Hawera United came crashing down on day one of Round 4 of the Revital Fertilisers two day competition.
Going into the round on top of the table Hawera came up against New Plymouth Marist United at the TSB Hub. Winning the toss Hawera asked Marist to bat first and led by their new skipper Kurt Leuthart, Marist posted 234 for 8 declared with Leuthart finishing on 104. Leuthart combined with Robson Chapman who made 50 for a 94 run stand. In reply it seemed Hawera came out and started their innings on a different pitch as they soon found themselves 5 for 4, Rob Northcott (51) and Fynn Riddick (24) put some respectibility into the score with a 63 run stand but once they both departed Marist would wrap up the innings quickly dismissing Hawera for 90. Asked to follow on Hawera safely saw out two overs and ended the day 4 without loss.
Inglewood look certain to take over top spot with a demolition job of FDMC on day one. Inglewood asked FDMC to bat first and dismissed them for 105. In reply Inglewood quickly surpassed FDMC’s score and went about building a healthy 1st innings lead. The lead was built around opener Aaron Taylor and Jamie Farquhar who put on 147 run partnership in 13 overs. Both batsman rode their luck and FDMC fielders couldn’t capitalise on their chances. Taylor finished with 101 not out and Farquhar 105 not out off just 47 balls, an innings that included 12 boundaries and six 6’s.
With cricket returning to Victoria Park Stratford for the first time since the relaying of the wicket, ball dominated the bat with 21 wickets falling on day one.
NPBHS batted first and could only manage 107 as Grant Commerford picked up 6 for 38. Stratford opener Paul Lightoller led from the front with 70 as Stratford scored 1st inning points but were dismissed for 154. NPBHS lost a wicket in the final over of the day finishing 16 for one, a deficit of 31 to overcome next week.
In the final game, NPOB piled on more misery for Woodleigh as they elected to bat first and were all out for 118. Old Boys stalwart Jamie Watkins finishing with 4 for 7 which included his very first hatrick in 35 years playing the game. In reply NPOB finished the day 293 all out as Watkins capped off a fine day with 64, followed by another old timer Matthew Broadmore turning back the clock with 47. Josh Quinney was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 69.