Boys’ High recovered from losing Adam Whibley for 0, bowled by Jimmy Holden, to post a competitive total of 179, thanks to some tidy partnerships and top scores from Jacob Colbert, 36 off 67 balls, and Ben McNeil, 34 off 47. Robert Schwass (21 off 29) and Jack Faulkner (15 off 13) also made valuable contributions.
Hamish Evans was the chief wicket-taker for OBR, claiming 4-46.
“They had a couple of boys who batted really well,” OBR captain Jonathan Purcell said.
While he was happy with the win, Purcell said the fielding was “a bit scratchy”.
“And we didn’t bowl that well . . . too many wides,” he said.
“But that’s OK; it gives us something to work on before the playoffs.”
Purcell opened the batting in place of the unavailable Kieran Venema. He and Craig Christophers put on 47 before Boys’ High captain Drew Scott bowled Purcell for 22.
It was to be Scott’s only wicket, but he was the pick of the school attack, conceding 19 runs from his 10 overs.
Christophers and Timoti Weir added 27 runs before Weir was run out for nine, with the score at 74.
The in-form Christophers was joined by Loffler, who — by his standards — has been going through a lean spell with the bat.
Christophers led the charge, hitting eight fours in his innings of 70 not out from 96 deliveries.
Loffler was 46 not out from 69 balls. Initially content to play himself in, Loffler went on the attack towards the end and finished with eight fours.
Pirates warmed up for their clash with Boys’ High with a comfortable win against Campion College, who were all out for 77, with 44 of those runs coming from Angus McArthur.
Skipper Brad Reynolds (4-13) and vice-captain Dane Thompson (3-19) were Pirates’ chief wicket-takers.
Scott Hollinshead and Baxter Mackay gave the Pirates chase a flying start with an opening stand of 52, before Hollinshead was bowled by Nathan Andrews for 38, off 15 balls.
Mackay (22no) and former Campion player Sam Patterson (15no) steered Pirates home.
Against HSOB, Horouta were all out for 90 in 25 overs. David Situ, skipper Blake Taylor and Keegan Martin were the only batsmen to offer any real resistance. Situ top-scored with 24.
Ryan Majstrovic continued his good form with the ball, taking 4-3 off three overs, while opening batsman Carl Shaw grabbed two wickets.
In the HSOB innings, Glen Udall retired hurt on 11, which brought Scott Tallott out to join Shaw.
HSOB cruised to victory in 14 overs. Shaw smashed six fours on his way to 37 not out off 42 balls, and Tallott scored 25 not out off 27 balls.
If Christophers holds the key to OBR’s chances of completing the treble, Shaw could be the man to lead HSOB to the title.
No, I have not forgotten Pirates. In Dane Thompson, they have a potential match-winner.
OBR 182-2 (C Christophers 70 not out, I Loffler 46no) def GBHS 179 (J Colbert 36, B McNeil 34; H Evans 4-46, C Christophers 2-22, J Holden 2-30).
Pirates 80-1 (S Hollinshead 38, B Mackay 22no, S Patterson 15no) def Campion College 77 (A McArthur 44; B Reynolds 4-13, D Thompson 3-19, D Torrie 2-23).
HSOB 91-0 (C Shaw 37no, S Tallott 25no) def Horouta 90 (D Situ 24; R Majstrovic 4-3, C Shaw 2-18).
