In a tight encounter at King George Park on Saturday, top qualifier Union got home against Valley in the Borton Cup semifinals, while at Whitestone stadium Albion beat Oamaru to earn a place in this week’s final.
Valley batted first at King George Park and was dismissed for what appeared to be a meagre total of 115 runs.
Shannon Dunnett (28), Geoff Mavor (28) and Simon Robins (24) were the major contributors with the bat.
Valley lost its first three wickets for only 17 runs, but an encouraging effort from Dunnet and Mavor saw the team through to 75 for five after all-rounder Cameron Grubb was dismissed.
Simon Robins (24) provided some resistance before Valley was dismissed for 115.
Bowling for Union, Matt Lilley (three for 21), Brad Fleming (two for 19), Gary Singh (three for 20) and James Whyte (two for 2) did the damage.
Union lost opener Thomas Shields (13) to be one for 21; two further wickets fell in the 30s, with the experienced Glynn Cameron and Duncan Drew going cheaply to have Union 35 for three.
Sean Conlan joined Jeremiah Shields and the pair added 36 runs before Shields (31) and Conlan (20) both fell with the total at 71.
Blake James went seven runs later and Union battled through to a winning 117 runs with two wickets in hand.
Geoff Mavor — with his left arm accuracy and length — was an ever-present danger, finishing with an invaluable two for 36. He was well supported by Ben Mavor, with two for 36. Grubb took three for 15 and Nathan Barnes one for 14.
With a super unbeaten 81, wicketkeeper-batsman Steve Halliwell paved the way for Albion’s win against Oamaru in the other semifinal.
Andrew Sewell backed up Halliwell with 25 runs as Albion faded to 188 for eight.
Nick Johnston took three for 31 and Reece Curle claimed two for 39. Oamaru battled in its innings, only Liwach (50 not out) and Stephan Grobler (28) showing any form.
Tom Squire (three for 33), Ricky Whyte (two for 35) and Matt Finn (two for 17) did the damage.
- Terry O'Neill
