Christchurch close in on schools title

The Christchurch Boys’ High School first XI are close to securing the national secondary schools cricket title in Palmerston North.

Led by a century from Ben Hartland, who scored 101, Christchurch (286-9) beat Tauranga Boys’ College (114) by 172 runs at Fitzherbert Park yesterday, with a day to play at the week-long tournament. That leaves Christchurch a win clear of the rest of the field with a round to go.

Rosmini College is the only other team with a chance of winning, but they will need to beat Otago Boys’ High School on the final day and hope Palmerston North Boys’ High School upset Christchurch, then rely on run rate.

In the other match today, Hutt International Boys’ School will play Tauranga Boys’ College.

Palmerston North Boys’ High School lost by eight wickets to Rosmini yesterday.

Palmerston North batted first and were bowled out for 205 in the 49th over. Captain Ben O’connor scored 69 and opener Thomas

Walshe scored 52.

Rishabh De scored 41, but there were no others in double figures.

Rosmini then reached 209-2 wickets in 45.5 overs. Spinner O’connor took 2-42.

In Thursday’s other game, HIBS (146) lost by seven wickets to Otago (147-3).

■ The Central Districts under-19 team was beaten by one wicket by Northern Districts at the national under-19 tournament at Lincoln on Wednesday.

CD batted first and were bowled out for 168 in 46.4 overs.

Their openers were their best batsmen, with Josh Borrell scoring 39 and Bayley Wiggins scoring 34.

ND only reached 172-9 from the last ball of the innings. Spinner Felix Murray took 3-21 for CD and Todd Watson took 2-27.

CD have had two wins and a loss. They play Wellington today.