NZCT NATIONAL CLUB CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIP 2018
DAY THREE
Napier Tech Old Boys (CD) v Pukekohe Metro (ND)
On Cornwall Park's number two ground, Napier Tech Old Boys — aka the Texans, back for the second time in three years — claimed a 70-run victory over Pukekohe Metro.
In difficult batting conditions after a weather-delayed start, the Texans were sent in and, after a few early wickets, had been in a spot of bother at 32 for three.
However, player of the match Izaiah Lange (72, above) and Jesse Ryder (66) put on 122 for the fourth wicket to steady the innings, the young Lange’s innings including four sixes.
Napier Tech reached 212 for seven from their 30 overs in the reduced match, Reid Somani (3-37) and Barry Rhodes (3-23) both claiming three wickets a piece for Pukekohe Metro.
A couple of early wickets put the Napier side on top early in the reply, and, despite 40 from NZ U19s rep Katene Clarke (below) as the teams continued to play in chilly rain.
However, the team in red bowled well as a unit to strangle and, eventually, bowl out Pukekohe Metro in the 27th over for 142, a useful first-up win as the storm-delayed tournament belatedly got underway.
