Net run rate was required to determine the semifinal positions after the last round of the Borton Cup round robin on Saturday.
Albion and Glenavy knew a win would guarantee qualification while a loss would leave them level on points with St Kevin’s.
Neither side had an easy assignment, facing Oamaru and Union — two sides that have dominated the competition — respectively.
At the Outer Oval, Oamaru batted first with the Wardle brothers putting on 126 for the second wicket.
Hunter contributed 64 and Quinn (78) was dismissed 27 runs later, leaving Oamaru commanding at 172 for three in the 33rd over.
Nick Johnson (31) then chipped in, Oamaru compiling 266 for nine from their 50 overs.
Aneesh Bose (three for 28), Tom Squire (three for 46) and Ravi Laila (three 49) all bowled with success for Albion.
Albion’s reply never got off the ground.
Wickets fell regularly and only Joshua Miller (29) offered any meaningful resistance as the last wicket fell at 118 in the 33rd over.
Oamaru won by 148 runs, Lachlan Brookes taking three for 29, Hunter Wardle two for 12 and Reece Curle two for 22.
The Union-Glenavy match was relocated to a St Kevin’s all-weather pitch after rain rendered King George Park unplayable.
Jeremiah Shields anchored Union’s innings, falling agonisingly one run short of what would have been his fifth senior century for the club.
Captain Blake James and Liam Mavor both contributed 29 as Union posted 248 for nine from 50 overs.
Hamish McCulloch took two for 42, Sehu Ismail Nijamdeen Nijan two for 43 and Rodney van Leeuwen two for 59.
The Rangers were also rocked early and never recovered. Dean Malcolm’s 24 was the only score of note as Glenavy were dismissed for 86 in the 24th over.
James led the Union attack with four for 27, supported by Brad Fleming (three for 16) and Mavor (two for 27).
With Albion, Glenavy and St Kevin’s all finishing level on points — and each having recorded a win and a loss against one another — net run rate settled the standings.
Union will face Glenavy, and Oamaru will take on Albion, in this season’s Borton Cup semifinals.
Valley defaulted to Waitaki Boys’ in the other scheduled fixture.
- Scott Cameron
