Cricket: City back bowlers for unlikely win

City Cricket Club caused a minor upset by defeating Kaipara Flats and claiming the premier title in Northland Club Cricket, the two-day championship.

At Cobham Oval on Saturday and Sunday, City were required to beat Kaipara Flats outright after finishing second in round robin play, a feat never before achieved under the current format.

After winning the toss, City captain Bert Horner had no hesitation in asking Kaipara Flats to bat first on a soft and damp wicket. While the wicket wasn't easy to bat on, the City bowlers bowled superbly well as they dismissed Kaipara Flats for just 70. Only Matt Taylor with 42 showed the required resistance, while for City Richard Atkins and Vishaan Harypursat claimed three wickets apiece.

City found the going just as tough to be 107 for 8 at stumps. Former Wellington player Kevin Forde used his height and swing to good advantage to take 5 for 35 for Kaipara. For City, Rory Darkins played well for 30, Ian Page scored 25 and Richard Atkins 31.

Heavy overnight rain delayed the start on the second day forcing City to declare at their overnight score. Michael O'Flaherty (29), Kevin Forde (30) and Kyran Dill (29 not out) showed improved form in Kaipara's second innings, but they were lone hands as Kaipara Flats were dismissed for 109. Richard Atkins again bowled superbly taking 4 for 27 whilst Chris Page took 3 for 25.

Requiring 73 to win, City rattled them up in just 18 overs for the loss of two wickets.

City stalwart and captain Bert Horner was full of praise for his side, but signalled out new ball bowlers Richard Atkins and Vishaan Harypusat as being the point of difference.

For Kaipara Flats, it was the second successive final they have lost this year but they will find some consolation in winning the overall title for Club of the Year In the A Grade final played at Tikipunga, top qualifiers Northern Wairoa defeated the City Aces by five wickets. Winning the toss and electing to bat first in damp conditions, the City Aces were dismissed for just 65 in the 32nd over. Bradley Vuletich showed some class in top scoring with 25, but no other City batsman was able to score more than 5. Pick of the bowlers were Hamish Kidd with 2 for 11 and Connor Wilson 2 for 7. City were not helped by their running between the wickets which saw four of their batsman run out.

Northern Wairoa overcame early panic to win by five wickets. In a Man of the Match performance, Connor Wilson led his team home with 28 not out.