Conway hits stride with ton
University’s gun South African import Devon Conway marked his first innings on Kelburn Park with a century on a day when bowlers largely claimed the honours in Wellington club cricket.
Conway, who arrived in the capital with a first-class average of 42 from 86 matches in South Africa, showed his class in the first week on grass surfaces for the Ewen Chatfield Trophy one-day competition.
The left-hander hit 114 in University’s total of 275-9 which proved too much for North City in a 44-run victory.
North City were on track and a valiant 97 from Joseph Todd, batting at three, saw them get close before they were dismissed for 231 in the 46th over.
Home-ground advantage was important as the nominated home side won all six matches, including Onslow who remained on top with a 58-run victory over Karori.
At Nairnville Park, Onslow were under the pump against Karori where they were dismissed for 157.
There were issues for the visitors, too, when contracted Firebirds player Peter Younghusband was hit in the face while bowling his second over, ending his day with figures of 2-4. Without him in the lineup Karori crumbled for 99, as Jack Sargentina backed up his 23 not out with 3-43 for Onslow.
Hutt District relished a ‘home’ game at Karori Park as they upset Eastern Suburbs by five wickets. Easts were asked to bat first and struggled to 169 all out with Jimad Khan’s 33 their best, and Ben Skilton taking 4-30.
After being in early trouble at 69-5, the Johnson brothers guided Hutt home with Troy scoring 90 and Brett 38 as they picked up a crucial four points.
At Alex Moore, Petone posted 206-7 off their 50 overs, led by Nick Ward (53), Tom Carter (55 not out) and Gian Botha (48), as Zac Ringrose was Johnsonville’s best with 3-37.
After a shaky start to the chase, Johnsonville cruised to a four-wicket victory in the 37th over as Chris Leach (58 off 48) and Andrew Salter (51 off 42) saw them home and into second place on the ladder.
A solid all-round performance from Wellington Collegians saw them grab a bonus-point victory over Naenae Old Boys at Anderson Park.
Batting first they posted 297-7 with Luke Vincent (58), Ben McMahon (52) and Samrat Sengupta (53 not out) all in the runs, before Nick O’Sullivan (4-31) helped skittle Naenae for 125.
Upper Hutt took their second successive win, by three wickets over Taita. The visitors posted a competitive 261 thanks to 66 from Chandler Ravi, as Upper Hutt’s Tyler Simpson was the pick of the bowlers with 3-29.
Jack Imray hit 70 at the top before a brisk 39 off 23 from Nishant Desai and 57 not out from Navros Singh saw Upper Hutt home.