Dominant win needed for Whitaker Civil Taranaki men

The Whitaker Civil Taranaki men face a must win encounter in their fourth round Furlong Cup match up against Horowhenua-Kapiti at Pukekura Park this weekend.

Coming into the game on the back of a disappointing first innings loss to Whanganui in Marton, the side requires nothing less than an outright win to keep hopes of a Hawke Cup challenge alive.

The side sits in fourth and will have to overcome a Horowhenua-Kapiti side that has proven gritty, if not spectacular, in its matches to date – having lost outright to both Hawkes Bay and Manawatu but thrashing Whanganui in between.
Coach Chris Coombe is finally able to welcome back one of his front-line pace bowlers in Shay Smith, while Liam Carr comes into the side for Vatsal Gajjar after a hot spell for the CDA side in the national tournament. In the only other change, batter Josh Borell comes in for Oli Burbidge.

The match is scheduled to start at 10.30am each day, but an ominous forecast suggests rain will be factor in the final outcome.

You can find all the match details, including live scoring, here at Play HQ.