Sports one day competition this Sunday.

Top qualifiers and unbeaten NPOB side will start heavy favourites in there semi final versus Stratford at Western Park.   NPOB have relied on there consistency so far this season with all the top order being in the runs at some stage, they have a balanced line up and will look to put the Stratford side under pressure from the get go.  For Stratford to be successful they will be looking towards the in form Liam Muggeridge to fire and he will be hoping to have someone to support him.  Finbar Moriarty and Denis Mihalijevich could provide some fireworks at the top of the order and they will be looking at the experience of Grant Commerford to lead the bowling unit.

NPMU proved way to good in there round robin match up with Inglewood and they will be confident of getting the semi final victory at their home ground of Lynmouth Park.  NPMU have a dangerous batting line up with prolific run scorer Dean Robinson and the hard hitting Jarred Cunningham opening the innings. Skipper Kurt Leuthart has been in good touch so far and with Ryan Watson hanging around in the middle order he can finish of the innings in style. Watson will take the new ball with his Taranaki team mate Shay Smith and the Inglewood batters will need to see the pair off before facing the flight and guile of Michael Blanks.  The Inglewood team under the guidance of David O’Sullivan will be well prepared for the match and will be looking to Bailey Wisnewski at the top of the order to provide the majority of runs. Wisnewski coming off his first century for Taranaki will be eager to deliver for his club side. Seamer Chris Logan will spearhead the bowling attack and will look to negate the dangerous NPMU side.

Both matches are scheduled for 11am starts on Sunday December 5^th.