Cricket: Yovich is a ton of help to his City side

Kaipara batsman Noel Roberts looks to put this ball over the top of the Whangarei Boys' High School field during the first round of the Lion Red Cup on Saturday. Photo / John Stone

A century to former first-class cricketer Joey Yovich and a trio of half centuries has helped kick-start round one of the Lion Red Cup, with over 550 runs being scored in Kamo's loss to City.

City's Yovich was supported by team-mate Harry Darkins, who scored a half-century, as their side batted first to post a formidable total of 289 for five from their 50 overs.

However, Kamo showed the Dargaville Shield had influenced their team as Dylan Clark and Atis Qureshi both scored more than 50.

Kamo fought all the way to the end, eventually finishing up on 270 for seven and losing by 19 runs on Saturday.

Player Richie Macpherson said the team were stoked with their efforts considering it was the first club cricket game of the season.

"[The runs scored] makes it look promising for the rest of the season," he said, adding that normally there were not many games this early in the season that have over 550 runs scored in them."

Meanwhile Zest Insurance Whangarei Boys' High School stumbled home against Kaipara to win by four wickets, thanks largely to an unbeaten 35 from Tim Osbaldiston.

Chasing 143, Boys' High were 108 for six before Osbaldiston combined with wicketkeeper batsman Lewis Miller to see them home. Boys' High's opener Josh Crawford was the next highest run scorer for his team with 22.

Earlier former Black Cap James Marshall top-scored for Kaipara with 32 before he backed that up with two for 26 from his 10 overs with the ball.

Marshall was supported by Matthew Taylor who battled away for his 29.

In the other Lion Red Cup match, Onerahi Central defaulted to Maungakaramea.

Duo help secure 50-run opening win

Nine wickets between Kurtley Watson and Henry Cooper has helped Northland secure a 50-run win over Bay of Plenty in the opening Fergus Hickey clash in Tauranga.

Watson produced a fine second innings bowling display as he picked up five for 60, supported well by Cooper who nabbed four for 58.

The youthful pair combined well as Bay of Plenty's last seven wickets fell for 37 runs.
Earlier Northland were put in a strong position thanks to Brad Kneebone (71) and Neal Parlane (59).