It’s the sort of performance OBR have been looking for. They have looked good in patches but have needed to be better for longer, which is what they achieved on Saturday.
Landmark Homes OBR made 159 for seven, thanks mostly to Nick Greeks (37) and Craig Christophers (41 not out).
The top order failed again but Greeks, batting at No.5, held the innings together.
Christophers, batting at No.7, guided OBR to a total that was going to be hard to chase down.
The OBR bowlers couldn’t afford to be loose, however, as the Harry Barker Reserve outfield was quick, providing batsmen with value for their shots.
The Horouta top order stuck to their task gamely but after the dismissals of Parminder Kulaar (23), captain David Situ (19) and Heyan Ranasinghe (24), they ran out of resources.
OBR kept the bowling tight and Horouta were unable to really get going. They were bowled out for 92 in the 25th over.
Cook said OBR were happy with their total but knew at the change of innings that the job wasn’t yet done.
“Our bowlers did really well,” he said.
“There was a bit happening with the new ball and we kept the pressure on with our ground fielding.”
The pitch had something in it for the bowlers if they got the ball in the right spots, he said.
Situ said restricting OBR to 159 was a fair effort, although it always looked a solid total.
“Our bowlers had to work hard.”
Horouta had some key personnel missing and, in those circumstances, needed to bowl out OBR for a low score, he said.
With Horouta promoted to the A Grade this season, Situ was pleased the side had shown they could be competitive, getting two wins.
“We’ve fought pretty hard.”
The two finalists provide an interesting match-up.
HSOB have a batting line-up that should be putting good scores on the board consistently. They have sometimes appeared not hungry enough to score big runs.
They also have variety in their bowling attack.
OBR have looked sharp with the ball and in the field but their batsmen need to dig in.
Cook said he was looking forward to the final.
“HSOB are a quality side,” he said.
“We laid the foundation with this performance — and we need to continue with that.”
The Doleman Cup final, at Harry Barker Reserve, is due to start at 1pm this Saturday.
The Poverty Bay representative side will then play in a T20 tournament at Taupo, starting on Sunday.
OBR 159-7 off 40 overs (Craig Christophers 41 not out, Nick Greeks 37; Tushar Balat 2-19, Billy Morse 2-23) beat Horouta 92 off 24.4 overs (Heyan Ranasinghe 24, Parminder Kulaar 23; Matt Cook 3-32, Paul Stewart 2-10, Cody Andrews 2-17, Jimmy Holden 2-25).
