Kerr falls three shy of century against Hamilton

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

CRICKET by John Hill

a magnificent knock of 97 from Bollywood Stars Poverty Bay wicketkeeper/batsman Bruce Kerr was not enough to stop the Bay from losing to Hamilton in the Northern Districts T20 cricket tournament in Taupo.

The 23-year-old from Durban, South Africa, fell three runs short of what would have been a deserved century after facing 51 balls and hitting 10 fours and four sixes

“It was something special to watch, and showed how much quality he has,” Bay selector Ryan Majstrovic said.

Kerr’s innings — on the main field and in front of the Northern Districts selectors — included power, finesse and an array of shots, Majstrovic said.

“It’s also the top score of the tournament so far, by a long way.”

Scott Tallott chipped in with a well-compiled 29.

Hamilton dismissed the Bay for 168, having posted 187-8.

Josiah Turner (2-20) and Jak Rowe (2-40) were the best of the Bay bowlers.

Dane Thompson (1-20 off three overs) and Matt Crampton (1-22 off four) also bowled well.

The Bay have lost their first three games.

They had already lost to Bay of Plenty and Counties Manukau.

Poverty Bay were restricted to 93-7 against BoP, with Kerr’s 27 the top score.

BoP reached their target for the loss of two wickets.

Majstrovic said the wicket was difficult to bat on.

“When Hamilton played Waikato, both sides had scores in the 120s and it went to the last over with eight wickets down.”

Poverty Bay then took Counties Manukau to the final over before losing.

“Chasing 145, we finished on 129,” Majstrovic said.

Bay captain Nick Hendrie (33) and Tom Hayes (30) led the charge, with good support from Kerr (24) and Robbie Tallott (18). Rowe was the pick of the Bay bowlers with 3-21.

Poverty Bay finish the three-day tournament with games against Waikato Valley and Northland today.