Cricket: Skipper's resolve secures final spot

There was plenty of spin on offer at Blake Park for Mount Maunganui's Dale Swan. Photo/George Novak

A true captain's knock has delivered Mount Maunganui to within one win of representing Northern Districts at cricket's national club champs.

Bay of Plenty captain Peter Drysdale stayed resolute during a difficult pursuit of Marist Suburbs' total of 184 all out on a slow deck at Blake Park.

His patient 88 not out held a chase together that appeared to be crumbling at the midway mark.

Smaller contributions from Tim Clarke, Daniel Hill and Alex Gooding provided just enough support, with the home side eventually getting home with three wickets and a few overs to spare.

Earlier, Hamilton batsman Peter Bocock underlined his class with 72 off 96 balls to ensure his side were well in the contest at the halfway mark.

He worked the ball beautifully into gaps and pierced the field at will before a wide, full, dipping slower ball from Tony Goodin claimed the edge of the diminutive batsman's bat.

Bocock did everything but sing and dance at some point during the day - bowling dangerous off spin before looking sharp with the wicketkeeping gloves to finish the innings.

Goodin's figures of 3/45 did not do him justice - especially considering he snicked Bocock out for next to nothing after breaking the stumps at the bowler's end - while Nick Smith (2/6) and Gooding (2/25) provided valuable support.

The Mount will play in the Northern Districts final for a berth in the five-team competition to decide the country's top club side.