Home turf helps, says Curtis

Wairarapa captain Sam Curtis is optimistic of a strong showing from his team in their Chapple Cup limited-overs cricket match against Horowhenua-Kapiti at Queen Elizabeth Park oval in Masterton on Sunday.
Clashes between the two provinces in recent years have generally provided good results for Wairarapa and, while Curtis readily concedes the present squad is a couple of seasons away from reaching their potential, he said Horowhenua-Kapiti was in the same boat.
"I think you will find both teams have four or five players who are experienced at this level and a number of others who are still finding their feet," Curtis said. "We do have the home advantage though and perhaps that will be enough to give us the edge."
There is likely to be at least one change from the Wairarapa squad that played - and lost - to Hawke's Bay last weekend.
Lansdowne all-rounder Brock Price has been in grand form and the odds are he will be in the starting line-up on this occasion.
From what has been seen so far this season, the Park Oval pitch is unlikely to be a happy hunting ground for the medium pacers.
However, Price is pacy enough to make good use of any early zip in the wicket. He may take the new ball with his Lansdowne clubmate Mark Scully.
On the batting front, Price's ability to perform well at the top and the middle of the order could be an asset. He tends to be at his best when quick runs are required.
Valuable as Price could be, however, spinner Steve Coleman will probably be the mainstay of the Wairarapa attack. The Oval strip is expected to suit his style of bowling and he has the nous to take full advantage of that situation. Curtis, too, is very useful in the spinning department and he is likely to have his full 10 overs as well.
Consistent performers Coleman and Curtis will also have a big part to play with the bat, along with Henry Cameron, whose excellent double against Hawke's Bay was a continuation of some impressive form on the club scene, and trusty opener Tim Lucas.
The Wairarapa squad is: Tim Lucas, Paul Lyttle, Henry Cameron, Sam Curtis, Brock Price, Matthew Stringfellow, Jamie Holmes, Daniel Ingham, Mark Scully, Steve Coleman, Robbie Speers, Nik Karaitiana, Daniel Haxton.
The Bidwell Cup interclub draw for tomorrow sees Greytown and Wairarapa College playing the first day of their two-day fixture at Greytown, while Rathkeale and Red Star will play a one-innings game at Rathkeale.
With their rep players back in action and having the home advantage, odds are Greytown will have the edge in their game, but there is little between Red Star and Rathkeale.