The wicket at Ray Boord Park won't be the only thing hard, barren and uncompromising for the fourth round of the 40-over Rotorua reserve grade cricket series today.
After a week off for the Raggamuffin concert, the pitch at Boord Park resembles a scene out of a post-apocalyptic movie and it would be apt, especially when there is little love lost between Central and Geyser City.
Leading the competition on 18 points, Geyser go into the match as the team to beat. However, history shows Central lead the head-to-head clashes this season, having won two of the three encounters.
If a cricket enthusiast tried to delve into the reasons for the feud between the two sides, it would come down to a number of things. Players from both sides have in the past played for either side and, obviously for their own reasons, these players are always keen to get payback on their former teammates.
Then you could look at the sibling rivalry which goes on between the two sides. You have the two Collier brothers, Matt and Johnny, who in their own rights have had outstanding seasons for the sides.