Northland Second XI aim to continue run

Northland Second XI are looking for continued success early this year, when they face rivals Hamilton and Bay of Plenty Second XIs in the hunt for the Basil McBurney Trophy.

The team, coached by Steven Knox, started their 2011-2012 campaign for the district association second XI title strongly, securing two wins from two games before Christmas, defeating Waikato Valley and Counties Manukau convincingly.

The side wants to emulate that success when they go up against Hamilton on Sunday and Bay of Plenty on Monday at Hamilton's Jensen Park.

"They will play three games in three days, as most will be playing club cricket on Saturday as well," Knox said.

"It's also a chance to put some pressure on the Northland First XI who play Counties next Sunday. There may be a couple of places up for grabs in the side."

Knox said he believed his side was on the right track and it was important to keep playing positive cricket throughout the rest of the representative season.

Although the coach admitted he did not know too much about Hamilton or Bay of Plenty second XIs, he said there was no doubt the matches would be competitive.

"Our first XI sides have had some tough games against their first XIs, so I'd imagine their second teams would be pretty strong, too," Knox added.

The Northland Second XI side head to Hamilton tomorrow following the players' club cricket matches before playing their double-header over the long weekend.

Northland Second XI: Henry Cooper, Bert Horner (c), Nic Breslin, Michael O'Flaherty, Richard Atkins, Chris Page, Curtis Cherrington, Harry Darkins, Rory Darkins, Aidan Miller, Curtley Watson, Tom Herman.