Cricket: Indians take back seat as fight for final heats up

Kamo batsman Dylan Clarke will be hoping to be in the runs this weekend as his side take on Kaipara in what is essentially a semifinal. Photo / Michael Cunningham

While some may be getting excited for the Indians coming to town, local cricketers are facing their own challenges as the penultimate round of two-day cricket begins tomorrow.

With the Oxford Trust two-day final set to take place in two weeks, the battle to finish as the top two continues this week.

Currently, Maungakaramea and Kamo sit pretty on top of the bunch. However, closely following is Kaipara Flats - who face off against Kamo over the next two weekends.

Kamo have enjoyed a good run recently, picking up back-to-back wins after securing two draws from the first two games of the year. Giving Kamo even more favour is the fact that both of their wins have come from home matches, and they will be hosting Kaipara.

For Kaipara, they too have a two-win-two-draw record. Both teams have players in form, which should set up an intriguing final round of play.

This weekend Maungakaramea host City, who are yet to record a win in the two-day format, which means their spot on top of the table seems secure.

Maungakaramea too has a two-win-two-loss record, after losing to both Kamo and Kaipara earlier in the season.

The other match up of the weekend sees Zest Insurance Whangarei Boys' High School host Onerahi Central, with both sides looking to notch up their first Oxford Trust win.

Boys' High has a three-draw-one-loss record and sits fourth on the table, with Onerahi Central sharing the same record but sitting bottom.

After this round, the Oxford Trust two-day competition has a week off which sees the 50-over format continuing on February 15. The two-day final takes place over February 22-23.

See tomorrow's Northern Advocate for a preview on the New Zealand XI versus India, taking place at the Cobham Oval on Sunday and Monday.