Round one of the South Otago T20 competition was played on Saturday, but only two of the three games were played.
What was billed as the match of the round between reigning T20 champions Milton and reigning 40-over champions Owaka ended up being a one-sided contest.
Playing on a reasonably quick Outlaw Oval outfield in Owaka, the home side showed their class with the ball.
After winning the toss, Owaka skipper Quentin Gare — in his 200th game — had no hesitation in putting Milton into bat.
A decent opening stand of 20 runs between Tim Martin and Corey Bradley saw off the Owaka opening bowlers for the loss of no wicket.
But at first change, young medium-pacers Will Clark and Clayton Sheppard found their line and length early and reduced Milton to 30 for five, with Clark picking up career-best figures of four for six off four overs.
With the Milton lower order exposed, opener Matt Morahan was brought back into the attack, and he mopped up the tail with four for 14 off his four overs as Milton were skittled for just 38.
Martin was Milton’s only real contributor with 17 runs at the start of the innings.
In reply, Owaka took just six overs to chase the total down as Jeremy Gray (22 not out) and Gordon Edwards (13 not out) saw the home side through to a 10-wicket win.
The Kaitangata Kings beat the Valley Stingers by nine wickets in what became a surprisingly uneven match at the Wasp Nest in Tuapeka Mouth.
Valley batted first and recorded a competitive 122 for four from their 20 overs.
Luis Smales was in fine touch with 42 and fellow opener Daniel Cragg chimed in with a useful 24.
Once the two openers were dismissed, Kai found some rhythm and took a couple of key wickets in quick succession.
A useful cameo from Clutha loanee Macleod Glaister (21) towards the end of the innings set Valley up for what could have been a defendable total if they applied themselves in the field.
William Casey and Mark Shepherd had identical figures of two for 13 off four overs for Kai.
In response, a fantastic opening stand between experienced campaigners Orry Young and Allan Thomson all but carried their side to victory.
The two put on 121 runs for the opening wicket before Thomson was dismissed for 39 off the bowling of Lachlan Judson.
Young carried his bat for an unbeaten 56, which included five fours and a solitary six. Valley rotated their bowlers, with Judson the only scalp collector on the day.
The game between the Clutha Comets and Waihola Swans was abandoned.
— Francis Parker
