Final Round
New Zealand U-18s 183 all out off 39.1 overs (F. Allen 61, M. Chu 44*, F. Murray 35, B. Coburn 5-24) lost to Canterbury A 187-4 off 38 overs (K. McClure 64, H. Chamberlain 63*)
The last day of the National Provincial A tournament featured one game, fought between the talented New Zealand U-18 side and the home team, Canterbury A. The NZ U-18s won the toss and jumped at the chance of batting first on the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, but four overs into their innings that would have been regretting that decision. Fraser Sheat, Canterbury’s opening bowler, picked up two wickets in four balls during the third over of the match, and when Dale Phillips was caught for a golden duck in the following over, the NZ U-18s were stuttering at 3-4. Opening batsmen Katene Clark then was forced from the field due to injury, which meant the NZ U-18s sixth batsmen was at the crease within four overs. Finn Allen decided the best form of defence was to attack, and attack he did. Allen played the lead role in a 71-run partnership with Kaylum Boshier, before Boshier lost his wicket off the bowling of Blake Coburn. Boshier was the first batsmen that fell to Coburn, but disappointingly for the NZ U-18 side, he was the first of five. Two batsmen fell during Coburn’s next over, including the vital wicket of Allen. Allen top scored for the young side with 61 from 43 balls, hitting four fours and four sixes during his 80-minute stay at the crease. Max Chu and Felix Murray combined for a 76-run partnership to give the NZ U-18s something to bowl at, with Murray getting trapped LBW for 35, while Chu finished the innings 44 not out. Coburn took the final two wickets, which meant he finished the innings with 5-24 from 7.1 overs.
In reply, having Canterbury sitting at 57-2 the NZ U-18s would have been confident, but a 119-run partnership between Harry Chamberlain and Ken McClure meant a Canterbury victory was secure. McClure would have been disappointed to fall just a few runs short of the target, but the number three batsmen still contributed a substantial 64 runs, hitting seven fours and two sixes during his innings. Chamberlain though, remained to the end, finishing the innings with 63 runs from 73 balls, helping his side reach the target after 38 overs.
Round Eight
Wellington A 314-8 (M. Nofal 79, A. Fletcher 68, F. Colson 39, L. Johns 34) beat New Zealand U-18 68 all out off 17.1 overs (F. Allen 33, A. Ridley 4-38, B. Sears 3-18, D. Rose 3-10)
Tournament front runners, Wellington A, came up against the New Zealand U-18s on the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, and it was the tournament leaders that batted first, setting an impressive 314-8. A 148-run opening stand put Wellington in the perfect position to press on and set a mammoth total, with openers Andrew Fletcher and Malcolm Nofal both continuing their good form. The partnership was broken when Nofal was caught for 79 from 82 balls, and was joined in the pavilion by his opening partner just a couple of overs later when Fletcher was run-out by Dale Phillips for 68. Captain Fraser Colson continued his openers momentum with a 35 ball 39, but it was wicket-keeper Lachie Johns who really increased the rate with 34 from 18 balls.
Other than a spirited knock from recent Auckland Aces debutant Finn Allen, the New Zealand U-18 innings never really got going. Wellington’s opening bowlers tore through the young batting line-up, with Alex Ridley and Ben Sears taking multiple wickets each. Ridley bowled nine overs straight, earning figures of 4-38, while Ben Sears only got five overs he produced figures of 3-18. Daniel Rose was brought on to finish the innings, and he did just that, taking the final three wickets meaning Wellington won by an incredible 246 runs. The result crowns Wellington A the National Provincial A champions.
Central A 139 all out off 38.2 overs (M. Edmondson 49, T. van Woerkom 3-29, C. McConchie 3-29) lost to Canterbury A 140-2 off 29.4 overs (G. Dawson 66, M. Davidson 30*)
Coming into this match Central A Canterbury A were sitting at opposite ends of the table, with Central just one place off the top, while Canterbury were only one place off the bottom. Central batted first, but they struggled to establish partnerships due to come consistent attacking bowling from Canterbury. Wickets continuously fell during the innings, with only Matt Edmondson playing a substantial innings, reaching 49 before caught off the bowling of Theo van Woerkom. Two bowlers stood out, with van Woerkom and Cole McConchie taking figure of 3-29, while Blake Coburn pitched in with 2-14 from his seven overs. Central battled for just over two hours, eventually being dismissed for 139 during the 39th over.
