City shines through wet weekend in Northland reserve grade cricket final

City celebrate their third consecutive win in the 40-over reserve grade competition. Photo / Supplied

A clear day on Sunday saw Duracrete Products City's reserve grade side win the 40-over final for the second consecutive time against WRMK Kerikeri at Cobham Oval.

City started with the bat in a strong fashion with openers Richard Johnston and Joseph Yovich putting on 42 for the first wicket. City, who had dominated the 40-over format throughout this year's competition, pushed on to an impressive 188 for 7 after their 40 overs, wicketkeeper Jeremy Guy top-scoring with 32.

City batsman Jeremy Guy looks to hit one over the top on his way to the game's highest score of 32. Photo / Supplied

Kerikeri bowler Akash Deep was the best with the ball taking three wickets off his eight overs. Chasing a competitive score, the visitors needed to start well to put the hosts under pressure.

Unfortunately, Kerikeri's start with the bat didn't go to plan as they were left struggling at 12 for 3 after just 6.3 overs. Despite a fight back from no. 7 batsman Oscar Hart with 40 not out, the visitors were always chasing the game. At the final over, 28 proved too much to win the match and City would win by 21 runs.

"We had a good day and the boys enjoyed earning another piece of silverware for the club," stand-in City captain Yovich said.

City batsman Brad Bennetto works one through point of the back foot in his innings of 26. Photo / Supplied

Yovich said the side was confident going into the game despite a number of players being unavailable for the final.

"With a few guys out, those that were pulled in really stepped up and I don't think there was anyone that made a significant contribution, everyone contributed whether it was with bat, ball or in the field."

Rain interrupted the majority of the premier men's two-day competition on Saturday with only one game getting under way until it was also called off after about 40 overs.

The game between Westech Automotive Maungakaramea and Generation Homes Whangārei Boys High School was able to start at Maungakaramea Domain with the games between Kaipara Flats and Duracrete Products City at Cobham Oval, and Kamo against Coalies Onerahi Central at Kensington Park not starting due to the rain.

WBHS started with the bat and quickly crumbled, finishing all out for 73 after 36.5 overs. No. 3 batsman Chamodh Peiris top-scored with 23 against a strong Maungakaramea bowling unit, with all five bowlers going for under three per over.

Jack Cranage and James Hutchison were the best with the ball for the hosts, both picking up three wickets with the latter only conceding three runs from his five overs.

With the bat, Maungakaramea were batting for just 2.4 overs before rain stopped play with their score at five without loss. All games will resume for the second day on Saturday, February 16.