Marshall scores unbeaten century for the HSOB Pups

GOOD FORM: Blake Marshall hits out during an unbeaten century for High School Old Boys Pups in junior colts cricket action last year. Junior cricket in Poverty Bay has received a funding boost from the New Zealand Community Trust. Picture supplied

CRICKET

True batsmanship — that’s what Blake Marshall showed in his innings of 126 not out for the High School Old Boys Pups against the Auto Tyre Eagles in T30 junior colts action at Nelson Park on Saturday.

Marshall batted at No.4 and hit 25 boundaries, including two sixes, in 60 balls.

Poverty Bay men’s senior selector Ryan Majstrovic, who umpired the match, said Pups captain Marshall’s effort was a “fantastic innings — very controlled”.

Fifteen-year-old Marshall was the youngest cricketer bought by a franchise (the Eastland Broncos, for $2000) in the inaugural Poverty Bay Cricket Auction for the Walker Shield T15 Blast.

On Saturday, the experienced Eagles’ bowlers included promising left-arm seamer Travis O’Rourke and off-spinner Daniel Stewart.

The field placing and accuracy of Stewart meant he conceded only one run in two overs — and took a wicket — while Marshall was on the attack.

“It was good to be able to bat for 60 balls,” all-rounder Marshall said.

Two weeks ago, he took 2-19 for the Broncos in their Walker Shield clash with the Bollywood Stars. He credited his confident play on Saturday to the support of his batting partners.

“Ben Phelps (33 from No.3) hit the ball hard, so I began to play more aggressively,” Marshall said.

“Ben, Hamish Swann and Rhys Grogan all helped take the pressure off me by taking singles and scoring runs.”

The Pups won the toss and posted 242-5 off 30 overs.

Grogan made 21 from No.6.

The Eagles were bowled out for 117 in 22.3 overs, the Pups winning the game by 125 runs.

Also on Nelson Park, the Eastland Broncos juniors chased down the Bollywood Stars’ 200-8 to win a high-scoring game by two wickets.

Kayley Knight (36, batting at No.8) and Kelan Bryant (27 batting at No.2) top-scored for the Stars, with medium-pacer Sam Briant (4-24 off four overs) the pick of the Broncos bowlers.

Briant backed up with the bat, making 42 at No.4 with Nathan Trowell (30 batting at No.5) and opener Cohen Loffler (30) also in good touch.

Leg-spinner Liam Barbier (1-26 off five) bowled particularly well for the Stars.