Tough task for Taranaki

The Taranaki tennis team is playing Hawke's Bay for the Christie Cup this Saturday, in the Hawke's Bay.

Taranaki lost the Christie Cup to Hawke's Bay last season and will be looking for revenge.

With players like Ajeet Rai, Caleb Fleming and Jaime Simpson unavailable for the men, it leaves Hamish Mead having to play in the top spot, whereas last season he was number four. This is a big ask, considering Hawke's Bay has players such as the Reynolds brothers, Daniel Rowe and Daniel Willman possibly available to play.

This leaves a lot of responsibility resting on the shoulders of a young women's line up. Nikayla Barnard, used to being one of the younger players, will find herself not only playing at number one but also being one of the most experienced women's representative players. That said, this is a group of young women who play with power and aggression down to the number six spot.

It could see a definite split in the results, which would ultimately see the fixture decided on the strength of the mixed doubles combinations and how they are arranged by team captains.