Central itching to play

Central reserves will look to get their season off to a winning start today when they play John Paul College.

The match is scheduled to be played at Smallbone Park but may be moved to Boord Park if the pitch is not ready.

If it is played at Smallbone Park, it will be the first game at the home of Rotorua cricket since last season.

Central are yet to register a result this season in the Rotorua/Taupo reserve grade, after having a bye and another match rained out.

Central captain Sam Gordon said his team were looking forward to getting a game under their belt today.

"The boys are pretty excited. We have not really played this season so it is pretty exciting, especially to get out on Smallbone."

He said they had a good side, strengthened by a couple of ex-premier players. They also had a good relationship with Rotorua Boys' High School, who do not have a first XI side at present.

About five players from the school will play for Central reserves this season.

Gordon said they did not know too much about John Paul College but would be gunning for a win.

"The main goal is to do our best, I suppose, and see what we have to do for our after-Christmas competition."

Draw today (games start at 1pm):

Geyser v Eastern Pirates, Boord1; Central v John Paul College, Smallbone Park; Geyser Development v Taupo Old Boys, Boord2; Rotorua Indians v Taupo Colleges, Owen Delany Park; Taupo Wanderers bye.