City, Kaipara look destined for final

Kaipara Flats and City both scored outright wins in the latest and penultimate round of Northland Cricket's two-day competition.

Both sides are now favoured to contest the two-day final at Cobham Oval on March 24 and 25.

Resuming at 40 for 3 after securing a first innings lead of 31 the previous week, Kaipara Flats found the Kamo attack no easier and relied on steady but unspectacular scoring to post a 2nd innings score of 138. Michael O'Flaherty with 34 and Matt Taylor with 26 were Kaipara Flats' top scorers while Aaron McIntosh took 3 for 33 with the ball.

Requiring 170 runs for outright points, Kamo were quickly in trouble at 18 for 3 before Rhys Farrand and Jamie Millar shared in a 4th wicket partnership of 69 to give the home side some hope. However once Farrand (36) and Millar (35) were dismissed from the bowling of Mark Dellow, the Kamo innings lost momentum and Kaipara Flats achieved what in the end was a comfortable victory. Kaipara's bowling effort was led by a fine performance from Mark Dellow with 6 for 37 and Joe Robbins with 4 for 42.

At Maungakaramea, the home side resumed on 125 for 6 in pursuit of Onerahi's 179 scored the previous week. Craig Gurr was in good touch and scored a fine 62, sharing in a 7th wicket partnership of 84 with Liam O'Sullivan (30). The partnership was built on the accumulation of singles and the rotation of the strike.

Resuming his innings after retiring hurt last week, Joseph O'Sullivan scored 55 as Maungakaramea went on to post 254. Unfortunately, after only 3 overs of batting by Onerahi the rain intervened and the game was abandoned.

After conceding a first innings lead of 66 and resuming at 3 without loss, WBHS would have been determined to bat some time and give City a tough chase for outright points in the afternoon. However after starting well they lost wickets in bunches to be all out for 141. Batting at number 9, David Armitt top scored with 36 as once again WBHS could only bat for just over 40 overs. Vishaan Harypursat scored bragging rights over his brother by having him caught behind, eventually finishing with 5 for 45, and Richard Atkins was in good form with 3 for 31.

Requiring only 75 for victory, City coasted to their target losing only 3 wickets with Harry Darkins hitting a hard hit 50.

Kaipara Flats and City are now more than 9 points clear of the chasing pack, which means Kaipara remain on track for all four titles.