Oamaru-st Kevin’s regained its Borton Cup lead when it defeated Union at King George Park by one wicket, in a high scoring game.
More than 500 runs were scored in the match.
In a low-scoring game at Milner Park, Albion registered its second win of the season beating Waitaki Boys’ High School first XI by a solitary wicket.
Waitaki Boys’ batting first found runs difficult to score. Scott Kitto (19) and Ben Paton (13) the best of the batsmen and the school side was dismissed for 118.
Bowling for Albion, Andrew Searle took five for 30 and Levi Ewing claimed three for 26.
Albion also struggled against a sometimes accurate Waitaki Boys’ bowling attack, but Jayden Stockridge (26 not out) and Brad Kernahan (22) denied the Waitaki Boys’ attack of Ben Mavor (two for 35) and player-coach Francois Mostert (two for 28).
In the end, Albion got home by four wickets. Some loose bowling led to Waitaki Boys’ conceding 27 extras.
Batting first, Union, on its home ground, appeared to have set Oamaru-St Kevin’s a mammoth task of scoring 260 runs to win.
Jeremiah Shields (65) gave Union a great start and he was well supported by wicketkeeper Duncan Drew who also made 65.
Dan Martin chipped in with 28. Bowling for Oamaru, Reece Curle took four for 66 off his nine overs and Nick Johnston claimed three for 50.
In a thrilling finish, Oamaru’s Matt Murphy (11) and Robbie Breen (12) passed the Union total with the second-last ball of the innings. Jordan Bartlett (58) gave Oamaru momentum at the top of the order and was well backed up by Cameron Bassett (78).
Curle (32) supplemented his bowling effort and Zac Naldrett (37) chimed in further down the order. Bowling for Union, Sam Bastin took four for 63.
- Terry O'Neill
