BOP Development team beat Northland

CONCENTRATION: Sean Davey batting for BOP Development against Northland Development on Sunday. PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK

Bay of Plenty Development had an impressive win over the Northland Development XI at Blake Park on Sunday.

Bay of Plenty won the toss against Northland in their ND Development round-two clash and got off to a flyer on the very hard and fast-looking wicket.

After just seven overs, Stephen Crossan and Cam Neal had taken the Bay side to 60 without loss. However the two openers departed in quick succession, with the next three batsmen failing to make an impression.

Christian MacDonald and Sean Davey steadied the ship. MacDonald went on to top score with a hard fought 60 with Davey contributing a solid 48. Gurwinder Singh chipped in with a handy 18 runs with the home side reaching 211/8.

Bay of Plenty Development coach Charles Williams said "we were happy with our total, but knew that we would have to start well with our bowling attack, as Northland always produce an exciting and talented batting line-up".

Jared Tutty, in his debut for the Bay of Plenty second XI, bowled downwind, caused early problems for the Northland top order and was rewarded with his first wicket for the side.

Singh and Sean Wakelin battled into the wind, before the introduction of Bay of Plenty leggie Iman Singh paid dividends. The Tauranga Boys' student relished the tough conditions to take three wickets at a cost of 39 runs.

At the other end, Brody Gilroy troubled the Northland batsmen with seam and pace to take a five wicket bag.

The Te Puke premier player bowled extremely economically and was rewarded with 5-26 - his best bowling figures for Bay of Plenty Development.

Northland were bowled out for 136, to give Bay of Plenty their second win from two games this season.

"We now look forward to squaring off against Hamilton in two weeks time, who will be our toughest opponents in the competition, with the encounter likely to decide the Basil McBurney trophy," Williams said.

Bay of Plenty 211/8 (Christian MacDonald 60, Sean Davey 48, Cam Neal 25, Stephen Crossan 21; M Taylor 3-33, S Walker 2-25) defeated Northland 136 (J Kose 30; Brody Gilroy 5-26, Iman Singh 3-39).