Cricket: Kaipara and City earn places in final

The final round of the Northland Club Cricket's Two Day Championship was played and as expected Kaipara Flats and City qualified for next week's final.

After last week's blanket cancellation, all games were played under a revised 55-over format on Saturday.

Playing at home, Kaipara Flats had a solid workout against a determined Whangarei Boys High School team. The students have had major issues with their batting, and mentor Russell Smith was delighted with their efforts against a strong bowling attack.

Batting for 54 of their allotted 55 overs, WBHS scored a meritorious 153 with Ben Smith (38) and Max Davis (25) being the major contributors. Joe Robbins with four for 30 was once again the pick of the Kaipara Flats attack.

Despite losing an early wicket, Kaipara Flats were largely untroubled in scoring the required runs by the 40th over. Michael O'Flaherty continued his recent good form with an attractive 74 not out with Kyran Dill contributing 28. The students fielded and caught well but Russell Smith lamented some poor bowling "with just too many four balls".

In Saturday's other game, at Cobham Oval, Maungakaramea batted first and scored a disappointing 112 utilising only 35 of their allotted 55 overs. Bowling honours were shared around, with Kieron Nelson taking 3-31 and Richard Atkins 3-44. In reply, City were untroubled in reaching 113/4 in 24 overs. Richard Atkins played well for 54 not out and Harry Darkins scored 34.

City and Kaipara Flats will now meet in next weekend's two day final, played on consecutive days at Cobham Oval with Kaipara Flats being the all important top qualifier.The Reserve Grade final was also played on Saturday, with favourites Carters Northern Wairoa hosting Kamo at Dargaville High School. Northern Wairoa have dominated this grade over recent years and they posted a strong 204/7 off their 40 overs. Captain Terry Duncan top scored with 47, whilst Greg Comber (45) and Paul Barnes (35) also made significant contributions. For Kamo, Gary Whatmough was the pick of the attack with 3-29.

In reply, Kamo went to drinks handily placed at 82/3, but the introduction of off-spin immediately after the break applied the screws and built up the pressure and saw Kamo dismissed for 131.

Jason Prowse was the mainstay of the Kamo batting effort with 33, while for Northern Wairoa Vaughn Whitmore took a five wicket bag to ensure the trophy stayed in Dargaville.