PB juniors playing for fifth after second win

CRICKET

Peter Reynolds and Noah Torrance-Cribb did something special at the Northern Districts junior secondary schools cricket tournament here yesterday.

The two Poverty Bay pace bowlers, batting at eight and 10 respectively, showed composure in a match-winning partnership of 61 for the ninth wicket against the ND Invitation team.

Their heroic stand at Harry Barker Reserve secured victory in the 50-over clash and put the Sebastian Wilson-led hosts into a play-off for fifth place against Bay of Plenty Lakelands today.

Wilson and his crew were elated, having previously lost twenty20 matches against Northland by seven wickets and Waikato Valley by nine wickets on Day 1, and going down to Bay of Plenty Coastlands by nine wickets in a 40-over game on Wednesday afternoon.

Poverty Bay beat Bay of Plenty Lakelands by five wickets in the third round of T20 matches at Nelson Park on Wednesday morning.

Day 2 was abandoned because of rain.

“Limiting the Invitation side runs rate-wise in the middle stages of the first innings was crucial to us,” said Wilson.

“To win two games so far at this tournament, heading into Day 5, we’re happy but want to win again today.”

Invitation team captain and wicketkeeper Sebastian Heath won the toss on yesterday and elected to bat.

NDI were dismissed for 177 with three balls remaining in the 50th over.

Left-handed all-rounder Joel Griffiths (40 not-out from number six) and opener James Thomas (33) were the visitors’ best with blade in hand.

Inswing bowler David Gray (three wickets for 23 runs off 7.3 overs) produced two beauties to castle opener Elliott Stoddart and Heath.

Off-spinner George Gillies (3-23-10) flighted the ball skilfully in taking 3-23 off 10.

Seamer Rhys Grogan (1-13 off four) had Ryan Parkes caught behind by Alex Shanks to end a potentially dangerous third-wicket partnership with Thomas.

Lanky leftie Campbell Steele (1-30 off five) and fellow paceman Wilson (1-25 off seven) won a leg before wicket decision apiece.

Both teams ought to be commended for their good conduct under the considered eye of umpires Harrison Syers and James Raroa, who were consistent, accurate and set an excellent tone.

Bay opener and co-vice-captain Dylan Foster played a vital hand with 35 from 60 balls in the run-chase.

He opened the batting with Nathaniel Fearnley — a player of great promise — and took a knock early on, but shrugged off the discomfort and showed pluck.

Foster’s 39-run stand with Wilson for the third wicket was significant because the home team lost wickets in clusters three times.

The Invitation side have come together superbly in the last five days under Poverty Bay-based coach Josiah Turner.

His knowledge, team-building skill, energy, passion and organisational ability has greatly contributed to this group of capable young cricketers’ enjoyment, development and good experience here.