Gold’s 60-run win sees contributions from whole squad

Kaipaki Gold assembled at Steele Park in Hamilton East to face Hamilton Old Boys in Saturday cricket.

Kaipaki Gold handed a debut to former Waikato Sevens rugby and New Zealand Sevens triallist Benji Olesen while Liam Fox and Nigel Phillips returned to wear the baggy green and gold cap for this one.

Kaipaki Gold captain Dylan Jeffries won the toss and had no hesitation in deciding to bat first.

Gold openers were Ryan Preston, playing his 98th game for Kaipaki, and captain Jeffries.

Preston started magnificently, he was very strong square of the wicket, placing his cut shots and pulling powerfully.

He went on to make 40, while at the other end Jeffries was his normal self, playing some strong leg side shots but also not being afraid to lift the ball over the infield.

Jeffries made 35 before all-rounder Trent Butler came to the crease.

2020/2021 Kaipaki all-rounder of the year Butler has been in eyecatching form with bat in hand of late and this week made a superb 56.

Others to contribute were Hiki Toroa (17), Mark Dutton (14) and Andrew Bowe, who chipped in with a nice 12 not out.

Kaipaki Gold made 220. Kaipaki Gold started their quest to defend their total, and early on it was the fielding of Phillips and Olesen that caught the eye, with their energy lifting their team-mates.

Captain Jeffries led the way with the ball taking 4-8 off his seven overs and, just for good measure, taking a catch as well.

Jeffries was supported by Dutton who also capped off a superb allround game taking 3-25 and is turning into a consistent wicket taker for Kaipaki.

Others to shine with ball in hand were Butler with 1-14 off seven overs, Dharmik Desai, who was the joint wicket taker of the year in 2020/21, with 1-49 while Bowe took 1-29 off four overs.

Phillips also bowled well and was unlucky to finish wicketless with 0-14.

In the field, Fox and Toroa took superb catches to back up the bowlers.

Hamilton Old Boys were bowled out for 160, another famous victory for Kaipaki.

Kaipaki Green v Hamilton Lions

Even though most cricket in the Hamilton Region was cancelled due to wet weather, Kaipaki Green took on the Hamilton Lions.

Kaipaki Green arrived at the Kaipaki Oval to the sight of a very green outfield.

Kaipaki Green bowled first. Sean Gutry with his well-directed off-spinners took 2-22 off his seven overs.

He was supported by Kaipaki stalwart Mark Hazelton.

Hazelton, who played for the nation while still at St Peters School, took 2-40 with his medium/fast seamers.

Interjeet Singh was the other successful bowler with 2-39.

In the field, Kaipaki Green worked hard with evergreen Leith Schwass putting in another big shift for the Kaipaki nation.

Hamilton Lions made 244/9 off their 35 overs.

When it came to Kaipaki Green’s turn to bat, Northern Districts Brave player Alisha Rout again showed what a talent she is.

Rout, a foundation member from the Kaipaki Colts team, has been very consistent with the bat in hand for her beloved Kaipaki this season.

Rout, who is very strong off the front foot, made 31 off 27 balls, hitting five 4s and a 6.

Unfortunately Kaipaki Green fell short in their run-chase.

It was another fighting performance from the Kaipaki Green side who have been competitive all season.