From the very beginning Canterbury looked confident in their chase, even after losing Jack Boyle early in the innings. The second wicket partnership of Greg Dawson and Michael Davidson ensured Canterbury’s victory, adding 103 runs before Dawson was caught for 66. Davidson remained till the end, finishing the match on 30*, and although Central did everything they could even using eight different bowlers, it was a well-earned Canterbury victory.
Northern A 315 all out off 48.4 overs (N. Kelly 90, A. Desai 88, S. Patel 69, D. Ferns 4-60, R. Sandhu 3-57) beat Auckland A 290 all out off 48.3 overs (B. Horne 87, G. Beghin 67, D. Winn 39)
The final match of the eighth round of the National Provincial A competition brought together the two sides from the top of the country, with Northern A batting first against Auckland A. Sitting at 15-2, Northern’s innings wasn’t looking good, but a 144-run partnership between Nick Kelly and Anish Desai turned the game into Northern’s favour. Kelly only batted for just over an hour, but still hit thirteen fours and a six during his 72 ball stay at the crease, falling just 10 runs short of a much-deserved century. Desai continued on, reaching 88 before being caught off the bowling of Raj Sandhu who picked up three of the Northern wickets. Called up from the New Zealand U-18 team, Sandeep Patel continued his fine form, hitting 69 runs from 56 balls, a knock which included six fours and two sixes. Danru Ferns was expensive with the ball, but also picked up four wickets, including the important significant breakthrough of Desai. Northern were eventually bowled out during the 49th over, but only after reaching 315.
After losing an early wicket, Auckland batted positively, reaching 90-1 before losing their second batsmen. Opening batsman and captain Graham Beghin bated aggressively, hitting eight fours and three sixes from 51 balls, before being caught for 67. Auckland lost a couple of wickets before Ben Horne kept the team from the City of Sails in the match with a quickly paced 87. The lower order also pitched in with some valuable runs but it wasn’t to be Auckland’s day, being bowled out during the second to last over. Northern’s bowlers all pitched in for their sides victory, with four different bowlers picking up two wickets each.
Round Seven
Wellington A 316-7 (O. Pienaar 92, F. Colson 53, A. Fletcher 47, B Coburn 3-54) beat Canterbury A 82 all out off 20.2 overs (V. Jeet 3-15, I. McPeake 3-26)
The clash between Wellington A and Canterbury A turned out to be the competition’s largest whitewash, with the team from the capital winning by an incredible 234 runs. They set Canterbury 317 to win, with three batsmen significantly contributing to the total. Opener Andrew Fletcher gave the innings a strong platform with 47 from 60, and captain Fraser Colson pitched in with 53 from 60. However, it was Obus Pienaar that lead his side to their very daunting total with 92 runs from 88 balls. Pienaar’s two hour stay at the crease produced twelve boundaries, and only fell eight runs short of a century, getting caught during the 43rd over.
Canterbury’s chase never really began. Wickets were consistently lost, with no player managing to reach 15. Vishi Jeet and Iain McPeake stood out with the ball, with both bowlers taking three wickets each, leading their side to bowling Canterbury out during the 21st over.
Auckland A 246-9 (M. Barry 53, W. Walsh 46, A. Parikh 41*, A. Schaw 3-41) beat Central A 244-7 (J. McDougall 70, J. Smith 63, C. Leopard 50*, S. Hicks 3-48)
Auckland A won the toss during their match against Central A on the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, and posted 246-9 from their 50 overs. A 95-run partnership for the second wicket set the Auckland innings up, with Bill Walsh and Michael Barry combining well. Barry top scored for the side from the City of Sails with 53 from 69. A late flurry from Aniket Parikh meant the Auckland side had a decent total to defend.
In reply, at 156-1 it was looking a likely Central victory, but after Parikh dismissed James McDougall for 70 the game completely shifted momentum. McDougall and Ben Smith had combined for a 149-run partnership, but after McDougall fell Smith also lost his wicket just a couple of overs later for 63. Wickets fell regularly, but former New Zealand U-19 International Christian Leopard gave Central a chance with 50* from 44 balls. Central had put themselves in a position to win the game, needing eight runs from the final over, but it was Auckland who finished on top by just two runs.
