The pressure is already mounting on defending Fergus Hickey champions Bay of Plenty heading into this weekend's two day match against Northland.

And while it is too early in the season to say match is season defining game, the reality is the Bay need to win to stay in contention to defend the Fergus Hickey trophy this season.

Jono Boult returns for this weekend's Fergus Hickey two day match against Northland.

An indifferent start was the result from three days of play at the annual Northern Districts one-day tournament in Taupo with just one win against Counties Manukau and losses to Northland and Hamilton.

But resilience and fighting spirit, are two of the qualities of Bay first elevens over the years, with the Bay side likely to go into the encounter in the far north of the country with a steely determination.

Injuries to three players in the team that contested the ND one-day series at Taupo, has seen two very experienced all rounders and a quick bowler brought into the Bay side.

Northern Knight Jono Boult has been released by ND for the Northland encounter, with the long-time Bay team member to play his 55^th match in the Bay of Plenty uniform, on the weekend.

A highest score of 107 and best bowling figures of 6/30, tell the tale of the contribution that the all-rounder has made to Bay of Plenty since his debut a decade ago.

Bay of Plenty Coach Ben Williams will hold the player/coach tag for the trip to the far north. A six wicket bag for Te Puke in Baywide cricket last weekend, showed the selectors that Williams had quickly hit top form with the ball this season.

Ben is just one of two Bay of Plenty players, since 1932, to smash a century and take six wickets in a match.

The third player added to the Bay team is Te Puke fast bowler Jeremy Bates. He is another in the Bay side equally adept with both bat and ball having smashed a century for Te Puke in Baywide club cricket last season.

Fergus Hickey Rosebowl match versus Northland (two-day) at Whangarei November 23 and 24.

Bay of Plenty Team:

Peter Drysdale (captain) Joe Carter, Bharat Popli, Tom MacRury, Brett Hampton, Mitch McCann, Tim Clarke, Ben Williams, Tony Goodin, Jeremy Bates, Campbell Thomas, Jono Boult.