Bates returns for Aces clash with Volts

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 28 January 2011

The Aces will have to do without the services of Kyle Mills for their clash with the Otago Volts this Sunday but will be able to welcome back Michael Bates to their side for the match.

Mills departs the camp for duty with the BLACKCAPS, whilst Bates returns after being rested for the washed out game against the Central Stags.

That abandoned game has put a bit more acid on Sunday's clash with the Volts, with both sides needing to win to try and secure a top two spot and an "extra life" in the semi-final format.

Otago sit one place and two points above the Aces in second on the table and Aces coach Paul Strang is well aware of the significance of the game.

"We were fortunate in some respects that there was a tie [in the Northern Knights/Otago Volts match] as that's kept things pretty tight at the top. A win here would give us momentum heading into the final round against Wellington to try and nail first or second."

The Aces lost to the Volts just a week ago in a game where their batting failed them for the first time in the competition.

"I think the guys realise that performance was below the standard we've set for ourselves and they'll be very keen to make amends on Sunday."

The twelve for Sunday's game at Colin Maiden Park is as follows:

Andre Adams (Overseas professional)
Colin de Grandhomme (Howick Pakuranga)
Roneel Hira (North Shore)
Gareth Hopkins (capt) (wk) (Parnell)
Anaru Kitchen (Waitakere City)
Tim McIntosh (Parnell)
Chris Martin (Parnell)
Michael Bates (Suburbs New Lynn)
Colin Munro (Howick Pakuranga)
Greg Todd (Howick Pakuranga)
Daryl Tuffey (Suburbs New Lynn)
Lou Vincent (Takapuna)

Contacts: Paul Strang 021 840877