Mike Brown bowling for Greerton against Katikati in the semifinal of the McNaughton Trophy on Sunday. Photo / George Novak
For the seventh time in seven seasons, Katikati reached the final of the 2016 McNaughton Trophy, once again showing their ability to rise to the occasion.
Katikati will play Sangha XI after Sunday's semifinals at Fergusson Park.
Defending champions Katikati batted first against Greerton and reached 204/8 in their turn
at bat. Katikati were on their way to a big score, however two run outs cost the current champions some momentum.
Jamie Davies top scored with a hard fought 53, with veteran Katikati all-rounder Ben Warren chipping in with a handy 34 runs. Joeli Kurisi was the best of the Greerton bowlers taking two wickets at a cost of 37 runs. Katikati, who always seem to rise to the occasion in McNaughton Trophy cricket, were quickly into stride with their bowling attack and had Greerton under pressure. Despite several sixes from the bat of Lance Staiger, Greerton were bowled out for 170 to hand Katikati their seventh straight McNaughton Trophy final berth.
In contrast it will be Sangha XI's first final appearance, their place in the decider coming after they beat former McNaughton heavyweights Mount Maunganui.
