Cricket: Rodney dominant in Dargaville Shield

Both the Dargaville Shield and Greg Guy Shield have thrown up some interesting action in the early stages of the 2017/18 cricket season. Photo/ Getty Images

Rodney pulled out an impressive performance with the ball in the second round of the Dargaville Shield.

The most southern of teams in the competition took on Whangarei at home and when the visitors went into bat they sniffed blood in the water.

Led by the skills of Matt Taylor (4-17) and Simar Virk (4-17), Whangarei's innings never took off as partnerships proved difficult to establish.

They eventually spluttered to 75 all out, a tall order to defend for the travellers.

That being said, they put in a good effort in the field as Caleb Boswell-Smith (3-15) did his best to get Whangarei back into the contest.

But 75 was always going to be tough to defend and Rodney cruised home with the loss of five wickets thanks to an unbeaten 27 from Ollie White.

The other Dargaville Shield game that was scheduled between Mid Western and City Cricket Club was rained off.

Rodney remain top of the table heading into the final round which cements their spot in the final on October 28.

They take on Mid Western next week while City and Whangarei look to pick up their first wins of the competition when they meet at Kensington Park.

Meanwhile the action was heating up in the Greg Guy Shield as teams got a full day's cricket in under the October sun.

Kerikeri picked up a tense seven-run victory over Whangarei Boys' High School.

Batting first, Kerikeri racked up 154/5 from their 40 overs as they got contributions from wicketkeeper Luke Halligan (42), Damon Peach (30) and Alex Poore (22).

Richard Stobart (3-19) was the pick of the bowlers with a trio of wickets in his four over spell.

In reply, WBHS lost wickets at regular intervals after a 41-run opening stand from Kian Bird (23) and Stobart (20).

Kurt Oldridge managed a handy 28 but a great team effort with the ball, led by leg spinner Max Hart (2 for 22) helped Kerikeri sneak home.

Meanwhile, a Geoff Parker half century wasn't enough to stop Onerahi Central picking up a seven wicket victory over Kamo High School.

Parker's 54 was the pick of the batsman as KHS were dismissed for 147 as the medium-pace of Martin Tansley (5-22) was tough to get away.

In reply, Onerahi cruised home after Robert Lee (54 not out), Tom Keogh (37 not out) and BJ Howie (33) picked up runs. Nathan Parkes (3-26) did the damage with the ball for Kamo High but it wasn't enough.

City picked up a win in the other fixture as they romped home to a six wicket victory over Mid Western.

Despite the best efforts of Nathan Condon's unbeaten 70, Mid Western were unable to stop City after setting a target of 207.

Led by Tim King's 61, City eased home for the victory.