Cricket: Parlane blasts a double ton

Kaipara Flats bowler Kevin Forde got among the wickets against City. Photo / Ron Burgin

A double century by Neal Parlane was the standout performance in the opening round of the Oxford Trust two-day cricket competition.

The former Wellington first-class batsman was unstoppable as he smashed an unbeaten 221 at a strike rate of close to 100 as Maungakaramea reached an impressive 351-7 before declaring after just 71 overs.

A half-century by Scott Harris was the only other score of note in the innings as Parlane carted the Onerahi-Central bowlers around the Maungakaramea Domain. OC are without the services of Dewayne Bowden this year and with Tom Herman injured, they struggled to make headway with Adam Sylva the only one to bowl with any success.

The artificial wicket proved a minefield for OC however, as they were scuttled for just 99 before the close of play.

The Whangarei Boys' High School Zest Insurance first XI recovered from three golden ducks in their first over to post a passable score in their match against Kamo.

Kamo opening bowler Curtis Cherrington removed David Armitt, Fletcher Coutts and Kurtley Watson before Sam Clotworthy dug in to take the team to lunch with the loss of only one further wicket.

He top-scored with 56, with Matthew Lobb also adding a valuable 25 before tailenders Nick Stobart, Max Davis and Tim Osbaldiston completed the recovery by adding 60 runs between them to see WBHS limp to 182 in 88 overs.

Cherrington eventually finished with 5/37 off 21 overs but Kamo failed to take advantage of their good efforts in the field with the top order folding up on an early season wicket that proved difficult to pick.

Ben Hyde was trapped lbw, Rhys Farrand soon followed and Cherrington failed to add to his good form with the ball when he was caught behind. Leon Cross was unfortunate to be dismissed on the penultimate ball of the day leaving Dylan Clarke and Jacob Cherrington with an uphill battle ahead of them if Kamo is to have a shot at taking first innings points when the match resumes next Saturday.

In the other first-round game at Kensington Park, Kaipara Flats took first innings points against City and will take a 50 run advantage into the second day with one wicket still remaining.