Borton Cup cricket action began last weekend and the defending champions, Oamaru, got their campaign under way with a dramatic two-wicket victory.
Chasing a daunting 301 for victory, Oamaru looked dead in the water at 174 for eight, despite scores from Luke Taylor (76), Lachlan Brookes (47) and Stephan Grobler
(39).
However, a 104-run partnership between Quinn Wardle (60 not out) and Nick Johnston (49) rescued them as they managed to get home with just five balls to spare.
Cameron Grubb and Jack Cameron took three wickets each.
Earlier, a captain’s knock from Jack Price anchored the Valley innings.
The wicket-keeper-batter scored 89 and was well supported by Shannon Dunnett (42), Hunter Growcott (32), George Mavor, and Grubb (both 31) as they posted 300 for nine from their 50 overs.
Grobler (three for 45) was the best with the ball for Oamaru.
Elsewhere, Union set the tone early on in their 83-run win over St Kevin’s College.
Batting first, their top three laid a solid platform as they put on a 99 and 63-run partnership for the first and second wicket, respectively.
Openers Thomas Anderson (61) and Jeremiah Shields (59) both passed 50 and captain Blake James (30) carried on the good work.
Brad Fleming (34 not out) and Thomas Shield (34) also contributed runs in the middle order to see their side to 251 for six at the end of their innings.
Hamish Fowler (three for 36) was the standout bowler for St Kevin’s.
Their run chase got off to a rocky start as the college side lost four early wickets before Fowler (48 not out) and older brother Jacob (44) started to fight back.
It was all in vain however as they could not find any support and were dismissed for 168 in the 41st over.
Ben Mavor starred for Union, taking a five-wicket bag.
In the final game of the round, Albion beat Glenavy by 100 runs.
Ravi Lalia scored a half century to guide Albion to 257 for nine but it was a real team effort for Albion as six players all scored 20-plus.
In reply, Glenavy struggled to get out of first gear.
While a number of the Rangers batters got starts, none could go on to post a big score.
Captain Zach Graham top-scored with 29 as they were bowled out for 157 in the 41st over.
Jacob Davies (three for 30) led the way with the ball for Albion, with Aneesh Bose and Jikku Joseph also picking up a pair of wickets each.
TOMORROW
The two school sides will battle it out in round two as Waitaki Boys’ High School host St Kevin’s.
Union play Valley while Oamaru travel up SH1 to take on Glenavy.
Albion have the bye.
