Levin Old Boys overcome rain

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 in their Coastal Challenge match last Saturday, Levin 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 Levin within touching distance.

However, it was down to the last pair of Alex O’malley and Daemon Kennett to get them over the line, putting on 17 for the final wicket to ensure Levin banked the crucial points.

Ka¯piti Old Boys travelled to Greytown still in search of an elusive first win for the season, however, put in to bat first by United on a soft wet wicket they struggled.

The only batting highlight was Ryan Hickey’s 23 not out in a poor batting display that ended on 70 all out.

With rain looming, Ka¯ piti 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 and the rain.

Weraroa would have fancied their chances of going three from three as they had Wanganui United Cricket Club crippled on 57/7 in Levin.

Unfortunately, as in Paraparaumu’s game on Kena Kena Park, the rain had the final say, scuttling play.

❚ Horowhenua Ka¯piti lost to Wellington Under-19 at Donnelly Park, Levin, on Sunday by 104 runs.

Horowhenua Ka¯piti 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 conducive to swing.

A superb 102 by Gareth Severin ensured a healthy run chase of 263 for the Horowhenua Ka¯ piri Bears.

In reply, Horowhenua Kapiti suffered the loss of early wickets and at 45-5 were well on the back foot.

Fifty-seven 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.

Despite the Bears’ best efforts, they fell well short.