Line ups to be big factor

The Dick Hunt Trophy will take over from the Borton Cup this weekend as the school teams depart for the Christmas break.

Albion will be hosting Borton Cup front runners Union at the Whitestone Contracting Stadium.

Mungas' opening batsman Steve Halliwell believes the addition of the school players will spice things up for the tie.

"Dick Hunt is always different with the introduction of the schoolboys," he said.

"Hayden McKenzie is back for us which is a boost. We bowled them out last time but our batting wasn't up to scratch. The school boys will strengthen the batting."

Union will be coming off the back of last week's Borton Cup defeat to SKC and will be looking to find their form again.

Skipper Thomas Shields said he is expecting a tough clash.

"We'll lose a few to North Otago. I know Albion haven't lost many and they have got a few guys coming in," he said.

"We've got no schoolboys this week. Peter Cartwright has found some hitting form, he's a menace against us, so it'll be a big ask."

Valley will be taking on Oamaru. The Choccos have failed to pick up a win so far in the Borton Cup and were soundly beaten by Valley in round 5.

Captain Matt Murphy is hoping the Dick Hunt competition could re-ignite his team.

"We'll be looking to give them a good go. We're confident with it being a new competition and we want to take some confidence from it," he said.