An Ian Page ton saw the Northland Second XI off to a positive start in round four of the Basil McBurney Tournament against Waikato Valley. After winning the toss, Waikato Valley sent Northland in to bat on Kaipara Flats' seamer-friendly wicket, and the host side got off to a flying start,making 50 before the first wicket fell. Northland coach Finley Brooker said from then on, Waikato Valley started to find the perfect line and length with the ball, which made batting tough. "Waikato Valley picked up regular wickets, but Ian (Page) held the innings for Northland together with a gutsy self-disciplined knock," he said. In the 48th over, Northland were bowled out for 212, with Page starring for the side with a top score of 102, including 11 fours and three sixes. Waikato Valley started the run chase and were soon in trouble at 6-2, although the side pulled it together when a third-wicket partnership of 67 between Ben Speake and Rocky Hobbs kept the run rate up and Waikato within reach of the win. Matt Taylor and Curtis Cherrington's introduction to the bowling lineup saw the demise of Waikato Valley. Taylor's return of 4-38 and Cherrington's 3-36 helped restrict the visitors to 135 all out, in the 31st over, and saw Northland complete a 77-run victory. Northland have a bye in the final round of the Basil McBurney Tournament, on February 21.
