Kelt caught trying to get Collegiate home

Collegiate's Kashish Nauharia, left, about to be caught by Hutt International's Nikunj Patel, with wicketkeeper Logan Slee celebrating on the Collegiate No1 pitch yesterday.

It appeared a strong fight from allrounder Ben Kelt would not be enough to prevent Wanganui Collegiate 1st XI losing their traditional fixture with CS Hutt International Boys School at the Collegiate grounds yesterday afternoon.

Just avoiding the follow-on when they were dismissed first thing for 85 in the morning, chasing Hutt's 179, Collegiate was set a tough but tempting declaration target of 212, after Hutt swiftly hit 117-3 in 23 overs.

Jesse Tashkoff followed up his superb 92 in Hutt's first innings to raise 66 not out in 63 balls, hitting six boundaries, being supported by Logan Slee with 42 until he was run out.

Charlie Greatbatch (2-19) got Collegiate off to a good start when he removed both the Hutt openers with only four runs on the board, but then Slee and Tashkoff set off on their 104-run partnership in 20 overs.

In reply, Collegiate were 47-4, with only Greatbatch (18) getting a real start before being dismissed, and the procession continued to be 87-7, with Collegiate coach Warren Marr wirily noting the Hutt side had a strong batch of spin bowlers – better than the Whanganui Premier club level.

Six of the Hutt bowlers had taken wickets, the best being Nikunj Patel (2-14), while Beau Hourigan was dismissed in unfortunate circumstances when he hit his own wicket facing Jonty Bamber.

But Kelt would not give up so easily, hitting 61 from 99 balls, including eight boundaries, as he was bold enough to go through the onside and try to hit the bowler back over his head.

Kelt had got the required target down to less than 100, but after the drinks break he was caught behind off Nathan Watt to leave Collegiate at 127-8.

His partner Joel Clark was trying to survive as he had faced down nearly 50 deliveries by 4.30pm, with Collegiate 137-8 needing 75 runs for victory.

Scoreboard

Hutt International 1st Innings: 179 (J Tashkoff 92, C Kennedy 25; H O'Leary 4-37, H Kilmister 2-15).

Collegiate 1st Innings 85 (K Nauharia 15; C Webster 5-31, N Patel 2-8, H Watt 2-10).
Hutt International 2nd Innings: 117-3 dec (J Tashkoff 66no, L Slee 42; C Greatbatch 2-19).

Collegiate 2nd Innings 137-8 (B Kelt 61; N Patel 2-14) with innings ongoing.