Cricket: Target is early wickets from Boys

UPPER HAND: Maungakaramea opener Bert Horner has helped his side into a strong position leading into tomorrow's second day of the Oxford Trust two-day competition.PHOTO/JOHN STONE

MAUNGAKARAMEA will be looking to pick up early wickets tomorrow against Zest Insurance Whangarei Boys' High School if they are to take control and notch up an Oxford Trust two-day competition round one win.

At the close of day one, Maungakaramea had the upper hand, thanks to anchoring innings of 90 from opener Bert Horner, which helped his side post a very competitive 296 all out.

While Horner was supported by Nick Stobart (66) and Kurtley Watson (36) last Saturday, Boys' High's Tyler Lortan caused much concern for the visitors as he took six for 96. Lortan was the aggressor with the ball for Boys' High, as he bowled 29.4 overs and was given back-up from opening bowler Matthew Lobb, who picked up three for 45.

In reply to Maungakaramea's innings at Boys' High, the hosts were teetering at 96 for four, with Lortan and Tim Osbaldiston at the crease unbeaten on 45 and 28 respectively.

Maungakaramea captain Neal Parlane will be looking to speedsters Cody Andrews, Nick Stobart and Watson to do the damage early - with Watson having already claimed two for 26 from his 12 overs so far. However, Andrews may be lacking a bit of sting after turning out for Northern Districts A in a three-day match earlier this week against Auckland A.

Meanwhile, in the other two-day game wrapping up tomorrow, Onerahi Central are knocking at the door to claim first innings points.

Batting first, Kamo scored 165 thanks largely to Curtis Cherrington and Atif Qureshi, who scored 76 and 43 in scorching conditions in Kamo.

Also helping his side along was No11 batsman Steve Jenkins, with 17. Cherrington, Qureshi and Jenkins were the only three Kamo batsmen to reach double figures.

In reply, Onerahi Central were progressing well on 132 for six, with Ethan Benny occupying the centre on 35 after Junaid Khan was dismissed by Cherrington in the penultimate over on day one.

Cherrington again led the way for his side, this time with the ball as he had three for 23 from 14 overs at the close of play.

Also having wickets to their names were Aaron Ashton and Ben Hyde.

In Kaipara's match with City, the result has already been found thanks to a stunning display of bowling that saw City rolled twice in one day.

Kaipara's Kyran Dill produced match figures of nine for 26 as City were skittled for 20 and 58 in Kaipara, in what was meant to be a two-day match. Matt Taylor also took respectable match figures of six wickets for 31.

Play for the second day of the Oxford Trust competition starts at 10.30am for both games.