Templeton leads WGHS to Leaf Cup title

Whangarei Girl's High School's Makayla Templeton starred in her school's successful Leaf Cup campaign, scoring 248 runs over four matches without being dismissed. Photo/John Stone

Whangarei Girls' High School romped home to take out the Leaf Cup, beating out the efforts of Kerikeri High School, Dargaville High School and Kamo High School.

Played over two days at Kensington Park, each team played each other once before the top two sides played off in the final.

Makayla Templeton of WGHS proved to be a big difference in the tournament, starting day one with 54 before retiring.

Templeton's innings helped WGHS to 116/6 against Dargaville who, despite battling well, only mustered 84 in reply.

On the other pitch Kerikeri thought they were in trouble as Kamo set a formidable 126, but a good allround team performance saw them safely home.

Kerikeri then faced off with WGHS, a prelude to the eventual final.

Templeton again showed her class as she belted an unbeaten 99, just one short of a century, to lead WGHS to 136. This proved far too much for Kerikeri to chase down, booking WGHS' spot in the final.

Dargaville meanwhile easily accounted for Kamo High to set up a winner-takes-all clash with Kerikeri.

The tough day two match ended with drama usually reserved for the international stage.

Dargaville desperately tried to defend 83 and had Kerikeri nine down in the late moments. However, a quick single saw Kerikeri home and into the final with just a few deliveries left.

WGHS warmed up for the final with a win over Kamo, with Templeton again starring with the willow by retiring on 50.

In the third and fourth playoff, Kamo showed marked improvement to register a strong win over Dargaville.

Olivia Patu scored an excellent unbeaten 63 to lead Kamo to 117, before they restricted Dargaville to 85.

The final had plenty of action to savour as WGHS bowled first against Kerikeri.

Economical bowling from the WGHS attack put Kerikeri under the pump, but they grafted their way to 83.

Kerikeri put the pressure back on WGHS with key early wickets, but Templeton stepped up once again with 45 not out to take her side to the title.

Templeton showcased her enormous potential with 248 runs in four innings, incredibly ending unbeaten in every outing.

Bowlers Gabby Hislop (Kerikeri) and Terina Hauraki (WGHS) stood out over the tournament with their superbly accurate bowling.

WGHS now take on Pukekohe High School on Monday at Kaipara Flats in their NZCT Secondary Girls playoff. The winners go on to face the Bay of Plenty winners.