Northern A 286-7 (B. Popli 88, B. Hampton 78) beat Otago A 177 all out off 42.2 overs (T. Nidamauru 62, A. Vodnala 3-31)
The final match of the seventh round of the National Provincial A Tournament was fought between Northern A and Otago A. The side from the top of the country batted first, setting Otago 286-7 from their 50 overs. Last season’s Plunket Shield Star Bharat Popli, top scored for Northern with 88 from 101 balls. He combined with Brett Hampton for a 114-run partnership for the fourth wicket, and it was important the pair did score, as Northern at one point were 3-55. The partnership was broken after Hampton was bowled for 78 from 73 balls, with his knock including eight fours and two sixes.
Both Otago openers were dismissed early, but Teja Nidamanuru gave his side a chance, top scoring with 62, but it wasn’t to be. Northern’s bowlers were impressive, consistently breaking partnerships before they got going. Joe Walker and Henry Cooper lead the attack, taking two wickets each, but it was Ash Vodnala that was the standout with the ball. From his eight overs, he produced figures of 3-31, which included the wicket of the dangerous Nidamanuru, helping dismiss Otago for 177 during the 43rd over.
Round Six
Northern A 359-7 (J. Carter 119, N. Kelly 57, H. Cooper 53, B. Popli 49, M. Otley 3-49) beat New Zealand U-18 139-6 off 27.0 overs DLS (L. Johnson 70, S. Patel 44 )
The New Zealand U-18 side had enjoyed a relatively good week, winning multiple games and keeping up with the next round of domestic cricketers from around the country, but on the Bert Sutcliffe Oval Northern A taught the talented youngers a lesson. Northern batted first and put on an incredible 359-7 from their 50 overs, with opener Joe Carter leading his side with a 95 ball 119. Carter took on the young bowlers, hitting 19 fours and a six during his two hour stay at the crease. Nick Kelly picked up the rate late on with 57 from 33, and Henry Cooper also pitched in with 53 from 54.
In reply, the New Zealand U-18s only managed to have two batsmen reach double figures, with Sandeep Patel hitting 44, while Llew Johnson scoring 70. The rest of the scorecard didn’t make good reading for the young side, but rain fell at the end of the 27th over, ultimately ending play, granting Northern a 121-run win.
Wellington A 268-7 (F. Colson 61*, M. Nofal 58, O. Pienaar 54, S. Noster 36) beat Auckland A 98-5 off 26.4 overs (W. Walsh 39*)
Rain also played a major role during the clash between Auckland and Wellington. Wellington were sent into bat and managed a well-earned 268-7, with multiple batsmen playing a major role in the innings. Two partnerships set up the total, with the second wicket partnership of 95 runs from Malcolm Nofal and Obus Pienaar setting up an early platform for the innings. Later on, Sam Noster combined with captain Fraser Colson for a 67-run stand, with Colson top scoring for the side from the captain with an unbeaten 61. Danru Ferns was the pick of the Auckland bowlers, earning figures of 2-17 from his seven overs.
Rain did play the ultimate role in Wellington’s eventual victory, but Auckland did not begin their chase well, sitting at 49-5 after 15 overs. They managed to bat themselves into a more respectable position of 95-5 when rain stopped play during the 27th over. Auckland needed to be 62 runs better off at this point in the game, therefore handing a victory to Wellington, meaning the side from the capital moved into the top spot on the table.
Otago A 266 all out off 48.3 overs (G. Croudis 91, J. Tasman-Jones 56, G. Scott 31, M. Thomas 3-40, H. Collier 3-59) lost to Central A 168-1 off 27.1 overs (M. Renwick 82, J. Smith 61)
On the same day as the Central Stags lost the SuperSmash final, Central A managed to chase down Otago A’s first innings total during another rain interrupted match. The side from the bottom of the country were bowled out for 266 with 9 balls remaining in their innings. Gregor Croudis set the innings up with 91 from 100, hitting eight fours and two sixes during his 126-minute stay at the crease. Josh Tasman-Jones also pitched in with a well-paced 56 from 59 balls. Two Central bowlers picked up three wickets each, with Mattie Thomas earning figures of 3-40, while Henry Collier was slightly more expensive from his 10 overs, picking up figures of 3-59.
With rain looming, Central knew they needed to bat at a reasonable rate, but the opening duo of Mitch Renwick and Ben Smith made sure their side was ahead if the rain did come, with the pair producing a 150-run partnership. The partnership was eventually broken when Smith was caught for 61 from 66 balls, while Renwick remained unbeaten until the rain arrived, hitting fourteen boundaries during his run a ball 82. When the players came off Central needed to be at 105-1, but they were already on 168, meaning they picked up their third win of the competition.
