Rivals both hold hope | Manawatu-Wanganui Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Manawatu-Wanganui

While Wairarapa hold the whip hand in zone 2 (Central Districts) of the Hawke Cup competition, both Wanganui and Hawke's Bay - who meet over two days at Victoria Park, starting this morning - have, at least, a glimmer of hope.

Wairarapa and Taranaki lead the table, the former being favourites to put away bottom-placed Horowhenua-Kapiti, while Taranaki have the more difficult task against Manawatu. Should the leaders fail, victory for Wanganui could see them advance to the competition's challenge stage next week. But Hawke's Bay have the same incentive.

Wanganui have called in United quick Ross Dickison as Collegiate opening bowler Nick Blundell has an ankle injury. Other than that, the team that demolished Horowhenua-Kapiti is out for a third win of the season.

Vice-captain Luke Wright returns for Hawke's Bay in place of slow bowler Jared Priest.

Wanganui: Andrew McCaa (c), Mark Parsons, Max Carroll, Ben Smith, Mark Fraser, Henry Collier, Hamish Wells, Dominic Rayner, Chris Stewart, Ross Kinnerley, Dominic Lock, Ross Dickison.

Hawke's Bay: James de Terte (c), Luke Wright, Harshil Pandya, Driaan Lubbe, Bronson Meehan, Morten Freer, Liam Raukuwai, Seb Langridge, Ben Jackett, Henry Hunter, Angus Schaw, Scott Schaw.

Zone 2: Taranaki, Wairarapa 24pts; Wanganui 22pts; Manawatu, Hawke's Bay 19pts; Horowhenua-Kapiti 0pts.

February 4-5: Manawatu v Taranaki; Wanganui v Hawke's Bay; Horowhenua-Kapiti v Wairarapa.