Cricket: Yovich runs to victory vs Hamilton

Joey Yovich

Joey Yovich scored the winning runs with a massive six as Northland notched up a morale-boosting limited overs victory over Hamilton.

It took only 28 overs for Northland to chase down Hamilton's first innings total of 126 in Hamilton - earning the side a bonus point win that sees the side leading the Brian Dunning Trophy points table with one round to go.

Hamilton won the toss and decided to bat first on a relatively average wicket and soon paid the price.

The Northland bowlers were on song and the home side was dismissed for 126 in the 37th over. Kurtley Watson picked up 4 for 25 off 7 overs and Mikey O'Flaherty 3 for 23 off his 10. They were ably supported by Tyler Lortan, Cody Andrews and Kyran Dill, who each picked up a wicket. Rory Christopherson was again outstanding behind the wicket and showed his class throughout the innings. Northland then went about chasing the score with ease. Ben Hyde (51) and Brad Kneebone (23) put on 53 for the first wicket to secure the win before the winning target was finally achieved by Yovich's six.

Meanwhile there was a big Northland presence at the National Provincial A Tournament at Lincoln University last week.

The ND A side that finished second at the tournament included five Northland players and was coached by Stephen Cunis. Henry Cooper, Cody Andrews, Tyler Lortan and Ben Hyde played the entire nine-day tournament while Brad Wilson took a break from the senior ND squad to join the squad for two matches.

Cooper had an outstanding tournament and was Northern Districts' top scorer. With scores of 49, 109, 49, 60no, 22 and 33 off 11 balls, in his six bats; Cooper was in dynamic form. He was most certainly the player of the tournament from the ND side and Cunis felt that he put his hand up and is pushing for higher honours because of his consistent performances.

Andrews bowled well and was the pick of the ND seamers throughout the tournament. Lortan played very well and caught the eye of the ND selectors. His leg breaks were instrumental in the side's success and he picked up key wickets at very important times. He had limited opportunities with the bat but his 42 off 18 deliveries against CD and 60no off 41 balls against Auckland were spectacular.

Wilson came in for two matches and played nicely for 33 and 66. He added 150 for the second wicket, with Ben Hyde, against CD. He has subsequently been called into the Knights squad for Tuesday's match against CD, in Gisborne.

In other cricket news, Nick Stobart is representing the ND U19 side this week at their National Tournament in Christchurch.

Chamodh Peiris and Lewie Miller both represented the ND U17 side that was coached by Northland's Neal Parlane last week. The side played matches against the BOP U19s and Auckland U17s.