Round Four
Auckland A 255-8 (W. Walsh 81, B. Cachopa 39, W. O’Donnell 34, A. Parikh 33, W. Williams 3-39) beat Canterbury A 144 all out 38.3 overs (W. Williams 41, F. Sheat 30, R. Sandhu 3-12)
It was the classic Auckland vs Canterbury battle during the first match of the fourth round of the National Provincial A Competition. The team from the City of Sails batted first and set an above average total of 255-8 off their 50 overs, with opening batsman Bill Walsh top scoring with 81. Multiple batsmen supported Walsh, but it was the opener that anchored the innings, batting patiently during his two and a half hour stay at the crease. William Williams was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-39 from his nine overs.
Canterbury’s chase got off to the worst possible start, with Auckland repeatedly taking wickets leaving the South Island team at 69-8. It wasn’t until Williams and Fraser Sheat came together for a 73-run partnership for the 9th wicket, where Canterbury were able to put up a fight. All the Auckland bowlers took at least one wicket, with Raja Sandhu leading the way with three wickets. The final two wickets were taken within the space of four balls, leaving Canterbury 111 runs short of Auckland’s total.
Wellington A 191-8 (A. Fletcher 46, S. Noster 32) beat Northern A 151 all out off 39.3 overs (J. Carter 55, V. Jeet 5-18)
Wellington batted first against Northern during the second match of the round, but they struggled to build strong partnerships. Four bowlers took two wickets each, while opening batsman Andrew Fletcher top scored for the side from the capital, hitting 46 from 80 balls.
Northern opener Joe Carter was the only shining light during Northern’s chase, with the right hander hitting nine boundaries during his 43 ball 55, but the second innings only belonged to one player, Vishi Jeet. Jeet starred with the ball, taking figures of 5-18 from his ten overs, which included four maidens and the vital wicket of Carter. Jeet lead his side to a 40-run victory, with Northern bowled out during the 40th over.
Central A 246-9 (M. Edmondson 104, H Collier 52, B. Lockrose 5-34) beat New Zealand U-18s 199 all out off 47.4 overs (K. Clarke 80, L. Dudding 3-28, A. Patel 3-33, H. Collier 3-38)
It was looking like the New Zealand U-18 side was going to make it three from three, with Central stuttering at 5-43. However, the early breakthroughs brought together Matt Edmondson and Henry Collier and the pair put on a match winning partnership, with the duo adding 130 runs before Collier was caught for 52. Edmondson continued Central’s momentum, leading his side to 222-9, before he was dismissed for 104. The wicket-keepers 121 ball innings including 11 fours and three sixes. Central’s final wicket managed to scrap together an extra 24 runs before the sides 50 overs were used up. Ben Lockrose was the standout with the ball, taking a five-wicket bag for 34 runs from his 10 overs.
Katene Clark lead the New Zealand U-18 side during the chase with a well-paced 80, but the opener didn’t get the support he needed from the rest of the batting lineup. Three Central bowlers stood out, with Ajaz Patel, Henry Collier and Liam Dudding all taking three wickets each. When Clarke was dismissed during the 40th over the side filled with promising teenagers still had a good shot while sitting at 161-4, but it was the bowling tri of Patel, Collier and Dudding made sure Central picked up their second win of the competition.
Round Three
All three matches were rained out.
Round Two
Otago A 222/6 (S. Eathorne 86, G. Croudis 45) lost to Wellington A 228/3 off 37.2 overs (A. Fletcher 83, M. Nofal 59, F. Colson 53*)
Rain effected all three Provincial A matches on Tuesday at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, including the clash between Otago A and Wellington A. Otago batted first and off their 40 allotted overs they managed 222/6, with number four batsman Sean Eathorne top scoring with 86 from 78 balls. Opener Gregor Croudis set a good platform scoring 45 at the top, before Eathorne took over, setting up his sides total with his innings that included 11 fours and two sixes.
In reply, Wellington had the best possible start with the opening partnership producing 117 runs from 19 overs. Malcolm Nofal was the first one of the openers to fall, after hitting a well-paced 59 before he was caught off the bowling of Adam Flegg. His opening partner, Andrew Fletcher, continued the momentum, eventually being caught for 83 during the 36th over. He would combine with Fraser Colson (53 off 49) for a crucial 73 run partnership to help the men from the capital reach their target with 16 overs to spare.
