Keri seniors fall short in run chase
WRMK Kerikeri 169 all out Duracrete Products City Reserves 189/7
Kerikeri unable to contain the formidable City Reserves in the Northland Cricket Reserve Grade 40-over final at Cobham Oval on Sunday.
Kerikeri coach Lowell Gundry felt it was a respectable effort from his team against the form side of the competition; one led by veteran Joe Yovich, a former first-class player with Northern Districts.
“They [City] were probably a bit too much for us,” Gundry said.
City were sitting on 135 with five overs to go only to pile on the runs during that last spell at bat. Best bowler for Kerikeri was Akesh Deep with 3 for 32 off eight overs.
Kerikeri made an admirable effort to chase down the fairly daunting target set but eventually lost their last wicket in the penultimate over. Standout with the bat was pint-sized Oscar Hart, who hit 40 runs off the City bowling attack, a remarkable effort against very experienced opposition and particularly considering he’s only 15.
Gundry said the Far North team still made the most of the opportunity to play on the hallowed turf of Cobham Oval.
“Good chance for us to play on one of the biggest grounds in New Zealand, nice grass wicket,” he said, adding the match was played in good spirits.
WRMK Kerikeri 219/9 (45.4) Kamo Reserves 223/5 (36.1): On Saturday, Kerikeri — the only Far North team involved in the senior provincial competition — played the first of two games in two days, this one from round 2 of the Declaration Cricket championship at Kerikeri High School, also finishing with a loss.
Gundry said the highlight was another good innings with the bat for the Hart youngster, this time he hit 50.
At the other end of the spectrum, one of the homeside bowlers was smacked for 28 off one over.
No other results from other matches played on Saturday were available at edition time.
■ This Saturday sees the Kerikeri seniors playing their third home game in three weeks, hosting the Kamo High 1st XI in round 3/7 of the Declaration Cricket 50/40 competition.