Over confidence could trap Northland

Ewen Thompson is telling the Northland senior men's team to throw out the form guide and knuckle down to some hard work if they want to succeed at the Brian Dunning one- day tournament in Taupo.
The Northland team head south today to start their competitive season with one-day games - against Bay of Plenty, Poverty Bay and Waikato Valley - with the results likely to set the tone for the season.
"I keep saying to the guys that cricket's played on grass not paper, so we've got to get out there and do the job," he said.
Confidence is high within the team but the wily Thompson still sees pitfalls that may trouble them. "Because there are so many all rounders, there's a little trap of thinking if they miss out with the bat then they've got the second option with the ball and vice-versa, which might make things difficult," he said.
Another problem to avoid is bowlers fretting on when they will get a bowl and the batsmen worrying about where they will bat.
"That's just the reality of the squad we've picked, we still see that everyone has a main skill and that's what they'll be focusing on, but that second skill is still important and they need to do it well," he said.
Thompson believes the team is well prepared physically, making the team's mental bearing even more vital - particularly tomorrow when they meet fellow contenders Bay of Plenty in a crunch match. The opening bowling attack has an excellent balance, with the pace of a fully-fit Kevin Forde paired with the experience of Thompson.
Jake Phillips has bowled with his usual consistency, while Jamie Kay has forced his way into the side with a string of quality performances. Ben Williams, Tazz Satti and Richard Atkins give variation and depth to the seam attack.
Henry Cooper's right arm off-spin is balanced with Chris Page's left-arm orthodox to give the starting team two spin options.
Northland's batting is just as strong, with 11 out of the 13 players occupying top order spots for their club sides.
Rhys Farrand, Williams and Cooper already have club hundreds to their names this season with the City trio of Atkins, Chris and Ian Page also scoring freely in club competition. Satti has been explosive at the top for Kaipara Flats and is likely to occupy a top order role, with the Delany Park wickets often very slow - resembling conditions in the sub-continent.
Captain Brett Hood and Thompson add experience lower down the order. Rory Darkins is likely to come into selection contention on the second and third days as the wickets slow, which may suit his leg spin. Darkins also provides batting cover for injury.
Northland: Brett Hood (c), Jake Phillips (vc), Tauseef Satti, Kevin Forde (Kaipara Flats), Richard Atkins, Rory Darkins, Jamie Kay, Chris Page, Ian Page (City), Henry Cooper, Ben Williams (Whangarei Boys High School), Rhys Farrand (Kamo), Ewen Thompson (Maungakaramea).