Singh hits double ton

HOROUTA HEROES: The contributions of Teghbir Singh (left), who score 204 runs from just 122 balls, and Shubham Ralhan, who took six wickets, were decisive in their massive win over OBR on Saturday. Picture supplied

TEGHBIR Singh has introduced himself to Poverty Bay cricket with a stunning double century to help guide Horouta to a 275-run victory.

Singh has been a revelation for Siteworx Civil Horouta since he joined the team over the Christmas break.

Dropped early in his innings, Singh made Coastal Concrete OBR pay dearly for the missed chance. He dismantled the bowling attack with 22 fours and 12 sixes.

His performance was highlighted by power hitting and fantastic hand-eye co-ordination.

He hit sixes to bring up his 50-, 100-, 150- and 200-run milestones while forming a 212-run partnership with captain David Situ (52).

The damage had been done by the time Singh was eventually removed for 204, top-edging Karen Patel’s bowling to backward point for an easy catch.

Horouta had the wind in their sails.

A wagging tail — Karn Singh scored 43 from No.6 and Shubham Ralhan, 24 from No.7 — helped Horouta post the biggest score of the season by far, 381-7.

OBR got off to a promising start, with Ian Loffler making 25 and Amit Vyas, 20.

But Ralhan backed up his strong showing with the bat by taking six wickets for 51 runs with his elusive and deceptive right-arm medium pace.

He took the wickets of six of the first seven batsmen, clean bowling three of them.

Horouta used only three bowlers as they dismissed OBR in just 19 overs.

Adding to OBR’s woes, they were a man down. Sean Henry had to leave the field early in the game after he fell awkwardly.

Not only did OBR miss his dangerous left-arm medium pace that had looked to challenge Horouta early, their morale had noticeably started to drop as he had to be helped off the field.

Horouta skipper Situ said he was happy they were able to show what they were capable of at the right time of the season.

“It was a good win and it was good to have the complete performance we were looking for.

“Tegh is new to our team — he joined only this year — and we hope to keep the momentum going.”

For OBR, it’s now all about regrouping as the result puts their chances of making the final in jeopardy.

With High School Old Boys beating Gisborne Boys’ High School by eight wickets in the weekend’s other game, OBR and Horouta both have two wins to their name with just one week of regular-season cricket left.

OBR captain Nick Greeks said while it was a tough day at the office, it had been impressive to watch.

“It would have to be some of the cleanest striking of a cricket ball I’ve ever seen,” he said.

“The chances of seeing something like that again are slim.

“Obviously dropping catches doesn’t help but it was definitely his day and he deserved the double ton.”

OBR would need to put the result behind them and refocus on doing the basics right, Greeks said.

“HSOB next weekend will be another tough game but if we can put a complete performance together I will be happy.”

The HSOB-Gisborne Boys’ High School match report will be in tomorrow’s Gisborne Herald.