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The HRV Cup competition heated up last night between the Canterbury Wizards and the Otago Volts before their big match this evening.
The heat was on for Leighton Burtt and Andrew Ellis from the Wizards who took on Otago Volts players Yasir Arafat and Hamish Rutherford in a competitive cook-off at the Crowne Plaza in Christchurch.
The two teams had 20 minutes to whip up a delicious meal and present it to the three celebrity judges and the competition was fierce between the two sides.
The Canterbury players presented a classic kiwi open lamb sandwich while Arafat added a bit of spice to his home style Pakistani Curry.
Crowne Plaza Executive Chef and head judge Richard Hingston was blown away by the calibre of the competition. “These players could easily have a career in the kitchen after cricket,” he laughed. “The sandwich is a great summer dish while the curry was a wonderful flavour combination.”
It was a reminder of last year’s Twenty20 final between the two sides – the Wizards came second best, with judge New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan casting the final vote. “Both sides pulled together well,” he said. “The curry is a lot like the HRV Cup. It’s got flair!”
Celebrity judge Rebecca Glasson from ZM chose the sandwich as her favourite. “It was just delicious,” she said.
Andrew Ellis is hoping to turn that result on its head tonight when the two teams face each other at QEII Park “I was disappointing to lose to Otago, and this was a bit like a Twenty20 game – anything can happen!”
Arafat and Rutherford made a good team behind the stove. Arafat learnt how to cook from his mother back in Pakistan. “It was great beating the Canterbury boys and hopefully we can beat them today!” he said with confidence.
The Wizards and Volts face off tonight at QEII Park from 5pm.
* Otago Volts Hamish Rutherford and Yasir Arafat with thier winning dish - the Pakistani Curry.
* Canterbury Wizards Andrew Ellis and Leighton Burtt with their open lamb sandwich.
* The Judges: Crowne Plaza Executive Chef and head judge Richard Hingston, celebrity judge Rebecca Glasson, New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan.
