Cricket: Teen punishes Northland

Northland's aspirations of winning the Fergus Hickey competition were ruined by a stunning double ton by Waikato Valley youngster Tim Seifert on Saturday.

The talented number-four batsman, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, scored an unbeaten 230 batting for over five and half hours on a brilliant surface at Cobham Oval to sink Northland chances of pipping the Bay of Plenty for first place in the overall competition.

Northland needed a win or first innings points at the very least - if the Bay tripped up against Hamilton in Hamilton - to win the Fergus Hickey title but Seifert's fine knock put paid to that.

The right-handed batsman scored 27 fours and one six in his innings taking Waikato Valley to 439/9 before they declared on Sunday morning. The innings included a 105-run partnership with Leighton Parsons and a provincial record eighth wicket partnership of 70 runs with Jon Wiggins. Opener Anthony Marsh was the next best scorer with 35 in his debut match with the side.

Saturday was a frustrating day for Northland in the field, with Cody Andrews the best of the bowlers, taking 4/70 off his 20 overs.

Seifert's run spree capped off a memorable weekend for the wicketkeeper. He was also named in the New Zealand U19 squad to play Australia U19 in a three-match series starting at the end of the month. He also was able to display his wicketkeeping talents - taking a fine catch to dismiss Northland's Northern Districts all-rounder Joey Yovich for 55 - a vital wicket that dented Northland's hopes in the run chase yesterday.

Northland gave the big target a shot but with only 85 overs to reach their target were soon having to score a run a ball to keep the chase alive. Michael Parlane was in good touch but his dismissal on 92 signalled another major blow to the chase for first innings points and by drinks in the final session the side had changed its focus to holding out for a draw.

Ben Hyde was the next best batsman, scoring 63 as Northland reached 370/7 at stumps to give both sides two points apiece for the weekend's play - far short of what Northland were hoping for.