Mid Canterbury team to play Southland at Queens Park, Invercargill: William Southby (captain), Ryan Bell, Devon Flannery, Ben Innes, Tom Innes, Des Kruger, Tom Ravenscroft, Karmjeet Singh, Shaun Stagg, Matt Tait, Richard Turpie. Photo supplied.Determining the eleven to take to the park for Hawke Cup action today has proven to be the biggest snag for Mid Canterbury cricket coaches.

Several players have made themselves unavailable for Mid Canterbury’s opening two-day Cup fixture against Southland which starts today in Invercargill.

Mid Canterbury coach Garfield Charles has been faced with the full gamut of factors from his playing stocks, including injuries, imminent paternity and school exams.

Nick Gilbert is out with his wife expecting their first child, while last year’s captain James Southby is unavailable until after Christmas due to AFL commitments.

“This weekend in particular has been very stressful to try and get teams together,” Charles said.

“It’s a three-day weekend because we travel on the Friday, so guys can’t take three days off work.

“We’ve got about six or seven guys unavailable.”

Ashburton teen star Angus Jemmett, who hit a century on Hawke Cup debut last season, is another notable omission as Ashburton College’s 1st XI face an all-important promotion relegation game against St Thomas’ in the Ara 1st XI championship.

“He’s got an exam on Monday morning and we won’t get back until 2 o’clock in the morning on Monday,” Charles said.

Fellow AshColl youngster Devon Flannery has been named in the playing eleven for this weekend’s clash.

Two of the team – Tom Innes and Karmjeet Singh – will be making their Hawke Cup debuts.

Charles admitted that it was challenging to nail down a representative schedule which not only suited everyone, but did not clash with other things.

“It’s a tough one,” he said.

“The districts talk to each other and we have to complete our games before a certain date.

“Our zone’s (Hawke Cup) challenge will be quite early.

Mid Canterbury’s Cup campaign this season comprises of two games either side of Christmas.

“No matter which way we try it, it’ll have its pros and cons,” he said.

“You can’t please everybody.”

Canterbury Country, who are part of Zone 3, are the current Hawke Cup holders after a successful challenge against Hamilton last summer.

Injuries and player availability have also hampered Southland’s lead-up ahead of this weekend.

The Southerners are fielding a fresh-faced side including debutant Benji Culhane, who is the son of former All Black first five Simon Culhane.

By Adam Burns © The Ashburton Guardian - 27 November 2020