Cricket: Whanganui's Joel Clark and NZ Maori narrow loss to Governor General's XI

Joel Clark

The NZ Maori Schools side with their Whanganui spinner Joel Clark came up just seven runs short in a high scoring match with the Governor General's XI in Wellington yesterday.

Playing at Karori Park, Maori put their opposition into bat, with the Governor General's XI rapidly running up 314-4 from their 50 overs.

Opener Luke Georgeson anchored the innings with 125 from 142 balls, sharing in a 164-run partnership with former Black Cap Hamish Marshall.

Marshall reached 99 from 69 balls, hitting four sixes and 10 boundaries, before being bowled by Rhys Mariu.

Clark bowled seven overs, conceeding 45 runs.

In reply, Maori finished on 307-5 at the end of their innings.

Oli White scored 118 off as many balls, and when he was dismissed at 231-4 in the 44th over, and then another wicket fell for 254-5 at the end of the 46th over, it seemed the Maori would finish well short.

However, Ruben Love (77 not out off 56 balls) smashed 25 runs off the 47th over to give his side a chance, ultimately needing 14 runs off the last over.

Bowler Jono Sole (3-56) was calm under pressure to restrict the Maori to a run a ball and seal the win.