Otago Boys’ High School caused the first upset of the 2011 tournament with a fine win against the fancied Palmerston North Boys’ High School.
After being put in, Palmerston crumbled in the face of a disciplined Otago Boys’ bowling line-up. The North Island team lost their first three batsmen for a combined total of 18 runs, before James Holland and Hayden Hill steadied the ship with scores of 41 (Holland) and 27 (Hill). Unfortunately for Palmerston North their next highest scorer would be Extras (17) and they eventually finished their innings with a sub-par total of 133 all out from 45.2 overs. Sam Blakely and Alec Hodgson were the pick of the bowlers, picking up three wickets a piece.
In reply, Otago Boys never looked in any danger. After losing opener Tom Griffin with 18 runs on the board, the first six batsmen for Otago all managed starts and that was going to be enough when chasing a total of 133. Cameron Dunn top scored for the Southerners with 28, while Josh Renton managed to wrap up the game in the 47th over, crunching a four to win it. Navin Patel was the only bowler to make any real in-roads for Palmerston North, picking up three for 24. However, it wouldn’t be enough, Otago the victors by four wickets.
Palmerston North HBS 133 all out (Holland 41) LOST TO Otago Boys 137-6 (Dunn 28, Renton 21*)
Result: OTAGO BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL won by 4 wickets
Full scorecard: http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1196/scorecard.aspx
