It's was the perfect pitch at Cornwall Park, Hastings, so what's eating coach Derek Stirling?
"It was a perfectly fine batting wicket. We batted poorly and obviously they were worse," Stirling lamented last night after his Bayleys Real Estate Havelock North beat Heretaunga Building Society Cornwall by 72 runs onFriday.
"Overall, the standard of premier men's club batting is appalling because no one wants to hang around. Everyone wants to bat like the highlights you see on TV in the IPL. No one wants to hang around for an hour or two," the former New Zealand international bowler said after the villagers were all out for 107 in 23.2 overs during their Property Brokers 55-over modified affair before skittling the hosts for 35 in 18.1 overs.
New-ball merchant Kurt Richards nailed seven scalps for eight runs in 9.1 overs, including six maidens, for Havelock North and Cornwall's Liam Dudding also earned the respect of Stirling with 3-42 from 12 overs, including four maidens.
However, the coach said on a fast outfield, balmy 27C day and a flat track the willow whackers just weren't shuffling their feet at the batting crease and were guilty of throwing in the towel when the going got tough.
"Liam bowled well and Kurt got his tail up but, to be fair, it was woeful batting and disappointing.
"I wish I was 25 again and still bowling for a hattrick," Stirling said.
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