Cricket: Magnificent start crucial to City win

A 128 run opening partnership between Joey Yovich and Zac Khawaja played a big part in setting City up for their Lion Red Cup win over Kamo at the Cobham Oval.

With Yovich keeping the scoring rate up - scoring 77 from 89, including 11 fours - Khawaja was able to support well in his 104 ball innings where he notched up 67, including six fours and a six.

After Yovich departed in the 29th over, Khawaja again dug in to combine well with Ian Page [65] to put on 78 for the second wicket on Saturday.

Once Khawaja left at the end of the 41st over, City pressed on to finish on 247 for six. With the ball, Kamo's Cameron Johnson was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with two for 38 from his eight overs. Also chipping in was Ben Hyde with two for 58 from 10.

In response, Kamo struggled as Yovich proved near impossible to score from with only 10 runs coming off his six overs - which included three maidens. Doing the damage with the ball, however, was Page [three for 16] and Kieran Nelson [three for 17].

Meanwhile, in the weekend's only other Lion Red Cup match, Kaipara Flats maintained their unbeaten record as they beat Onerahi Central by 31 runs.

Batting first, Kaipara posted 246 for eight as Kyran Dill top scored with 74 - and combined with Dexter Buchanan [28] for an 85 run partnership for the ninth wicket.

Also making decent contributions with the bat was Rory Christopherson [40] and Findlay Buchanan [39]. Applying pressure to Kaipara was Henry Cooper who picked up four for 19.

In reply, Onerahi were all out for 215 as Will Edwards top scored with 72.

Kaipara's Christopherson noted this was their third win from three, which put them into good shape ahead of the Christmas break.

Zest Insurance Boys' High School's match against Maungakaramea will be rescheduled after Boys' High were taking part in the Gillette Cup in Christchurch.