Old Boys secure their second win
Levin Old Boys made the road trip to Masterton for the second successive weekend and secured a second successive win albeit in an extremely tight encounter that looked as though may have slipped from their grasp.
Having restricted Red Star to 160, Levin Old Boys started their run chase in bizarre circumstances having been off for rain for two hours and not having a target as officials scrambled to calculate the revised figure.
Things seemed to conspire against the men in blue but a brilliant knock of 50 from Bailey Te Tomo got LOB within touching distance however it was down to the last pair of Alex O’Malley and Daemon Kennett to get LOB over the line putting on 17 for the final wicket to ensure LOB banked the crucial points.
KOB captain Carter Andrews reported that KOB travelled to Greytown still in search of an elusive first win for the season, however put in to bat first on a soft wet wicket they struggled.
The only batting highlight was Ryan Hickey’s 23* in a poor batting display that ended on 70 all out. With rain looming KOB looked to extend the game bowling tightly and searching for wickets but ultimately it wasn’t enough as United got off to a flier and cruised home before lunch.
Weraroa CC would have fancied their chances of going 3 from 3 as they had Wanganui United Cricket Club crippled on 57/7. Unfortunately, as in PCC’s game on Kena Kena Park, the rain had the final say scuttling play and any chance of points for the remaining 2 HK club sides.
Horowhenua Kapiti played Wellington U19 at Donnelly Park on Sunday. Captain Andre Halbert inserted Wellington making first use of a pitch that looked to offer a bit to the bowlers early coupled with overhead conditions that were conducive to swing.
A superb 102 by Gareth Severin ensured a healthy run chase for the Bears as he anchored the innings for Wellington with support from Nick Greenwood’s 39.
Wickets were shared throughout the innings with Daemon Kennett taking 2-28 off his 10 overs in a brilliant performance, ably supported by Carter Andrews (2-49 off 20) and Zack Benton (2-31 off 8).
In reply Horowhenua Kapiti suffered the loss of early wickets and at 45-5 were well on the back foot. A 57 from player coach Chad Law who was the last man out helped carry the total to 158 with support from Dion Sanson (28) Keegan MacLachlan (26) and Liam Pinfold (15). Left arm orthodox Jessie Tashkoff was the pick of the Wellington attack taking 3-16 off 8.
Despite the Bears’ best efforts they fell well short in a game that was full of immense positives and learnings.