Second XI win by six wickets

The Northland Second XI team delivered an impressive performance in their defence of the Basil McBurney Trophy, defeating Waikato Valley at Cobham Oval.

Northland were convincing in their efforts during the second round of the district association second XI competition, concluding Sunday's 50-over match with a six-wicket victory.

Waikato Valley batted first and rustled up 223 runs for eight wickets in their innings.

City's Richard Atkins had the best figures with the ball for Northland, bowling 10 overs, nabbing four maidens, and claiming two wickets for 16 runs. The Northland bowlers shared the rest of the wickets.

Nic Breslin showed superb form when the Northland side went into bat. The former Northland Club Cricketer of the Year starred for his Onerahi Centrals club side in the Lion Red 50-Over competition on Saturday, scoring the first premier century of the year with 105 not out in their match against Maungakaramea.

Breslin also came to the fore with the ball, taking four for 54. He backed up that top effort on Sunday with the representative side, again scoring 105, off 96 balls to round off an excellent season so far that could see him pushing for selection in the Northland First XI team.

Breslin put on a partnership of 84 with Whangarei Boys' High player Henry Cooper for the first wicket and a partnership of 58 with Atkins for the third wicket, with Atkins hitting 42 runs off 46 balls.

The second XI sides have a break from contesting the Basil McBurney Trophy until January when Northland will play Hamilton on January 29 and Bay of Plenty of January 30. Meanwhile, Northland First XI will go up against Bay of Plenty in a two-day match at Cobham Oval this Saturday and Sunday, in the district association senior men's competition.