PNBHS – 156 All Out
Caleb Hansen – 76
Rishabh De – 22
HBHS – 106 All Out
Ben O’Connor – 4 for 11
Bryn Wilson – 2 for 22
Jack Harris – 2 for 17
PNBHS won by 50 runs
The bowling effort was once again impressive, with Cam Harridge taking his first scalp for the 1st XI in the 2nd over. The opening pair’s pressure was converted into wickets by the first change bowlers as Bryn Wilson (2 for 13 from 9 overs) and Finn Martin (4 for 21 from 10), assisted by 2 outstanding catches from Thomas Walshe in the outfield, decimated the Gisborne batting lineup. Ben O’Connor then mopped up the tail with 2 for 1 from 3 overs to have Gisborne all out for 78.
The PNBHS 1st XI won by 99 runs.
PNBHS – 177 All Out
Caleb Hansen – 47
Rishabh De – 33
Bryn Wilson – 20
GBHS – 78 All Out
Finn Martin – 4 for 21
Bryn Wilson – 2 for 13
Ben O’Connor – 2 for 1
PNBHS won by 99 runs
Match Report - On winning his third toss of the tournament, Ben O’Connor elected to bat in a game between the 2 unbeaten teams in our pool. The openers made a steady start as the top order were determined to set a platform for the team, but some tight bowling and ill-considered shots meant that PNBHS lost wickets at regular intervals. Some good starts were made, but the lack of partnerships put pressure on the scoring. The middle order made some good progress, with Rishabh De (30) once again holding the innings together, ably supported by Caleb Hansen (22) and Ruben Love (27). Unfortunately, the lower order failed to contribute and the 1st XI finished on 146 all out in the 48th over.
Another accurate bowling effort saw the pressure being put on the New Plymouth batsmen from ball 1. This soon payed dividends as Cam Harridge had 3 of them back in the sheds by the 6th over. They tried to build slowly, but 2 more wickets fell before a long and arduous 6th wicket partnership took them to the 41st over, scoring at a mere 2 runs per over. When the pressure started building, Finn Martin (3 for 23) snapped up 3 quick wickets before Cam Harridge (4 for 16) and a run out put paid to the rest and they were all out for 114. This was, once again, a superb effort in the field and the credit must go to the bowlers for their discipline and patience.
PNBHS won by 32 runs and now play in the final against Hamilton Boys’.
Short Scorecard:
PNBHS – 146 All Out
Caleb Hansen – 22
Rishabh De – 30
Ruben Love - 27
NPBHS – 114 All Out
Cam Harridge – 4 for 16
Finn Martin - 3 for 23
PNBHS won by 32 runs
Match Report - Once again, Ben O’Connor won the toss and elected to bat. After losing an early wicket, the batsmen played cautiously and Hamilton’s bowlers applied the pressure. Wickets fell regularly but opener Thomas Walshe (39) stayed patient and after the 34th over, at 78 for 5, he was joined by Ruben Love (45) and these 2 set about accelerating the scoring rate. This gave PNBHS the momentum and after Sam Russell (22) joined in, the 1st XI was able to post a competitive total of 172 for 8.
After the high standards set in the first 3 days, the players would have been a little despondent at their efforts in the field. The bowlers toiled hard but a 59 run 4th wicket partnership gave the opposition the upper hand. A determined fight back caused a major collapse once this partnership was broken and Hamilton found themselves at 149 for 9. The Hamilton number 5 batsman held his nerve and PNBHS were unable to take the final wicket and passed the total with 2 balls to spare.
Successful bowlers were: Bryn Wilson – 3 for 33 and Finn Martin – 2 for 33.
PNBHS lost by 1 wicket.
Credit must go to all the 1st XI players who performed well as a unit and came within a whisker of winning the Super 8 title.
Congratulations to Caleb Hansen, who won The Ceremonial Bat for scoring the most runs in the tournament.