South Otago’s doubleheader day proved to be a success with the semifinal picture complete after six games of fantastic cricket.
The morning session featured defending champions Milton bundled out of the running by the Valley Stingers at the Wasp Nest in Tuapeka Mouth.
Valley were asked to bat and recorded 115 for five off their 20 overs.
Skipper Daniel Cragg’s 34 was the pick of the scores, while Jacob Jenkins took two wickets for Milton.
In reply, the King Crabs fell six runs short of the total after batting out 20 overs for the loss of seven wickets.
The Waihola Swans handed the Kaitangata Kings their first loss of the season.
Waihola batted first and scored 155 for two from their 20 overs. Marc Kohey top-scored with 44.
In reply, Kai were bowled out for just 57 as Waihola secured a semifinal position.
The Owaka Bandits continued their winning ways with a nine-wicket win over the Comets at Clutha.
The home side recorded 104 with Kurt Botting’s 29 the highlight. Will Clark was the shining light for Owaka with the ball as he picked up his maiden five-wicket bag with figures of five for 17.
Jethro Melville’s unbeaten 58 led Owaka to victory with plenty of time left.
The afternoon sessions solidified the semifinal picture with some equally impressive contests.
Kaitangata managed to beat Owaka by 19 runs, though they did not remove Owaka from the top qualifying spot.
Kai batted first and got some lower-order hitting from Michael Hayes (45 not out) and Kane Benington (27) to reach 134 for five from their 20 overs.
In reply, Owaka fell 19 runs short despite an unbeaten 43 by Gordon Edwards, who carried his bat through the innings.
Clutha secured their semifinal place and the Cameron Cup with a strong eight-wicket win over Milton at Clutha.
Chasing 152, the Comets reached the target with overs to spare for the loss of just two wickets. Opener Kelan Smith struck 60 runs and first drop Macleod Glaister recorded an unbeaten 55.
Brad Frost had earlier put Milton in a good position with an unbeaten 66. Smith took two wickets.
Kellan Crowie starred with both bat and ball as Waihola beat Valley at the Wasp Nest.
Crowie took four wickets in the first innings as Valley were bowled out for 92. Valley skipper Daniel Cragg again top-scored with 24.
Crowie then opened the batting and led his side to victory with an unbeaten 42 in a very successful match from the Swans all-rounder.
Owaka finish on top and will host Clutha in one semifinal. Kai host Waihola in the other.
— Francis Parker
