Inglewood batsman scores 172

Stratford started the second day of the two-day premier competition knowing that it needed to bowl Inglewood out to score bowling bonus points and in turn make it difficult for New Plymouth Boys' High School (NPBHS). Inglewood, on the other hand, knew it had a semi-final spot confirmed so the batsman used the day's play for some batting practice. Opener Aaron Taylor did exactly that. Starting the day on 66 not out he continued his march towards three figures combining with Sam Broadmore (47) for a 111-run partnership, Taylor was eventually dismissed for a mammoth 172 off 286 balls, an innings that included 11 boundaries and three sixes. Inglewood declared its innings closed at 434 for 8 and in turn, the match was called off, with Stratford picking up a total of four bonus points in the match. This meant it had a lead of nine points on the table over NPBHS.

NPBHS resumed at 118 for 5 in reply to Woodleigh’s first innings total of 193. The first target for NPBHS was to get first innings points and on the back of JB Burger’s 81, it was able to do this but was bowled out soon after for 197. This put NPBHS one point behind Stratford and required an outright victory if it was to make the semi-finals. The Woodleigh top order started positively, with Josh Roguski (44) and Kaleb Nolly (30) the main contributors. At one stage Woodleigh was 142 for 4 and an outright result was looking unlikely. However, with Liam Carr picking up four quick wickets, Woodleigh lost its last six wickets for just 18 runs. NPBHS required 155 for victory and a place in the semi-finals. Losing an early wicket didn’t help, however, young Jacob Mitchell was up to the task. He combined with JB Burger (45)  for an 83-run stand. Mitchell saw his side over the line with a superb 78 not out off 111 balls so NPBHS will make the semi-finals ahead of Stratford.

In the other match completed on the weekend, New Plymouth Old Boys (NPOB) made light work of Hawera, after following on Hawera could only muster 75 in its second innings giving NPOB an outright victory by an innings and 103 runs.

The semi-finals will be played over Easter weekend with New Plymouth Marist United taking on NPBHS and NPOB hosting Inglewood.