Cricket: Hart out to gain early advantage

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Northern Districts' long-serving captain Robbie Hart is looking no further than the opening day of their match with defending champions Auckland in Gisborne today.

"We want to dominate the first day and not worry about things beyond that," said Hart, who will lead his team into a State Championship match for the first time as the incumbent New Zealand wicketkeeper.

Hart would like to take maximum points from a match which will feature up to a dozen New Zealand representatives, but is determined not to look that far ahead.

Surprisingly, he places no great importance on the toss.

"I don't see it being overly important. I'm confident we have the players to do the job whether we are in the field or batting."

He is more concerned that his players lift their games.

"It is about the guys becoming more consistent. Rather than playing well in four of 10, they have to lift that to six from 10."

In a change from last season, Hart's brother Matt is being given a chance to establish himself as a genuine all-rounder.

Rather than open the innings - that will be the domain of former Auckland batsman Nick Horsley and James Marshall - Matt Hart will bat in the middle order.

While ND have yet to name their 12 for the match, it seems likely Ian Butler will be overlooked as he struggles to recover from a thigh injury.

Auckland, under new coach Mark O'Donnell but with Brooke Walker again leading the team, have the real promise of big scores at the top of their innings.

With the added pressure of impressing the New Zealand selectors, Mark Richardson, Matt Horne and Lou Vincent will face a lively ND attack spearheaded by Daryl Tuffey, Joseph Yovich and Graeme Aldridge, with back-up from Scott Styris (who will again bat at four), Matt Hart and Daniel Vettori.

It promises to he a high-scoring, absorbing battle on a well-prepared pitch.

Northern Districts: Robbie Hart (capt), James Marshall, Nick Horsley, Michael Parlane, Scott Styris, Hamish Marshall, Matt Hart, Joseph Yovich, Daniel Vettori, Graeme Aldridge, Daryl Tuffey, Ian Butler, Simon Andrews (two to be omitted).

Auckland: Brooke Walker (capt), Mark Richardson, Matt Horne, Lou Vincent, Tim McIntosh, Rob Nicol, Tama Canning, Kyle Mills, Craig Pryor, Reece Young, Richard Morgan, Heath Davis (one to be omitted).