Hamish Bidwell
There were conflicting reports about how the wicket at Taradale Park played on the weekend but one thing was for sure - it was very much to Michael Barbour's liking.
The Merson Contractors Roofing and Spouting Taradale opening bowler took six for 65 as Harvey's Cornwall battled their way to
220 in their first innings. While any score over 200 can represent a reasonable effort on a fresh wicket block, Cornwall will be thanking extras for saving some of their blushes.
There were a whopping 54 sundries, as only Nick Adams with 89 and Taraia Robin with 33 managed to score more than 20. As far as Cornwall were concerned the wicket did plenty, as you would expect on the first day of a two-day match on a block that hasn't been used this yet this seaon. But don't tell that to Barbour.
He was firmly of the opinion that the wicket was pretty true and he just reaped the benefit of bowling full and straight.
Having batted a long time in his last outing against Thirsty Whale Napier Tech, Adams again dug in for Cornwall and held the innings together after his side had slumped to 70 for five. Robin's innings was equally patient, as he batted for the best part of two hours for his 33.
Cornwall's first innings began to look even better when Taradale finished the day at 79 for six.
Tom Mcnaughton was the best of the bowlers for Cornwall, taking three for 11, while Andrew Douglas, who was having his first bowl for nearly three weeks, took two for 25 from 11 overs.
At Central Hawke's Bay College, a belligerent 91 from Colin Schaw helped Ruahine Motors CHB to 265 in their first turn at bat.
Schaw was particularly severe on Sideline Bar Napier Old Boys' Marist skipper Dave Bovey, taking 22 off one over, including two massive sixes straight back over the bowler's head.
Most of the CHB batsman got starts but David Pimm was the only other able to push past 30. Pimm's handy bowling was to the fore again as he took two quick wickets to leave NOBM at 81 for 3 at stumps.
The 17-year old allrounder had Ben Cameron and Darren Rush caught to leave the visitors at 10 for 2, before Hamish Cunliffe and Daniel Swindells steadied the ship.
At Nelson Park, Napier Tech batted first against Best United Travel Havelock North and managed to post a very useful 273. Most players again got starts, with No 9 batsman Jeremy Kuru being an unlikely top scorer with 49.
Zane Hinton was again the best of the Havelock bowlers taking three for 63 from 21 overs.
At stumps Havelock were 96 for four, with Hamish Thomas taking all four wickets.
Hamish Bidwell
There were conflicting reports about how the wicket at Taradale Park played on the weekend but one thing was for sure - it was very much to Michael Barbour's liking.
The Merson Contractors Roofing and Spouting Taradale opening bowler took six for 65 as Harvey's Cornwall battled their way to
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