Tight race to make the finals

The last round of the Mark Cromie Holden 50-over club cricket competition saw five of the six sides potentially in a position to qualify for the final. Kaipara Flats had the inside running and their bonus-point victory ensured they will be there, while Kamo secured the other berth with a bonus-point victory against Onerahi on Saturday.

Due to the weather hampering pitch preparation, two games were scheduled for Kensington Park's artificials, and in the first of those games Whangarei Boys' High School batted first against Kaipara Flats.

A hostile Kevin Forde caused great discomfort for the students and he took early wickets to help dismiss WBHS for just 95. Forde, a former Wellington representative, bowled impressively to finish with four wickets for seven runs, and English pro Joe Robbins backed him up with 3-31. The only resistance for Boys' High was from Flynn Hart with 19, Nic Stobart (20) and David Armitt (21 not-out).

Kaipara Flats were untroubled in reaching the target only one down, with in-form Ray Beamish riding some early luck to score a hard-hit 74 not-out.

On the other artificial, a depleted City side showed some depth in taking Maungakaramea down to the last ball. Maungakaramea batted first and posted 235/8. The score was built around several useful partnerships with Joseph O'Sullivan (49), Dean Child (47) and Craig Gurr (51) the main providers.

In reply, City did well to take the game to the last over with solid contributions from Harry Darkins (41) and Steve James (40). The game was finally won by Maungakaramea as the last ball was caught on the boundary with City four runs from victory.

The final crucial game was between Kamo and Onerahi played on the grass wicket at Kamo Reserve. Batting first, Kamo posted a healthy 181/7. Opener Rhys Farrand scored 39, while a middle order partnership between Dean Williams (39 not-out) and Jamie Millar (28) was crucial in carrying Kamo through to their final total.

In reply, Onerahi lost crucial wickets and were eventually dismissed for 80. Logan Choat, Richie McPherson and Adam Ogle all took three wickets to help secure the bonus point and entry to the final.

The final will be played at Cobham Oval on March 4.