Cricket changed from one-day mode to two-day mode as the first day of the season's expanded competition got under way in Northland club cricket on Saturday.
In their game against City at Cobham Oval, Kamo continued some excellent batting form to reach 233. Reece Farrand (61) and opening partner CurtisCherrington (66) posted more than 100 for the first wicket before being separated.
Jamie Millar (57) then played well through the middle order to take Kamo to their final score.
Left to bat out the last few overs, Cherrington and John Lynch then kept the pressure on by removing both openers and leaving City with a lot of hard work to do this week.
Onerahi were missing several key players for their clash away from home at Kaipara, and after losing the toss were asked to bat first. Mainstay of the innings was former Wanganui representative Jarred Calkin who scored 86. Calkin is a left-hand batsman and wicketkeeper and a handy addition to the wicketkeeping stocks in Northland. Todd Beehre (18) and Craig Russell (34) also batted well as Onerahi were dismissed for 187.
In reply, Kaipara scored 210 for 4 thus securing first innings points on the first day. English import Joe Robbins is left on 94 not-out, while the consistent Michael O'Flaherty scored 39. Onerahi were left to rue some poor fielding as they dropped at least three catches.
In the third game at Maungakaramea, WBHS were asked to bat first.
Losing early wickets, WBHS were 32 for four at one stage before Max Trimbole (30no), Fraser Seymour (27) and Cameron Johnson (24) shared in mini partnerships that helped the students through to 143. For Maungakaramea, Aiden Miller bowled well, taking three for 57, while fellow right-arm bowler Kurtly Watson took a well-deserved five for 38.
In reply, Maungakaramea were in early trouble at 66 for five before Watson showed his skill wasn't confined to the ball in compiling an excellent 50 not-out. Maungakaramea ended the day on 166 for eight, a lead of 23 with two wickets in hand.
Pick of the bowlers was again left-arm spinner David Armitt who took four for 43.
In reserve grade, the competition remains tight with the top four teams all playing each other this week.
Dargaville remain on top, but have drawn a tricky game against last year's winners Kamo High School, while second-placed WBHS have drawn an improving Kamo. One point separates Dargaville from WBHS.
