Mixed start to one day trophy defence

Northland Second XI achieved contrasting results in their campaign to defend the Basil McBurney One Day District Association Trophy.

The Northland side travelled to Hamilton for two one-day matches. They enjoyed an exceptional start on Sunday, thrashing Hamilton Second XI by six wickets.

Hamilton batted first and made 187/8, while Northland's Tom Herman snatched four wickets for 27 runs, while Richard Atkins also nabbed one for 24 off nine overs. Northland went into bat and reached 188, losing just four wickets, with Henry Cooper (65) and Craig Coffey scoring (90) to put on a fine partnership of 145 for the second wicket.

Batting first against the Bay of Plenty Second XI on Monday, Northland's top order crumbled early and the first five wickets fell for only 27 runs.

The middle and lower order steadied the ship somewhat, but Northland were dismissed for 154. Best with the bat were Chris Page (31), Curtis Cherrington (46) who put on a partnership of 89, and Harry Darkins (21).

Despite a good effort with the ball by Atkins, who bowled seven overs for 17 runs, Bay of Plenty knocked 155 with all their wickets intact.

"We played poorly and they bowled really well," Northland Second XI coach Steven Knox said. "There was nothing wrong with the pitch, we got off to a bad start and were playing catch up for the rest of the game ... such a comprehensive loss is a disappointing end to the competition," he said.

Defending trophy holders Northland finished their 2011-2012 Basil McBurney season with three wins and one loss. Bay of Plenty, who have won three games, still have to play Hamilton before Northland's final place on the table can be determined.

This Sunday, Northland Second XI will play a friendly one-day match against Taranaki, while Northland First XI play Counties Manukau (away) in their final game of the Brian Dunning Competition.