New Plymouth Old Boys put the disappointment of losing their T20 semi final behind them with a dominating outright victory over Inglewood in their top of the table clash.
Played at Karo Park, Inglewood, the home side won the toss and elected to bat but found themselves one down before the end of the first over as Ross Bryans got through the defenses of Bailey Wisnewski. Some mini partnership followed but not one batsman was able to go on with it as Inglewood lost wickets regularly to be all out for 131. Aaron Zame top scored with 25. For NPOB Viranchi Upadhyay and Troy Jury picked up three wickets apiece.
In reply NPOB found themselves 44 for 3 before a 4th wicket partnership of 118 between Tem Hodson (84) and Ross Bryans (46) saw them past Inglewoods first innings total. At 162 for 3 NPOB would have been looking at securing a large first innings lead but once both Hodson and Bryans left the last five wickets were lost for the addition of 14 runs. Luke Dravitzki doing the damage late picking up 6 for 42 with his left arm orthodox.
Facing a 60 run deficit the Inglewood batsman had no answer to Bryans pace and movement as they capitulated for 81, only two Inglewood batsman made double figures as Bryans posted figures of 8 for 44. The NPOB batsman took just over six overs to post the winning runs for the loss of two wickets.
In other matches, Woodleigh held a 60 run first innings lead over Stratford, Finbar Moriarty did his best to hold the Stratford second innings together with a hard fought 57 not out as Stratford were dismissed for 152 leaving Woodleigh 93 for victory. Mitchell Proffit (37) and Nick Standen (33) saw Woodleigh through with an unbeaten 58 run partnership.
Hawera United piled on more misery for a hapless FMDC side, Hawera continued their first innings declaring at 400 for 6. Liam Fowler only added 4 to his overnight score being dismissed for 105, Rob Northcott put the icing on the innings with a belligerent 101 off just 48 balls. The innings included nine 4’s and seven 6’s.
Facing a 249 run deficit the FDMC batsman faced an uphill battle to save the game and one that they could manage being dismissed for 128 with Ambrose Moriarty top scoring with 49. Northcott capped off a fine day as he picked up 5 for 28.
The final game of the round saw NPBHS do what they do best, come from behind to score an upset outright victory. 92 runs behind on first innings to NPMU the NPBHS openers put on a 51 run opening stand, Ryan Gilmour leading from the front with 45, after the breakthrough came however the school side lost wickets regularly to be all out for 167 leaving NPMU 76 for victory. Chris Logan struck three times early to leave NPMU 21 for 3, with no batsman making 20 NPMU were struck down for just 68 giving NPBHS the unlikely outright win. Logan and Oli Burbidge picking up 4 wickets apiece.
Leaderboard:
NPOB 58
Inglewood 52
Hawera 52
NPBHS 43
NPMU 40
Woodleigh 36
Stratford 36
FDMC 16
Top Run Scorers:
Adam Keene (Stratford) 292
Paul Lightoller (Stratford) 245
Ngoni Mupamba (Hawera) 244
Finbar Moriarty (Stratford) 222
Robert Northcott (Hawera) 217
Top Wicket Takers:
Grant Commerford (Stratford) 32
Ross Bryans (NPOB) 23
Daniel Bernet (NPMU) 19
Luke Dravitzki (Inglewood) 18
This week sees some interesting matchups that could determine teams chances of making the top four.
NPBHS will be looking for maximum points against the College, if they can achieve this then they should secure a semi final spot.
NPMU will have to overcome Inglewood. Leaders NPOB are at home to Stratford with Woodleigh hosting Hawera.