OBR keep slim lead

SUPER CENTURY: Graham Hudson scored a century for OBR against Gisborne Boys’ High School on Saturday. File pictures by Paul Rickard

Old Boys Rugby have a slim lead over High School Old Boys heading into the final round of Poverty Bay cricket’s DJ Barry Cup, but either team could take the title.

Bollywood Stars HSOB made up a little ground on Bain Construction OBR during rain-affected games at Harry Barker Reserve on Saturday, although both teams recorded convincing wins.

HSOB made light work of Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates while OBR prevailed over Gisborne Boys’ High School, who fought well before a rain interruption and less effectively after play resumed more than two hours later.

Graham Hudson smashed a century for OBR against Boys’ High, playing a big hand in keeping his team at the top of the table.

Parminder Kulaar whacked 65 for HSOB, who had a day their captain Scott Tallott was well pleased with.

“I was stoked with how we bowled,” he said, after his team skittled Pirates for 80.

With the bat, Bruce Kerr (54) and Duncan Miller (26) complemented Kulaar’s efforts as HSOB finished on 194 for six.

“Things went our way,” Tallott said.

“I’m looking forward to next week — anything can happen.”

HSOB will play bottom-placed Boys’ High and OBR will take on third-placed Pirates.

On form, HSOB have the more difficult assignment, because Boys’ High have been improving, with their batsmen showing resolve.

Pirates, who have lately run more cold than hot, could present problems for OBR if they knuckle down or if a couple of their more talented players fire.

After rain the previous night, play started at 1pm on Saturday.

The pitch for the clash between OBR and Boys’ High had damp areas. HSOB and Pirates had a dry pitch, although most of the wicket block was sodden.

Both of the top sides fielded first, HSOB looking the better of the two.

Both HSOB and OBR then cashed in with the bat against two teams fielding with only nine players — OBR getting the better of that.

OBR skipper Jonathan Purcell said that after his side were unable to pick up Boys’ High wickets, they needed to score quick runs and did so.

The tally of runs in the match between OBR and Boys’ High ended up almost the same as the other DJ Barry Cup game but events unfolded differently.

Boys’ High were only four wickets down and had 80 runs on the board off 36 overs when rain started about 3.15pm.

They had been poised for a strong finish to their innings but instead took to the field at 5.23pm and chased leather until 7pm as Hudson cracked 122, supported by Craig Christophers (48 not out).

OBR finished on 202-4.

Boys’ High captain Paul Stewart said his team had an “average” day but got themselves into a solid position before the rain interruption.

HSOB had already dismissed Pirates and had 50 off just five overs when rain interrupted their game.

HSOB were just short of getting another batting bonus point for exceeding 200 runs when time was called on their match at 6.50pm.

Pirates scored at a good clip in their innings, getting to 66 off 17 overs. But several batsmen fell to loose shots.

Marshall Norris took 2-25 off seven overs for HSOB.

Tallott brought himself on at first change. It paid off when he had No.3 Matt Crampton (18) caught at square leg. He then removed opposing skipper Dane Thompson first ball, caught behind.

Tallott followed that up with two wides but ended with the unlikely figures of 2-5 from three overs.

As well as his quickfire 65 with the bat, Kulaar finished off the Pirates tail when he bowled, taking 3-17 off six overs of his leg-spin.

Crampton took 5-39 in the HSOB innings.

The game between HSOB and Pirates went for 51.4 overs and the match between OBR and Boys’ High lasted 58.4 overs.

Gisborne Boys’ High School 80-4 off 36 overs (Jack Faulkner 25; Ian Loffler 2-8) lost to OBR 202-4 off 22.4 overs (Graham Hudson 122, Craig Christophers 48 not out).

Pirates 80 off 25.4 overs (Baxter Mackay 23, Sam Patterson 20; Parminder Kulaar 3-17, Ajay Kumar 2-4, Marshall Norris 2-25) lost to High School Old Boys 194-6 off 26 overs (Kulaar 65, Bruce Kerr 54, Duncan Miller 26; Matt Crampton 5-39).