Cricket: Pirates snare first win in grade

Rotorua's Eastern Pirates celebrate after winning the pre-Christmas, 40-over competition in the Rotorua/Taupo senior reserve grade. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua's Eastern Pirates have convincingly won the first piece of silverware on offer this season in the Rotorua/Taupo senior reserve grade.

They defeated Taupo Old Boys in the final of the pre-Christmas, 40-over competition on Saturday at Smallbone Park.

Old Boys won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 117 all out. Pirates chased the score down in brisk fashion to record a seven-wicket victory.

Pirates opening batsman Jared Christoffersen said it was a great result for the club, and it marked their 16th win in a row in 40-over cricket. He said it probably suited them to bowl first and the bowlers did a great job of taking wickets.

"The pitch was probably a bowl first pitch, and they won the toss and batted," he said. "We got off to a pretty good start and pretty much ripped through them."

Christoffersen said there was a great culture within the club at present.

"The boys love their cricket and I guess we have some good, raw talent. We don't train we just meet up at the weekend but everyone enjoys playing and celebrating."

Pirates also won the after-Christmas, 40-over competition last season and will look to defend that title early next year.

-Final: Taupo Old Boys 117 lost to Eastern Pirates 118/3.