Keen competition for Canterbury places

Canterbury's representative selectors are clearly facing an embarrassment of riches as they ponder their sides for the forthcoming domestic cricket programme.

In naming the Metropolitan team to play at Districts XI in a two-day game at Dudley Park in Rangiora over the weekend selection convener Ben Harris said there were a number of undecided vacancies in the Shell Cup and Trophy teams.

Most obvious of the battles for a position is at wicket-keeper where Gareth Hopkins and Ben Yock are in a head-to-head race for the job.

"The selectors have been heartened by the standard of club cricket and the performances of our leading players. A number of batsmen have already shown they are capable of playing lengthy innings and this will be essential in a double round of Trophy," Harris said.

"The injury to Ryan Burson and the promotion of Chris Martin to the Black Caps had caused concern but that had been offset by the return of Shane Bond, the splendid form shown by Mark Hastings, and the availability of Geoff Allott."

Selection policies for the Super Max series had been vindicated, Harris said, and a number of fringe players had taken the opportunity to push their claims.

"A 2nd XI training squad will be named soon and will feature players pushing for promotion to the 1st XI. While this poses some selection headaches the competition for places is healthy," Harris said.

The Metropolitan team is: Gary Stead (captain), Robbie Frew, Marcel McKenzie, Gareth Hopkins, Ben Yock, Aaron Redmond, Mark Hastings, Cleighten Cornelius, Warren Wisneski, Carl Anderson, Stephen Cunis.

Unavailable for selection were: Shane Bond (work commitments), Ryan Burson (injured), Geoff Allott (recovering), Chris Harris (on leave). Michael Papps and Darren Reekers were released to play club cricket. Jarrod Englefield will play for the Districts XI.