Tough match ups

It's round five of the Dick Hunt Trophy cricket competition tomorrow with Oamaru entertaining Albion and Union hosting Valley.

Round four offered up surprising results, Oamaru picked up their first win of the campaign over Valley and Albion downed Union at the Whitestone Contracting Stadium.

Union's Paul Johnston will be resting this week but is hoping his side can recover from the defeat.

"Albion were stronger than us, we didn't have our top order and we batted terribly, which is pretty obvious being all out for 78," he said. "Hopefully it was just a wee glitch, we've got to win this to keep this competition alive for us now, so it's a must-win."

Table-toppers Albion will be looking to carry on their good form to topple Oamaru.

Skipper Peter Cartwright (53) and Brad Kernahan (52) formed an impressive 96-run partnership taking their total to 198 last Saturday. Mungas' batsman Steve Halliwell said the introduction of the schoolboys enhanced their bowling attack and is confident his team can remain at the table's summit.

"We're always confident, the talent's there and when it fires it's great," he said.

"Peter Cartwright stood up and led from the front followed by Brad [Kernahan] so we'll be looking to do the same this week."

Oamaru captain Matt Murphy will be happy to welcome Stefan Grobler to the ranks this week to boost the Choccos' batting order.

Murphy was pleased with his team's performance in their last outing but knows beating Albion will be a tall order.

"We bowled really well, we've got to get out there and put up a decent total and build some pressure bowling," Murphy said.

"Albion are playing well and had a good win so it'll be tough."

Round 5: (All games start at 12.30pm) Oamaru vs Albion Excelsior; Union vs Valley King, George Park 1.