MATCH REPORT – 1ST XI CRICKET VS WANGANUI COLLEGIATE - 27/03/17
The first game of CD Quad qualifying was played on Ongley artificial no 2 against Wanganui Collegiate. Having lost the toss and been asked to field, the 1st XI bowlers set about their task of strangling the opposition with precise, accurate bowling. Runs were at a premium and as soon as the Wanganui batsmen tried to dominate, they lost wickets. By the time Ben O’Connor introduced himself to the attack, they only had 57 on the board and were desperate for a competitive total. He soon put paid to that idea, taking 5 for 16 in 7.3 overs. The other wickets were shared around to have Collegiate all out for 95. A complete bowling performance on an artificial wicket.
The early finish to the innings meant that the PNBHS opening batsmen had to face 25 minutes of bowling before lunch and they managed this with 11 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. After lunch, Tom Tremain and Caleb Hansen batted sensibly, with staunch defence and good running between the wickets, accelerating the scoring as they got set. By the time Caleb perished for 25 in the 23rd over, the team was on 85 and within sight of victory. Tom went to his half-century by hitting the winning runs over the boundary, finishing on 53 not out in an 8 wicket victory over the old foe.
This means that the team now faces Nelson College tomorrow to determine which team will represent Central Districts at the NZSS 1st XI Cup in December.