Semifinalists found in South Otago
THE semifinalists have been decided with two rounds to spare in the South Otago 40over competition.
Four teams — Owaka, Waihola, the Kai Kings and the Stingers — are certain of a spot. It is just the order which has to be finalised.
A Lachie Johnston century helped the Valley Stingers record a fivewicket win over the Owaka Bandits in Tuapeka Mouth.
Owaka was asked to bat first and an 87run opening stand between Jeremy Gray and Joel White put the visiting side in a good spot.
Gray was dismissed for 41 on the last ball before drinks, giving the Stingers some confidence. The run rate slowed down through the middle of the innings and regular wickets kept the score below par.
Owaka finished its 40 overs with 197 for the loss of seven wickets. Joel White topscored with 57.
Valley bowlers picked up two wickets each.
The Bandits started promisingly, thanks to a topdrawer opening spell of bowling from Nathan White who took three wickets in his first three overs to leave Valley struggling at 24 for three.
Valley was 36 for the loss of four shortly after, when Marc Phillips joined his captain at the crease. Phillips was dismissed towards the end of the chase for a wellstruck 40 runs. Johnston hit the winning runs in the secondlast over, to bring up his third South Otago century and was not out on 101. White returned the best figures for the Bandits bowlers with three for 39 off eight overs.
The Waihola Swans secured an important bonus point in their 85run win over the Clutha Comets in Balclutha.
The Swans elected to bat and recorded 203 for six off their 40 overs.
Swans captain Dylan Bungard toiled away for 37 overs before being dismissed for 66, off 108 balls. There were important cameos from Simon Smaill (43) and Jared Cunningham (28). Connor Smith was the pick of the Comets bowlers with three for 18 off eight overs.
In reply, the Comets started poorly, losing three wickets for 19 runs inside eight overs. Rhiane Smith brought Clutha back into contention hitting 44 runs off just 13 deliveries.
Kelan Smith’s 27run innings was the only other score of note, as the Comets were bowled out for 118 in the 17th over. Lachie MacDonald, Kellan Crowie, Jared Cunningham and Jamie Morton picked up two wickets each .
The Kai Kings ruined the Lawrence Lions’ chances of a finals appearance with a 67run win over the Lions in Lawrence.
The Kings opted to bat and recorded 217 for six off their 40 overs.
William Casey struck 68 runs off 89 balls to continue his hot streak with the bat. Skipper Mark Shepherd hit almost a runaball 49, and Pat McKenna struck 42 off 26 towards the end of the innings.
Lions captain Taine Wilson was the pick of his bowlers with three for 37 off five overs.
In reply the Lions were bowled out for 150 in the 29th over of the innings.
Hayden Wyber topscored for Lawrence with 50. Young was next best with 40. Paterson claimed three for 39 off eight overs and was the pick of the Kings bowlers.