Cricket: Wilson propels Kaipara

Onerahi coach Brad Kneebone looks to work a ball away during the weekend's Twenty20 action at Kensington Park, Onerahi were well-beaten by Kaipara in yesterday's final. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Northern Districts batsman Brad Wilson showed his class for Kaipara Flats - and helped them to the title - as he hammered 95 in the Twenty20 final at Kensington Park.

The 28-year-old was not troubled by the Onerahi Central bowlers as he helped put on 150 for the second wicket, along with Mike O'Flaherty who scored an unbeaten 82, as Kaipara posted 212.

In response, Onerahi were bowled out for 71.

Kaipara coach Kevin Forde said yesterday's 141-run win was a great way to start the season, and hoped it would continue into the 50-over format.

"It was really satisfying knowing they can re-focus [after losing by nine wickets to Onerahi on Saturday]," Forde said. "I think the boys needed it [the loss] a little, maybe a bit of complacency had kicked in.

"Brad really showed the boys how to do it [after scoring 141 off 63 balls in yesterday morning's final round robin match]. Obviously we only get Brad for a couple of rounds before he goes off to Northern Districts but he's shown [his teammates] how it's done.

"Mike [O'Flaherty] has really stepped up, he scored three 50s in the six games we've played so he's scored close to 200 runs already."

Forde added that bowler Matthew Taylor had also started the year with a bang, continuing from where he finished off last year.

As for how Kaipara would follow such a blistering start to the season, Forde believed it was up to everyone to press on after setting the bar so high.

"I think we've set the standard already, and I hope we continue," Forde said as his side looks to next weekend when the 50-over club competition starts.

Onerahi coach Brad Kneebone said his side was blown away by Kaipara, but admitted he was just happy they made it that far.

After Zest Insurance Whangarei Boys' High School, City, and Onerahi were equal on points, Onerahi won the final berth after having a superior run rate.

"It was a good effort to get there ... [but] it was a pretty one-sided affair," Kneebone said. "We felt we were pretty short [on players] with the uni boys not being there.

"Obviously we're pretty disappointed ... but it is a really good start [and] sets us up for the next round of 50 overs."

Kneebone mentioned Dylan Lees as being a particularly good and consistent performer for Onerahi, saying he produced an all-round performance through the short Twenty20 competition.