Northland's primary school cricket team thumped Waikato Valley South in Pukekohe on Sunday as they prepared for the Northern Districts Primary tournament starting tomorrow in Hamilton.
Northland produced a complete team performance which proved too strong for Waikato Valley after they were put into bat in difficult windy conditions. Northland'sinnings was based around a solid opening partnership of 53 from Caleb Boswell-Smith (22) and Quinn Pooley (12).
Momentum was maintained with a fourth-wicket partnership of 42 between Austin Ryburn (27) and Hamish Kidd (10). From the 30th over, and the score at 119, Northland pushed hard for the remaining 10 overs to finish with 184 for 9.
Northland's opening bowlers, Boswell-Smith (1 for 14) and Lowe (1 for 10), produced a tight spell to give them the early advantage.
Liam Wewege did a fine job bowling his medium pacers, but it was the introduction of spinners Hamish Kidd (1 for 14 off 8) and Lewis Miller (2 for 20 off 7) who choked the life out of Waikato Valley.
Off spinner Van Grooby claimed 2 for 12 and Sean West (1 for 14) mopped up the tail as Valley limped to 112 all out. Northland's fielding was sharp with Miller, Kidd, West and Richard Stobart leading the way and captain Quinn Pooley kept control with astute bowling changes and field settings.
It was a big confidence boost before this week's tournament.
