Ton for Christophers,Loffler chimes in with brisk knock of 85

FRONT-FOOT SHOTS: OBR batsmen Ian Loffler and Craig Christophers, (next picture), go on the front foot as they help build a formidable total for OBR in the Doleman Cup cricket match against Pirates at Harry Barker Reserve on Saturday. Loffler scored 85 and Christophers, 133, as OBR amassed 299-4 off 40 overs. In reply, Pirates scored 98. Pictures by Liam Clayton

“Old dogs” Craig Christophers and Ian Loffler showed they still had plenty of life left in them as they put on 221 runs for the second OBR wicket against Pirates in Doleman Cup cricket on Saturday.

The partnership set up a 201-run win against Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates in the opening round of the cup at Harry Barker Reserve.

When Kieran Venema was bowled for 15 by Ryan Nepe, Christophers and Loffler came together with the score at 22, and proceeded to put on a batting masterclass.

Christophers scored 133 off 113 balls, hitting 12 fours and three sixes beating his previous career high of 119. Loffler scored 85 from 87 balls. Their efforts enabled Bain Construction OBR to post 299-4 off 40 overs.

OBR skipper Jonathan Purcell said Christophers and Loffler batted brilliantly.

“Their running between the wickets was a feature, and showed their fitness,” he said.

“It also showed there’s plenty of life left in the old dogs yet.”

Christophers, 37, and Loffler, 39, have been with OBR for close to 36 years between them.

Loffler is now a Poverty Bay selector and Christophers is back playing for the representative side.

“I played a couple of games for the Bay at the end of last season but it wasn’t about me; it was more about someone with a bit of experience helping out the younger players.

“I enjoyed it and this year I’ve also been helping Lance (Cairns, Bay coach) with the fitness and fielding.

“It’s great having someone with Lance’s experience. He’s played at the highest level and I’m just happy I can help.

“It’s all about the team and developing a winning culture, something we’ve had at OBR for a long time now.”

Tayla Hollis, despite conceding 66 runs from her eight overs, captured three wickets — including Loffler and Christophers, both trapped leg before wicket.

Hollis also showed great commitment and solid defensive technique, defying the OBR attack for 30 minutes.

Matt Cook celebrated his return from honeymoon by taking six wickets for 20 runs off eight overs as OBR rolled Pirates for 98.

Chasing just over seven runs an over to win, Scott Hollinshead and Richie Needham had given Pirates a sound start to the chase with an opening stand of 56 off 9.5 overs before Needham became the first of Cook’s victims, out lbw for 12.

Captain Luke Hayes followed four runs later, caught by Kieran Venema off Cook without scoring.

Purcell then knocked over the stumps of Hollinshed, who top-scored for Pirates with 45.

That was the beginning of the end as Cook ripped through the remaining batsmen, with help from Korban Harrison-Allan, who took 2-7 off 3.3 overs in his first appearance for OBR.

“Korban showed he is going to be a valuable asset to the team,” Loffler said.

“He’s a very good all-rounder.

“He didn’t get many chances with the bat today (out for nine off 11 balls) but he will get more opportunities as the season goes on.”

OBR 299-4 (C Christophers 133, I Loffler 85; T Hollis 3-66) defeated Pirates 98 (S Hollinshead 45; M Cook 6-20, K Harrison-Allan 2-7).