Marlborough’s Hawke Cup campaign is off to a great start following last weekend’s dramatic 1st innings win over Nelson. In another closely thought nail biting contest the Senior reps battled back from 62 for 6 chasing Nelson’s 264 all out to get the runs 9 wickets down and with only 7 balls remaining. Matthew Stretch (117no) and Nick Weaver (56) were the top scorers although there were important partnerships involving Corey Bovey (23) and Akhil Pant (25) as the winning total was reached in the 90th over. Earlier Nick Weaver starred with the ball taking 6 for 62 from 21 overs.
In SBS Bank Senior grade T20 Tarin Mason smashed 106 from 55 balls including 12 sixes in Wairau’s big win over Wairau Valley. Harrison Boyce contributed 57 while Matthew Stretch hit an unbeaten 58 for Valley. Renwick held their nerve to beat MBC by 4 runs defending 133. Cooper Roberts (46) and Tim Petrie (54) looked to have things under control for the students before late wickets including two run outs left them just short. Earlier Luke Frankland top scored with 77 for Renwick.
In 2nd grade T20 Celtic Green were comfortable winners over Marlborough Public House Masters despite 42 from Tony Andrews. Renwick had a dramatic 1 wicket win over Wairau with no11 Jayden Holdaway striking the winning boundary. Hunter Shore took 3 for 22 for Wairau while Ed Gilhooly took 4-10 from his 4 overs for Renwick. Celtic Gold beat Wairau Valley with Jassi Brar taking 2-8.
Saturday saw the 1st round of the 2nd grade 40 over competition. Josh Alexander hit 81no and Griffin Carter took 5-32 in Wairau’s win over Kaikoura for whom Harpreet Singh made 41no. Renwick were comfortable winners over Wairau Valley, Mike Anstis taking 3-26 and Andrew Nation 4-11 before Luke Frankland top scored with 67no. Celtic Green easily accounted for Celtic Gold with Liam Young taking 5-15 and Joel Logan making 41no.
In 3rd grade Sam Young starred in Wairau’s win over Celtic taking 2-11 and scoring 28no. Ted Small with 5-22 was the match winner for Wairau Valley in their win over Renwick.
Top performers in WK 4th and 5th grade competitions included Blake Pitts (33), Jonty Hickman (3-26), Oliver Baker (40), Charlie Booker (35), Teagan Birkett (45), Albert Nott (4-29), Finn Ashworth (3-26), Max Ruffell (42), Sinclair Hill (64), Charlie Lyford (37 & 5-36), Spencer Gregg (44), Dane Winstanley (38), Anton Jossy (48 & 4-15), Fionn Heagney (29), Billy Hurren (29), Hudson Johnson (17), Hamish Newman (3-5), Eddie Russell (28), Joanna Jossy (2-12).
Sadly heavy rain in the Hawkes Bay region caused the cancellation of the Central Districts Under 17 tournament with discussions taking place to see if an alternative date can be found in the New Year.