The Waihola Swans have continued their unbeaten run in the first round of the 40-over competition, adding more misery for the Kai Kings.
They beat the Kings by seven wickets in their match at the Royal Landfill in Kaitangata.
Waihola won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Kai made 171 for eight off their 40 overs. Some tight bowling from the Swans restricted Kai, and had them in trouble early on.
The top four batsmen were back in the pavilion with the score at 49. Tony Phillips and Pat McKenna joined at the crease and added 103 runs for the fifth wicket.
It was a much-needed partnership; both batsmen played confident strokes, found the boundary on occasion and ran between the wickets very well.
Both batsmen were dismissed though with the score on 152. The Kings tail wagged, and they posted a score which could be defended if they bowled well. McKenna (46) and Phillips (38) were the main contributors to the Kings total. Kaleb Hill was the best of the Swans bowlers, with figures of three for 31 off his eight overs.
In reply, the Swans chased down the total in the 34th over for the loss of only three wickets. Opening batsman Shannon Young was once again on fire for the Swans. Young hit eight fours and a six on his way to a very solid 73. He was dismissed in the 22nd over, with the score at 98 for three. Tim Grant (56 not out) and Jordie Bungard (20 not out) saw the Swans home with plenty of overs remaining. Greg Webber, Tony Phillips and Lilly Paterson took one wicket each for the home side.
The Owaka Bandits beat the Valley Stingers by eight wickets in their game at the Wasp Nest, Tuapeka Mouth. The Stingers won the toss and elected to bat first, and were in trouble early. They lost three batsmen inside the first three overs with the score at 19. Both openers looked solid early but threw their wickets away, and there was also a stunning run-out from Owaka’s Raiden Pennicott to add to Valley’s early woes.
Valley’s middle order all contributed, but no-one could make a telling total to lift their side, and they were bowled out for 121 in the 36th over. Daniel Cragg top-scored for the home side with 22. Tony Miller (3-13) and CP Singh (3-21) were the best of the Owaka bowlers. The Bandits’ fielding effort was outstanding and full of energy.
In reply the Bandits chased the total down in the 21st over for the loss of only two wickets. Both openers fell early, but the match-winning partnership of 93 between Gordon Edwards (57 not out) and Colin Sparey (44 not out) stole the show. Edwards hit 10 fours on his way to his sixth half-century for Owaka. Sparey was at his bludgeoning best, with three fours and three sixes coming off his bat. Opening bowlers Tony Omelvena (1-27) and Marc Phillips (1-8) were the only wicket-takers for Valley. Owaka now sits in outright second, and Valley is in fifth with some work to do.
The Clutha Comets defeated the Lawrence Lions by five wickets in their match at the Lions Den in Lawrence. The home side batted first and made 140, all out in the 24th over. Matt Whaanga top-scored with 32. There were plenty of useful cameos throughout the Lions innings and plenty of boundaries hit. Nick Manston was the best of the Comets bowlers, with figures of three for 43 off his eight. Connor Smith, Kelan Smith and Sam Mosley picked up two wickets each.
In reply the Comets chased the total down in the 29th over for the loss of five wickets. After a shaky start, the Comets’ middle order got the job done. Jason Gerken (45 not out) and Morgan Lindsay (40) led the way for their side. Sam Mosley also made a useful contribution and finished the game with 21 not out. Jordan McEntee was the pick of the Lions bowlers, with three for 24 off six overs.
Clutha lift itself to third-equal with this win. Lawrence is still looking for its first win in this format.
- Francis Parker
