Neesham eager to have winning say against old side
WELLINGTON has claimed a spot in the oneday final with a threewicket win against Auckland in the elimination final at Eden Park Outer Oval yesterday.
The Firebirds will play Otago at the University of Otago Oval on Saturday, with the winner claiming the crown.
Former Volts allrounder Jimmy Neesham guided Wellington to victory with an unbeaten 120 from 107 deliveries.
He scored his maiden oneday hundred against the Volts in Dunedin earlier this month and told the Otago Daily Times his ideal scenario was to play Otago in the final and lead his new team to victory.
He will now get that opportunity thanks to his fine knock. Neesham clouted 12 fours and five sixes and has found some brilliant form with the bat this season.
Dunedinborn Ollie Newton also played a major role with a stunning bowling effort. The former Albion rightarm seamer took five for 47 to set up the win.
Among his victims was the dangerous Colin Munro. The Black Cap is one of the most destructive ballstrikers in the game but got an outside edge to a cracking delivery and had to depart for 16.
Auckland slumped to 58 for five but rallied to reach 236. Graeme Beghin topscored with 69 and featured in a 115run stand for the sixth wicket with Robbie O’Donnell (54).
Wellington’s chase faltered early with both openers getting out cheaply. But talented lefthander Devon Conway (42) and former Otago player Michael Bracewell (41) helped get the innings back on track.
There was a flurry of late wickets but Neesham finished the innings in style with a six to seal the win.
Wellington will have to start as favourite in the final, despite having to travel south for the game. It beat Otago by 193 runs earlier in the tournament and had a narrow loss in Dunedin, when it appeared to have had the chase under control.