New Zealand U-18s 187/8 (K. Boshier 71*, S. Patel 45, B. Lister 3/35) beat Auckland A 133 all out off 36.3 overs (F. Murray 3/18, D. Phillips 3/18, S. Patel 3/27)
After winning the first match of the tournament, the New Zealand U-18 side picked up their second win in as many days. Sandeep Patel took a five-wicket bag during the sides opening win of the tournament and continued his impressive form with bat and ball against Auckland A. New Zealand U-18s were sent into bat and at 4-17 things were looking dire for the team filled with young talent. The fourth wicket brought together Patel and his captain Kaylum Boshier and the pair steadied the ship with a steady 59 run partnership. Patel was bowled for 45 from 49 balls and even though the side continued losing wickets, Boshier kept the runs ticking over. With ten overs still to bat the side were struggling at 128/8, but Felix Murray and Boshier remained until the end of the innings, putting on another 59-run partnership, with Boshier ending the innings on 71*. The pick of the Auckland A bowlers was Ben Lister who ended with figures of 3/35 from his eight overs.
Rain would disrupt the match and the DLS method reduced the Auckland A target to 178 from 40 overs. They began their chase well with a 54-run opening partnership, before left-arm spinner Murray was brought on and changed the game, taking 3/18 off his eight allotted overs. The side from the City of Sails consistently lost wickets and no batsmen managed to reach 30. All-rounder Dale Phillips also took figures of 3/18, while Sandeep Patel wrapped up the tail with 3/27.
Northern A 194 all out off 39.4 overs (L. Williamson 50, M. Thomas 3/39) lost to Central A 198/4 off 35.5 overs (J. McDougall 66, B. Schmulian 66*)
The Bert Sutcliffe Oval hosted the final match of the round where Central A sent Northern A into bat first. Northern were unable to build any substantial partnerships, but the side from the top of the country still managed 194, before being bowled out with two balls remaining. Williamson top scored for Northern A with 50 from 68 balls, while numerous batsmen made starts before being removed. The pick of the bowlers was Abidine Sakande who produced figures of 2-22 from his seven overs, while Thomas picked up three big wickets despite being the most expensive of the Central A bowlers.
In reply, both Central A openers fell during the first three overs, with both wickets being picked up by Hampton. However, the early wickets brought together James McDougall and Brad Schmulian, and the pair brought Central A right back into the game with a 109-run partnership, before Pringle removed McDougall for 66. Christian Leopard and Matt Edmondson both increased the rate, meaning Central A got to the target with four overs to spare. Schmulian batted patiently during the innings, ending unbeaten on 66.
Round One
Otago A 213 all out off 45.1 overs (G. Scott 78, J. Tasman-Jones 60, S. Patel 5/19) lost to New Zealand U-18s 214-3 off 39.4 overs (B. Beecroft 75, K. Clarke 71)
The first match of the National Provincial A Tournament began with Otago A playing against New Zealand U-18. The team of promising teenagers decided to bowl first on the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, and opening bowler Matthew Fisher made good use of the new ball, picking up two wickets in two balls, leaving Otago A under pressure at 28-2. Sean Eathorne joined opener Geordie Scott at the wicket, and the pair stabilized the innings before Eathorne was caught behind. Scott and Josh Tasman-Jones played well for their 71-run partnership, until Scott was dismissed for 78. New Zealand U-18 captain Finn Allen turned to all-rounder Sandeep Patel to finish the innings off, which the pace bowler did in ruthless fashion. During his 7.1 overs Patel picked up five wickets for 19 runs, which included the dismissal of Tasman-Jones for 60, leaving Otago A all out for 213.
New Zealand U-18s began their chase in great fashion, reaching 50 before they lost their first wicket. After a good National U-19 Tournament opener Ben Beecroft set the innings up with 75 from 89 balls, also forming a match winning partnership with Katene Clarke, with the pair putting on 127 together before Beecroft was bowled. Finn Allen came to the wicket and hit a powerful 24 from 12 balls, which included two fours and two sixes, while Clarke was out five runs short of the target, caught for 71. However, the game was already won, with the New Zealand U-18s reaching the target in the 40th over.
