Defections take shine off Red Star
AI Homes Kuranui Old Boys are setting the early pace in the Wairarapa Cricket Association's Umpire's Cup limited-overs competition and should maintain their unbeaten record when they play Red Star at Kuranui Artificial tomorrow.
Red Star will be without star players Joe Hull, John Wells, Jared Watt and Sean Jarvis, who will be on duty with Wairarapa in their Hawke Cup qualifying match with Wanganui.
It is understood other regulars in the team could be missing as well, because of a wedding.
Under those circumstances, just fielding a full side would be an accomplishment in itself, while Kuranui Old Boys are in the form to take full advantage of any opposition frailties.
Wairarapa College have also yet to taste defeat in 2012 but can expect a solid battle with Rathkeale College at Rathkeale Oval. At full strength, Rathkeale would be in with a distinct possibility of winning but they have a couple of their "guns", George Deans and Harry Clinton-Baker, in the Wairarapa side and that may just give Wairarapa College the advantage.
Newbolds Marist Old Boys are still looking to secure their first competition point and they could fancy their chances of rectifying that situation when they play Lansdowne at Park Sports 2.
