Crampton makes big contribution to win

ON ATTACK: Pirates all-rounder Matt Crampton goes on the front foot to drive through the off side during his Doleman Cup innings of 55 against Gisborne Boys’ High School at Harry Barker Reserve on Saturday. Pirates’ victory took their points total to seven in the competition. Picture by Paul Rickard

A half-century and a three-wicket bag for Matt Crampton helped Pirates beat Gisborne Boys’ High School in Doleman Cup cricket at Harry Barker Reserve on Saturday.

The South African all-rounder top-scored with 55 runs in Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates’ 40-over total of 237-7.

He then took three wickets for two runs with his left-arm spin bowling as Pirates dismissed Boys’ High for 65.

Pirates skipper Dane Thompson won the toss and elected to bat first.

Boys’ High skipper Paul Stewart struck early, pulling off a screamer of a caught-and-bowled dismissal to remove Tom Needham for two with the total at three.

Needham’s opening partner, Baxter Mackay, then combined with Crampton in a 92-run partnership. It ended when Travis Mitchell dismissed Mackay for 48.

A 72-run stand between Crampton and Thompson (33) was the other feature of the Pirates batting. Crampton was finally bowled by Boys’ High player-coach Josiah Turner.

Extras, at 48, made up the other major contribution to the Pirates total.

Boys’ High were without four regulars, and were always going to have an uphill battle chasing the target Pirates set.

Birthday boy Drew Scott provided nearly half his team’s total with an inspiring knock of 32.

Richie Needham (3-19) and Crampton were the chief destroyers for Pirates.

The win gives Pirates three more Doleman Cup points to take their tally to seven. They remain behind second-placed Bain Construction OBR and leaders Bollywood Stars High School Old Boys.

PIRATES 237-7 (M Crampton 55, B Mackay 48, D Thompson 33, B Reynolds 29) beat GISBORNE BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL 65 (D Scott 32; M Crampton 3-2, R Needham 3-19) by 172 runs.