Reynolds steers Pirates into semis

PIRATES skipper Brad Reynolds led from the front with a five-wicket for 16 runs in the Buccaneers’ seven-wicket win against Coastal Ultrasound Horouta in Walker Shield T20 competition last night.

“We knew we had to win to make the semifinals, now we’ve got HSOB,” said right-arm seamer Reynolds.

“Horouta were never going to be easybeats - they’re dedicated.”

Horouta won the toss and were bowled out for 81 in 15.3 overs. Former Poverty Bay men’s senior representative left-hander Keegan Martin (39 off 38 balls) showed his class while former Pirate David Situ made 19 off 26.

Reynolds (23 not-out off 30)) was pleased with James Torrie carrying his bat for 26 not-out off 35.

Big-hitter Dane Thompson (21 off 14) struck a classic straight six - only the second six of the game.

Prince Malhotra and off-spinner Mel Knight (1-31) were the best of Horouta’s bowlers.

Blake Taylor, in his second season as captain, said: “the most important thing for me is to see players who haven’t had many opportunities before now, put their hands up and be rewarded in games.”

New Poverty Bay umpire Jason Trowill is likewise enjoying the season.

“Poverty Bay’s an excellent place to umpire — no negativity, positive attitudes from players and officials after the game,” said Trowill, who played at premier level for Auckland’s Ellerslie Cricket Club from 1994-1999 and was made a life member of ECC in 2015.

“I follow in the tradition of three international umpires including Doug Cowie, and five first-class umpires from Ellerslie.”