Another 'remarkable' weekend looms as the six Major Association masters teams arrive in Queenstown for the annual NZCPA Masters Tournament, to be played on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April.
A get-together of many notable recent and former first-class players and BLACKCAPS, Auckland are seeking a third successive title at the Queenstown Events Centre, but with a few personnel changes — including last year’s inspirational skipper Kerry Walmsley, the quest for a rare threepeat will be challenging.
Last year’s beaten finalists, Northern Districts, again look strong, with a number of new players in the team for the weekend, including a few with a bit more spring in their step like Nick Horsely and Grant Robinson.
Regular faces remain in the other four teams and, with Mark Greatbatch and Craig Spearman in the batting line-up, Central Districts could provide a few surprises over the weekend.
The legendary Ewen Chatfield is the figurehead of a Wellington side that could manage the odd upset or two.
And Chris Nevin and Paul Hitchcock may provide the boost the capital team needs at the top of the order, after a couple of close matches last year including a memorable tie against Otago.
The Cantabrians' fast-paced approach can unsettle the opposition and, with some real match-winners in their side, they, or the local Otago side, could prise the trophy back to the South Island for the first time in five years.
Former ND captain Barry Cooper is back for more
The attendance streak continues for the veterans of the tournament: Graham Burnett, Barry Cooper, Martin Pringle and Bill Fowler, who have each attended every edition of the Masters Tournaments since its inception.
The draw for the weekend sees the top two seeds (2015 finalists) face off on the opening morning, with each side getting a favourable path to the semi-finals that afternoon.
However, this is no recipe for success, as the winners are predominantly those who create momentum throughout the weekend, the ultimate winner historically going through the tournament unbeaten.
So, the platform is set for another action-packed weekend of fun on and off the park.
Scorecards from all matches will be available on CricHQ.com over the weekend. More information: www.nzcpa.co.nz
