Century to Hudson, six wickets to Tallott

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One man stood up to be counted: one man can make a difference.

On Saturday that man was 20-year-old Bain Construction Old Boys’ Rugby all-rounder and man-of-the-match Graham Hudson, who almost single-handedly staved off defeat with a courageous 110 against Bollywood Stars High School Old Boys’ in Round 1 of the DJ Barry Cup.

The talent-packed HSOB, led by Scott Tallott, won the toss and posted 213-7 in 45 overs.

With their powerful line-up, HSOB might have made 300 had it not been for firebrand Hudson and the haphazard wizardry of OBR captain Jonny Purcell.

In between the odd wide delivery and high full-toss, leg-spinner Purcell (2-23 off three overs) produced the ball which dipped in late, trapping HSOB debutant Drew Scott (46) and HSOB’s man-of-the-match Sam Tallott, both lbw.

Hudson (2-62 off 15) got a superb yorker through Robbie Tallott (32).

Glen Udall (26 not out), captain Tallott (25) and Thorn Parkes (21) were the other major contributors.

Cunning seamers Craig Christophers (1-15 off five) and Ian Loffler (1-22 off six) were economical and former Poverty Bay opening bowler Hamish Evans (2-37 off 10) bowled two maidens in support of Hudson.

OBR were 23-2 when Hudson entered the arena.

Sam Tallott had taken the new ball and bowled like a man possessed — 6-75 off 16.

But Hudson mixed resolve with attack. The right-hander made a brilliant110 off 76 balls — which included 12 fours and four sixes, one of those a switch-hit — with back-up from stalwart Loffler (32).

Their 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket and Hudson’s 67-run seventh-wicket stand with Josh Adams (5no) were crucial in OBR’s fightback.

Under the rules of the DJ Barry Cup, HSOB needed to bowl OBR out to achieve victory.

Hudson was stumped by Bruce Kerr off the last ball of the 35th over — the last over allowable in the second innings in this format — but OBR’s man of the hour had seen them home.

They had two wickets remaining and the match was drawn.

“I was really happy to have bowled 15 overs and batted like I did,” said Hudson. “I’ve been working on fitness and feel I was rewarded for hard work. It would’ve felt even better if we’d won the game but there’s still a lot of cricket left to play.”

Hope Cup — Campion College 75-3 (B Marshall 34; K Knight 1-5) def OBR 74 (B Marshall 4-11, L Hurlstone 3-11) by 7 wickets.

Ngatapa 66-5 (M Cooper 19; J Chambers 2-12) def HSOB Presidents 62 (J Drain 17, M Raleigh 2-0-, J Spence 2-9) by 5 wickets.