Victory takes Collegiate step closer to Gillette Cup finals

Wanganui Collegiate is one step closer to competing in next season's prestigious Gillette Cup finals after beating Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth on Wednesday.

The 39-run win in the First XI knockout match came on the back of a challenging total set up by the top order.

Ollie Paine (60no), George Metson (50) and Andre Halbert (53) were the key contributors in an excellent team effort of 265-5.

Francis Douglas were game for the chase as even their tailenders were willing to throw willow at leather, but they ultimately folded for 226.

Angus Baddelly was the pick of the bowlers with 3-22, while Halbert capped a fine game with 2-38.

Collegiate now move on to the Central Districts regional zone finals in Palmerston North on Monday and Tuesday.

They will play Lindisfarne College from Hawke's Bay, Nelson College for Boys and Palmerston North Boys High School.

The winner out of the four colleges will go on to compete for the Gillette Cup in December.

Also in the hunt for Gillette appearances are the boys' and girls' teams of Wanganui High.

WHS Boys will be playing the T20 version of the cup qualifiers at the Central Districts finals in Palmerston North on Thursday.

The WHS girls will play their qualifier, which is also a T20 matchup, although it is the full grade for their competition, in Wanganui on Wednesday.

And two former Collegiate stars are preparing for international cricket action next week.

Nick Blundell and Henry Collier are both in the New Zealand U19 team playing their Australian counterparts at Lincoln University.

The opening match of the series is on Thursday.