Primary schoolboys start tourney with wins

Northland's Primary School Boys cricket team have made it two from two in Hamilton after demolishing Poverty Bay on Thursday.

The team began the Northern Districts tournament in dramatic fashion, winning their first game by one run.

It took Northland only 11 overs to surpass the target of 84 runs set by Poverty Bay, thanks largely to an unbeaten 53 off 35 balls by opener Caleb Boswell-Smith - in the process silencing a rowdy fielding side.

Coach Karl Treiber said his side's performance was not only convincing, but professional also.

The Northland spinners spun a web of mystery, destroying Poverty Bay's chances, with figures of 4-12 (Hamish Kidd), 3-14 (Lewis Miller) and 1-9 (Van Grooby).

This performance came after beating a strong Hamilton side by one run with three balls remaining on Wednesday.

In Wednesday's game, Northland finished with 191-8 off their 40 overs with Lewis Miller making a strong 66 and Hamish Kidd (42) dragging Northland back from 24 for 3.

Tight bowling from Cullen Lowe (1-18) and two stunning run-outs from Lewis Miller had Northland in the box seat until Hamilton's middle order began to hit out. However, regular wickets and some great outfield catches kept the match evenly poised until the exciting climax.

Medium pacer Liam Wewege stepped up in the final over and rattled the stumps to claim Hamilton's last wicket with three balls to spare.

Kurt Oldridge and Hamish Kidd were the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2-32 and 2-31 respectfully.

Northland Cricket's director of coaching, Stephen Cunis, said: "This win is a great reflection of the hard work that Karl Treiber, Roger Kidd and Richard Pooley have put in."

Yesterday, the third day of the tournament, Northland was to take on a strong Bay of Plenty Coastlands side.