Auckland Aces look to experienced players

Auckland Aces look to experienced players ahead of final away game
Friday 25 January 2019
The Auckland Aces head south with momentum behind them as they prepare to take on the Kings at Hagley Oval tomorrow.

The Aces have kept the same squad that won by four runs against the Otago Volts on Sunday at Eden Park Outer Oval.

Sitting third on the Burger King Super Smash ladder, the Aces are feeling good that they are peaking at the right end of the tournament.

With the team picking up two victories in three days last weekend, head coach Mark O’Donnell says that now the Aces are stringing together performances they’re eager to keep playing.

“We’re definitely feeling good about our last three performances, and looking forward to taking that feeling to Christchurch.

“The boys always enjoy playing at Hagley.”

With three games left, the final two against the table-topping Knights and second-placed Central Stags, the Aces are looking for a strong win against the Kings to propel them towards the finals.

O’Donnell believes now is the time for experienced players to come into their own.

“Craig Cachopa’s innings on Sunday was the difference in the game.”

Captain Cachopa made 73 off 38 balls, including five 4s and five 6s.

“It’s excellent to see to see senior players standing up like that. That’s what we’ll be looking for in these final games,” says O’Donnell.

“It was good to get a couple of direct hit run-outs in the last two matches as well.”

Auckland has been training well this week, and O’Donnell says new signing Daniel Bell-Drummond is settling in well.

“Daniel is a very good fit with the team, both in terms of balance in the squad and in terms of personality.

“He had a good debut for us, and we’re excited to see what he can do now he’s got his feet under him.”

The Auckland Aces will play the Kings in the Burger King Super Smash at Hagley Oval on Saturday 26 January from 4:00pm.

Auckland Aces squad to play the Kings
Craig Cachopa (C)
Graeme Beghin
Daniel Bell-Drummond
Mark Chapman
Donovan Grobbelaar
Roneel Hira
Ben Horne (WK)
Mitchell McClenaghan
Robert O’Donnell
Glenn Phillips
Matthew Quinn
Will Somerville

ends

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