Celtic’s unbeaten record this season came to an end at the hands of Wairau in the latest round of SBS Bank Senior grade games last Saturday. Batting first Wairau made a seemingly below par 142 thanks largely to Andrew McCaa (63) and Hunter Ruffell (36), Liam Young taking 3-49. In reply Nick Weaver once again led the Wairau attack with 4-16 from his 8 overs while Baxter Croad, Tarin Mason and Josh Alexander each picked up 2 wickets as Celtic were bowled out for 100 earning Wairau a precious bonus point. Logan Robinson top scored with 27.
The other game was a much tighter affair with Wairua Valley coming out on top by just 3 runs. Luke Pannell top scored with 55 well supported by 49 from Tom Leonard in Valley’s score of 191. Cody Golding was the pick of the Renwick bowlers with 4-22 while off spinners Paddy Dawkins and Ed Gilhooly picked up 2 wickets apiece. In reply Piers Landon-Lane (54) led the chase with the game in the balance right to the final ball. Sukh Aulakh was the match winner for Valley taking 5-22 and making a brilliant boundary save in the final over as well as a crucial run out as Renwick fell agonisingly short.
At the half-way stage Wairau head the table on 10 pts followed by Celtic on 9 and Valley on 8. Renwick will need to win their remaining games to stand any chance of making the final to be played on Saturday 26th November.
WK Junior 4th and 5th hardball grades start over the first weekend of November and there is still time to register if you haven’t yet done so via the link on the Marlborough cricket website or by contacting Eden@marlboroughcricket.co.nz
We are also still taking registrations for Harcourts Kiwi Cricket which is played on Saturday mornings with a softer ball, so no need for helmets or other protective equipment. For information on how to register for this or for our Smash play programmes for younger players please visit our website.
Women’s Social Cricket gets underway again this summer with a festival day on Sunday 6th November. Proudly supported by Churchill Private Hospital the Women’s social festivals and competitions have proved hugely popular over the past 3 summers providing the opportunity for many who have never played before to give cricket a try in a fun and social environment. Get some friends together or enter a team from work but get your entries in asap to Eden@marlboroughcricket.co.nz