The 3rd XI travelled to Napier to play the Napier Boys’ High 2nd XI in a 50 over game, slightly longer than their regular season 40 over games. The sun was shining on what looked like it was going to be a very hot day,
The 3rds won the toss and elected to bat first.
The openers made a slow and steady start surviving until the 12th over before the first wicket fell for 27. The second wicket fell just before drinks with Matt Campbell edging one to the keeper for 22. Hesitation a few overs later resulted in a runout before Hein Booysen and Jordin Last-Harris set about rebuilding. Jordin fell to a very good catch and Ryan Harrison came to the crease. He was able to continue the momentum including a well hit six. At 110-4 with 12 overs to go, the 3rds were well placed to set a competitive total. Both set batters fell in quick succession and the 3rds struggled to regain any further momentum all out for 124 in 47.4 overs. Hein Booysen 28, Matt Campbell 22.
The 3rds came out with enthusiasm knowing early wickets were needed and Charlie Fergusson struck in the first over trapping the batter LBW. The 2nd wicket came 2 overs later this time Charlie found the edge and Oli Smith did the rest with the gloves. Kieran Gill and a Jordin Last-Harris bowled very tight spells putting the Napier batters under pressure. In the 10th over the Napier number 3 retired hurt after wearing one on the gloves. Kieran struck shortly after work Charlie Fergusson taking the catch. At drinks Napier were 53-3 marginally in front. Jordin continued to build pressure picking up an LBW before Matthew Campbell bowled their set batter with his off spin. Alex Pringle bowled well in partnership with Matthew and with the Napier batters trying to hit out lead to a one handed catch behind his body by Kieran Gill giving Matthew his second wicket. Jordin came back for another spell finding the edge through to Oli again 95-7 off 32.1 overs. Charlie replaced Jordin who bowled his 10 overs for 11 runs and bowled their top scorer, 105-8 and the injured batter returned. There were plenty of overs left in the game so wickets were needed. In the 43rd over Charlie trapped another in front and the umpire raised is finger, 115-9. Two balls later the bails went flying as Charlie took his fifth wicket as the 3rds won the game by 9 runs. Charlie Fergusson 5-30, Jordin Last-Harris 2-11, Matthew Campbell 2-20, Kieran Gill 1-19.
Link to all photos from the game: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZwwLryVGXM5Z7s8inVgg3wVRitxM7BEU?usp=sharing
