Having lost the toss on Lincoln 3 and been asked to field, the PNBHS bowlers started well, bowling some maidens. The pitch proved to be unresponsive and the Wellington weren’t threatened as they advanced to 96 in 24 overs before the first wicket fell. The 1st XI players stuck to their task and, despite another large partnership, they were never dominated. When the second wicket fell in the 42nd over, the score was 193 and Boys’ High were staring down the barrel of a 300 score. However, some outstanding bowling and fielding, together with some astute field placings by Bryn Wilson, reigned Wellington College in. This resulted in some panicked play and a cascade of wickets. Three run-outs, 3 catches and three clean-bowled later, and the opposition had lost 9 wickets in the final 10 overs to finish on 245 all out. Rishabh De took 2 for 42, Bryn Wilson 2 for 36 and Thomas Kirk 2 for 35.
The run chase started well, with the players in a buoyant mood after the finish of Wellington’s innings. Disaster soon struck, however, with an unnecessary run out, followed by three more quick wickets. This left the team needing to rebuild and the run-rate suffered accordingly. Sam Russell and Curtis Heaphy went some way to remedying the situation, but when both fell in quick succession, the writing was on the wall and the team were eventually bowled out for 159 in the 44th over. Curtis scored 33 and Sam 43.
Wednesday is a rest day and battle resumes on Thursday 6 December.