NORTH OTAGO

Valley was once again denied that elusive win in Borton Cup cricket when it lost by 30 runs in a lowscoring game against Waitaki Boys’ High School First X1 at Milner Park.

Batting first, Waitaki Boys’ was dismissed for 128 in the 48th over after Nathan James topscored with 46 invaluable runs. Bowling for Valley, Reuben Simpson took two for 24 off nine overs, while Cameron Grubb claimed two for five off his 10 overs and Hamish McKenzie chimed in with two for 26 off nine overs.

Valley never built up any momentum in its chase and lasted only 31 overs before the 10th wicket fell at 96. Only Lachie Kingan, with 37, showed any real resistance. Bowling for Waitaki Boys’ Ben Mavor took two for eight, Toby Johnston three for 17 and Blake Martin three for 11.

In a sensational finish, Union snatched a onerun victory and ended Albion’s winning run in senior cricket. Union batted first and Sam Bastin (74) and Dylan Edwards (27) made 51 runs for the fourth wicket, while Matt Lilley (37) was the pick of the rest. Bowling for Albion, Jordan Catherkey took four for 51 and Brady Kingan took two for 29.

Albion looked to be cruising in its chase at 100 for four after 25 overs, with Catherkey (36 not out) and Jonty Naylor (33) laying a solid base. With nine overs remaining, Albion required 68 runs for victory. The runs came slowly but with skipper Ricky Whyte at the crease, it needed only one run off the last four balls of the 50th over. Whyte, intent on victory, cracked what would have been a wide to point, where he was caught, and the innings ended with Albion just two runs short of its fifth victory for the season. Paul Johnston took four for 49 and Blake James two for 18.