Cricket: Westbrook takes long handle to old mates

Howick Pakuranga medium-fast bowler Tim Westbrook could not wait to play against his old club, Nelson-based Wanderers, who are representing Central Districts at the national club cricket championship in Auckland.

Rain yesterday caused the abandonment of play late in the day, but not before Westbrook showed his old clubmates what they were missing.

Batting at No 9 after Wanderers had the Howick Pakuranga innings in tatters at 38 for seven, Westbrook smashed an unbeaten 61 and with Jamie Newth contributing 28 in an eighth-wicket partnership of 104, the Auckland side reached 142 from their 50 overs.

Green Island's Scott brothers, Jeremy and Bradley, dealt severely with the High School Old Boys batting line-up, taking eight wickets between them and dismissing the Canterbury side for 105 from 43 overs.

Green Island scored 52 for two from 12 and were well in charge when the stoppage came.

Whangarei City batted strongly to make 196 from 46 overs, Gary Morgan batting at No 9 top-scoring with 48.

Wellington side Stokes Valley raced to 49 without loss from nine overs before play was abandoned.

The fourth round starts at Cornwall Park at 10 am today.