CRICKET - Yovich, Wilson boost Northland hopes against Counties

NORTHERN Districts' loss could well be Northland's gain as the provincial cricket team try to kick-start their season with a win over Counties-Manukau in a 50-over match this Sunday.
Northland's selectors had the rare pleasure of being able to slot Joey Yovich into the opening bowlers' spot, as well as opening the batting with Brad Wilson, with both of the contracted ND players not currently needed for the State Shield competition.
Co-selector Trevor Penney said the addition of the players would strengthen the team and improve the chances of a win at Weymouth Park in Manurewa.
"We're all looking forward to it. It's a new start after Christmas, so there's plenty to play for," he said.
The 2007 season ended poorly for Northland, with a six-wicket loss to Hamilton at Cobham Oval - and the chance to remedy that the following weekend in Hamilton being lost due to rain.
Northland need a good win this weekend against Counties to right the ship, but Penney said Counties were certain to put out a strong team at home.
"Counties always put out a reasonably strong side and they'll have Ian Butler plus a couple of others that will put them right up there for the game," he said.
The players will get the chance to blow out some cobwebs tomorrow, as the two-day Whangarei and Districts Cricket competition gets under way after its Christmas break. Maungakaramea host City in what may be the pick of the matches in division one, while Whangarei Boys' High School face a tough test as they travel to in-form Kaipara.
The Northland team is: Rhys Farrand, Brad Wilson, Brad Chard, Jamie Lee, Brad Cochrane (c), Stephen John, Bert Horner, Chris Page, Andy Thompson, Joey Yovich, Dan Robinson, Jason Morgan.