Adrian Seconi

Otago coach Deb Tasi-Cordtz was in a chipper mood yesterday.

You cannot lose a game before kick-off but Lower Hutt City coach Brendan McIntyre makes it sound almost plausible.

Daniel Vettori has been a wonderful performer for New Zealand since he made his debut as a gangly 18-year-old in 1997. The master of flight and subtle variations, he has nabbed 360 test wickets. But lately the left-arm spinner has more closely resembled a slow left-arm seamer. The question remains, though: is there an heir apparent? Cricket writer Adrian Seconi looks at the options.

The Erewhon Cup has always been a diamond event and now it is official - the tournament is celebrating its 75th year.

Normally, catching a crab is a bit of a bonus. You stick it straight in the pot and boil it up for tea.

Little more than a month ago, Caversham midfielder-cum-striker Tim Cook was happily playing for the club's second tier side.

Former Silver Fern Jodi Brown is back in contention for a spot in the national side.

In a tale of two Otago athletes, it was the best of times and the worst of times.

The Southern Stampede kept its title prospects alive with back-to-back away wins against the Dunedin Thunder this weekend.

The good news is two of the Highlanders first fives are on the mend.

The past four days have not been happy ones for Manukau City goalkeeper Sergio Bustos.

For a so-called bad boy, former Tall Black and Breakers power forward BJ Anthony is a nice bloke.

Former Otago coach Mike Hesson will replace outgoing Black Caps coach John Wright next month. He will become the fifth New Zealand coach in four years and has already had to duck a bouncer before he has had a chance to go into bat. Cricket writer Adrian Seconi reports.

Otago coach Vaughn Johnson is the first to concede his side's bowling stocks will be stretched this summer.

Caversham ended Manukau City's charmed run in the Chatham Cup with a 3-1 win in a quarterfinal at the Caledonian yesterday.

The expert opinions are in and it is a split decision.