Bay have a victory and spread the glory around

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The Poverty Bay Year 8 boys spread the glory around yesterday.

Opening batsman Reuben Swanepoel continued his sensational run of form with two unbeaten half-centuries for 55, 70, 53 to date. He was the Andrew Scott-coached team’s MVP (most valuable player) in Game 1, against Karori. Yesterday morning, wicketkeeper Aiden Armstrong claimed that honour with three catches and a stumping in the 22-run win against Eastern Suburbs at Marewa Park, Napier.

Easts had won the toss, put the Bay in to bat and dismissed the Gisborne team for 143 in 26.5 overs, Swanepoel making 70 — Poverty Bay’s highest individual score to date.

Suburbs’ impressive fast bowler Finn Barker took three wickets for one run in two overs.

The Bay then restricted Easts to 121-9 in 30 overs, Bay seamers Taylor Scott (3-10 off three overs) and Taye McGuinness (2-12 off three) to the fore.

In Game 3, against Upper Hutt yesterday afternoon, Malsha Mahabalage was named Poverty Bay’s MVP for his fine innings of 21 from 39 balls at No.5, Swanepoel having made 53 not out.

The Bay lost the toss and bowled, Hutt reaching 172-7. Swanepoel’s off-spin netted 2-14 in four overs.

Upper Hutt openers Lucas Fitzgerald (30) and Henry Mepham (25) put on 61 for the first wicket. James Browne (42 off 35 balls) looked the goods at No.5 before being run out by Taylor Scott.

The Bay lost the game by 36 runs.

Poverty Bay lost the toss this morning and bowled first against North City of Wellington at Windsor in a 50-over game.