Cricket: Andrew Gibbs' treble helps Bay to win

Rotorua bowler Andrew Gibbs showing his fielding skills for his club. The cricketer grabbed three wickets to help Bay of Plenty Development side to beat Northern Districts under-19 side. Photo/File.

Rotorua bowler Andrew Gibbs has helped the Bay of Plenty Development side to a victory over the Northern Districts under-19 side.

Northern Districts set the Bay of Plenty Development a big target when they batted first in their encounter at Blake Park, Mt Maunganui, at the weekend.

The match saw the first outing of the new grass wicket at Blake Park, to be used during the Cricket World Cup Qualifying in January.

Led by a well-hit 108 from Northern batsman Tim Seifert, his side posted 245/9 in their 50 overs.

Andrew Gibbs bowled well for the Bay side taking three wickets with vice-captain Jason Trembath grabbing two wickets.

The Bay second XI didn't make the best start needing nearly five runs an over.

At 64/3 there was plenty of work to do for the Bay batsmen, however the arrival of Cameron Neal turned the match in Bay of Plenty's favour.

Neal, who went on to top score with 87, put together a partnership worth 159 with Ben Musgrave, to set up the Bay victory. Musgrave was also in good touch with 73 runs to his name.

Bay captain Ben Guild said he was happy with the side's run chase performance.

"We chased down the big target on an outstanding batting pitch which still had enough to reward the bowlers.

"Cam Neal was outstanding playing his natural game and received excellent support from Ben Musgrave to set up the win."

At the Te Puke Domain, Bay of Plenty Coastland Senior Secondary and their Waikato Valley counterparts, played a warm-up match prior to the Northern District tournament in Gisborne from December 16 to 20.

At stake in the pre-tournament hit out was the Beau Fathers Memorial trophy, contested by the two sides each season.

The Bay side took first use of the batting crease and set the Waikato Valley team a good challenge, reaching 225/8.

Gareth Wallace produced a solid knock to finish scoring 44 with Vaughan Wilson also getting to the forties.

The Coastland bowlers started well and at 52/5 were in control. Batting with just 10 batsmen, the visitors were dismissed for 133, to hand the Coastland side a comfortable victory.