Union, St Kevin’s and Albion emerged victorious in the fifth round of Borton Cup competition, beating Oamaru, Glenavy and Waitaki Boys’ respectively.
The marquee clash featured two previously unbeaten sides with Union’s Jeremiah Shields delivering an exceptional performance.
Shields crafted his fourth senior century, scoring 100 as Union posted 183 all out in their 50 overs. Riley Tuffley contributed 22 not out down the order.
Asanka Gamlathge claimed four for 22 for Oamaru, supported by Lachlan Brookes (two for 28) and Hunter Wardle (two for 46).
Chasing 184, Oamaru could not maintain the required run rate, finishing 140 all out in 50 overs. Hunter Wardle top-scored with 21, while Stephan Grobler remained unbeaten on 39.
Union’s bowlers strangled Oamaru’s batting. Archie Chatfield ripped through the tail with four for 23, complemented by Daniel Martin (two for 22) and Blake Martin (two for 27).
At Glenavy, St Kevin’s appeared comfortable at 137 for two before suffering a dramatic collapse.
Following Liam Direen’s dismissal for 37, they lost seven wickets in just 33 balls, adding only 24 more runs to finish all out for 161 in the 40th over.
Before the collapse, Oscar Waldron made 54, Ben Gillies 26 and Ethan Friend 20.
Dean Malcolm took four for 17 for the Rangers, supported by Harry Murphy (three for 36) and Hamish McCulloch (two for 15).
Glenavy’s chase started disastrously at eight for three, but Matt Tangney’s 42 offered hope.
However, lacking support, they were dismissed for 117 in 39.3 overs, falling 45 runs short.
Tai McLean starred with the ball for St Kevin’s, taking three for 21, while Direen (two for 10) and Ellijah Fariu (two for 18) provided excellent support.
At the Outer Oval, Waitaki Boys’ openers Archie Haywood (43) and Jordan Horrell (39) provided a solid foundation against Albion.
Jaden Dowling’s unbeaten 42 propelled Waitaki to 208 for eight in their rain-reduced 40 overs.
Amal Asok led Albion’s bowling with three for 43, and both Jacob Davies and Hayden Creedy claimed two wickets.
Albion controlled their chase through key contributions from Asok (68), Angreji Singh (34), Aneesh Bose (25 not out) and Sabaressh Ramesh (23), reaching 209 for five in 37.5 overs for a five-wicket victory.
— Scott Cameron
