Northland under-19s created a bit of a stir among the Northern Districts cricketing community on Sunday by beating their Hamilton counterparts by four wickets and winning the Bruce Pairaudeau Challenge Trophy.
It was not a result many people would have picked, with a strong Hamilton side packed with Northern Districts age
group representatives facing a Northland side that resembled a development team in many ways.
Only six of the team played for the side last season with the remainder current under-17 players and one player, Ben Hyde, a current under-15 rep.
But if Hamilton were confident, they were quickly reminded of their fallibility after losing the toss and being sent in to bat at Hamilton's Jansen Park.
They were all out for 106 thanks to a great performance with the ball and in the field.
The opening bowlers displayed their accuracy early on.
Jamie Kay seemed to have the ball on a string and finished with an incredible five maidens from his nine overs and figures of two wickets for nine off nine overs, with fellow opener Josh Matthews finishing with 1/13 off six overs.
Off-spinner Rory Darkins proved the most successful bowler, however, taking four wickets for 19 off nine. Harry Darkins chipped in with a wicket as did Aaron Wilson.
Todd Beehre, the Northland wicketkeeper, took four caught-behinds which was another outstanding effort that contributed to the win.
Northland's batting proved to be a little rusty against a bowling attack with a huge reputation, but thanks to a well constructed 52 by Chris Page and a contribution of 35 extras from the much-vaunted attack, the visitors cruised home with 19 overs to spare.
The players were pleasantly surprised after the game to be thanked, along with the Hamilton team, by one of the umpires, for the great spirit the game was played in.
The team will defend the challenge trophy at a date still to be decided
Team: Vishan Harypursat, Rory Darkins, Harry Darkins (C), Chris Page, Josh Matthews, Ben Hyde, Harley Dyke, Todd Beehre, Jamie Miller, Aaron Wilson, Logan Posthumus, Jamie Kay.
