In the early stages of the Tech Old Boys v Wanganui High School clash on Saturday, a keen follower of the game suggested that former Wanganui player Richie Crockett should still be playing rep cricket.
Crockett, a genuine all-rounder who bowls right and bats left, proceeded to send down six wicketless overs for 33 runs ... not too convincing an argument.
But then Crockett strapped the pads on as Tech chased WHS's 227-8 total and played a heroic innings that saw his team home in a run-a-ball, thrill-a-minute finish. Crockett hit 10 fours in his 82 (his 50 coming in 15 overs), and was finally out - caught by the only girl on the pitch, 13-year-old Jessica Watkin - three runs short of victory.
There was still time for some nerve-jangling shenanigans as Adam Dixon was then run out without facing a ball before Tariq Alam took an almighty swing and thin-edged the winning boundary.
High School's total was built around the efforts of Mark Parsons and opener Kane Watkin, with contributions from Chris Sharrock and Dominic Lock, but they failed to accelerate the scoring over the second half of the innings. Parsons hit 83 but fell when trying the tricky reverse sweep once too often, while Watkin had six boundaries in his 44.
Tech's reply had a firm foundation in the opening stand between Hayden Englefield and Bevan Papworth, who went on to anchor the innings with a half-century - though High School were convinced they had him caught behind early on.
WHS lost Kane Watkin with a side strain in his fourth over - completed by sister Jess - as Tech battled to keep in touch with the five-plus an over asking rate.
Enter Crockett for some firm and controlled hitting and outstanding running between the wickets, and Tech took the win with an over to spare.
In the other match at Victoria Park, Marist stopped United's winning run in most convincing fashion. It proved a good toss to win as Marist sent in an under-strength United who would not have been displeased with their 206-6. In-form opener Gerard Hobbs hit eight boundaries in his score of 80, while Alistair Bostock added a steady 32.
There was some early movement for the bowlers, but the wicket flattened out with the sun's arrival and batting got easier as they day wore on.
Certainly Chris Stewart made it look easy with an unhurried and unbeaten century as Marist cruised across the line. He put on 90 for the first wicket with Craig Thorpe, and then an unbeaten century partnership with Ben Smith. Stewart hit one six and 14 fours in a commanding knock, while Central Districts batsman Smith hit four fours and also cleared the ropes.
It was hard work for United's depleted attack which saw regular wicket-keeper Max Carroll having to turn his arm over, and 15-year-old leg-spinner Dylan Martin getting the chance to show his promise.
With Collegiate's wicket left uncovered and affected by rain, the school's fixture with Marton was switched to a junior pitch across Grey St.
For the umpteenth time, the Collegiate batsman failed to show the necessary stickability to break the 100 barrier, and they were dismissed for 91 in 24 overs, with Dan Ford taking 4-11.
It must have been happy hour at Marton's Cooks Bar, so keen were Saracens to get home early. They needed just 12 overs to wrap up an eight-wicket win. Cashing in on the short boundaries, Jared Calkin made 20 with four scoring shots and Ford, obviously feeling it was his day, hit four sixes in his 31 not-out.