Tournament winner: Christchurch Boys High School
Tournament runner-up: Rosmini College
Tournament MVP: Ben Hartland (Christchurch Boys High School) and Ben Lockrose (Otago Boys High School)
Spirit of Cricket award: Hutt International Boys School
Tournament Points After Round Five: Christchurch Boys High School 10, Rosmini College 7, Tauranga Boys College 6, Otago Boys High School 5, Palmerston North Boys High School 2, Hutt International Boys School 0
ROUND FIVE
Hutt International Boys School 143 all out off 48 overs (M Leef 3-24) lost to Tauranga Boys College 144-8 off 48.2 overs (N Patel 4-17), Fitzherbert Park 1
On Fitzherbert Park 1, Hutt International were up against Tauranga Boys College. The young Hutt International team had battled hard all week but to date hadn’t won, while Tauranga had won a couple of close encounters and was looking for victory to improve their chances of a top three finish. Hutt International won the toss and chose to bat. Despite a good opening stand, wickets started to tumbled as Tauranga applied the pressure. Tauranga’s fielding and bowling was relentless with chances taken Hutt International were eventually dismissed for 143 with Mikaere Leef the most successful Tauranga bowler with figures of 3-24. Tauranga had faced similar small target challenges early in the week and this one proved to be just as exciting. Early wicket and pressure lead by Nikunj Patel 4-17 from 10 overs capped a successful week for Patel and heaped pressure on Tauranga. Leef again made the most significant contribution of the inning with a patient 29 off 68 balls. Everytime the pendulum swung one way it swiftly came back and until Tauranga hit the final winning run with 2 wickets and 2 overs to spare both teams could have claimed the game. Hutt International’s young players will take a lot of learnings from their challenging week while Tauranga will be happy with a third place and some competitive cricket.
Christchurch Boys High School 261-8 (B Hartland 91, L Chapman 81, B Wilson 3-56) beat Palmerston North Boys High School 211 all out off 47.1 (C Hansen 39, J Mariu 3-45) Fitzherbert Park 2
Christchurch Boys had been the form team all week and they were determined not to let the defence of their title slip at the final hurdle. Palmerston North Boys had had a mixed week and fancied the opportunity to knock off the champions in waiting. Christchurch Boys won the toss and decided to bat, relying on their strength that had driven to four victories so far this week. After losing their second wicket at 46, Ben Hartland 91 and Louie Chapman 81 proceeded to compile a 153 run partnership. Hartland has lead his team by example all week. This score was his third half century in addition to the century he scored on day 4. Some late hitting from Josh Mariu helped Christchurch Boys achieve an excellent 261-8 from their 50 overs. For Palmerston North Bryn Wilson and Jack Harris both claimed three wickets a piece. In reply Palmerston North batted with maturity with all of their top six batsman getting a start but the big score needed from one of them to challenge their oppositions total never eventuated. Christchurch Boys exerted the same pressure through bowling and fielding excellence eventually told and Palmerston’s challenge wilted to be dismissed for211. Mariu backed up his late runs with three wickets to round off a successful game. With victory Christchurch Boy sealed the defence of their title. Well lead in the field and by example by Ben Hartland, it was fitting that he was a joint MVP for the tournament.
Rosmini College 286 all out off 48.4 overs (Z Finlay 105, T Barham 84, J Pryde 3-20) tied with Otago Boys High School 286-9 off 50 overs (T Wilson 72, L Buxton 3-55), Manawaroa Park
It was fitting that the final game to finish after a week of exceptional cricket was the best of the week. Both Rosmini College and Otago Boys had played their part with some exceptional performances but both had not been able to overcome Christchurch boys. Rosmini College won the toss and chose to bat. All week their batting has excelled with power and stroke play and today was no different with a mixture of big hitting and finesse and this lead to 286 all out in the 49th over. Outstanding innings of 105 off 95 balls for Zakk Finlay and 84 off 81 for Thomas Barham were the telling contributions and helped Rosmini post an excellent total despite some tight bowling from Otago’s spinners. Otago Boys knew exactly what they had to do in reply and they set about their work to remain within striking distance keeping the run rate in check. Despite looking like they were falling off the run rate at times they managed to keep it within sight. An excellent 72 from Year 11 Tommy Wilson was the key contribution of the second innings but middle order runs after his dismissal kept Otago in the game. In a match that came down to the last ball it was a battle of who would hold their nerve, and both teams did. Needing two runs off the final ball from Luke Buxton who was the pick of the Rosmini bowlers, Otago managed to get one meaning the scores were tied. An outstanding game and great way to finish the tournament. Otago’s Ben Lockrose was awarded joint MVP for the tournament with Ben Hartland after is left arm spin and middle order batting often proved the difference in close games. Rosmini with the tie secured second place in the tournament while Otago had to settle for 4th.
ROUND FOUR
Palmerston North Boys High School 205 all out off 48.4 (B O’Connor 69, T Walshe 52, Z Finlay 4-27) lost to Rosmini College 209-2 off 45.5 (F Delaney 65*, C Lowry 54, J Edmonds 51), Fitzherbert Park 1
Palmerston North had lost a number of close battles this week and they came out on the morning of day 4 will the hope of putting that behind them. They were however playing against a strong and improving Rosmini College from Auckland. Palmerston won the toss and chose to bat first and a wicket that has been playing well all week. Unfortunately Palmerston North found themselves in early trouble at 43-5. Some partnerships were needed a that’s what they got. A 59 run 6th wicket partnership and then a 89 run 7th wicket partnership propelled Palmerston through to what looked like an unlikely 205 all out off 48.4 overs. Opening Batsman Ben O’Connor’s 69 when wickets were falling around him and Thomas Walshe’s 52 were key in the recovery. Zakk Finlay was the best of the Rosmini bowlers with excellent figures of 4-27. Rosmini were in complete control of the chase from the beginning with all four batsman used making significant contributions. They never looked in any trouble and the Palmerston North bowlers struggled to make any impact on Rosmini’s chase. An opening partnership of 101 saw both Jacob Edmonds and Cameron Lowry achieve half centuries and it was then left to Finn Delaney to guide his side through to victory with an unbeaten 65 to keep Rosmini strong in second place in the tournament.
Hutt International Boys School 146 all out off 44.4 (B Lockrose 4-19) lost to Otago Boys High School 147-3 off 30.5 (M Chu 65*, J Kellett 48) Manawaroa Park
Hutt International Boys School had the chance to win their first game of the tournament at Manawaroa Park against the improving Otago Boys High School. Otago had found their form in the previous round against Palmerston North and were looking to build on this. Hutt International won the toss and every time a partnership started to build crucial wickets were taken by Otago. Excellent middle overs of spin from Ben Lockrose 4-19 off ten overs and support from Charlie Marsh really tied up Hutt International and they were eventually all out for 146 in the 45th over. A disappointing total for Hutt International but one that had been a challenge to achieve on this ground. Otago were in early trouble losing two wickets in the first three overs. That was the extent to Hutt Internationals pressure as the experienced Josh Kellett and Max Chu played well together to guide Otago Boys to a comfortable victory knocking off the target in just the 31st over. An early finish on a very hot day will help Otago in their quest for third place on the final day of the tournament. Hutt International have one final game to win their first match in what has been a challenging week.
Christchurch Boys High School 286-9 (B Hartland 101, H Workman 46, I Singh 4-63) beat Tauranga Boys College 114 all out off 34.5 overs (O Lewis 3-10), Fitzherbert Park 2
Christchurch had the opportunity to really cement their position at the top of the leader board while Tauranga were looking for another victory after their first loss of the tournament against Rosmini on day 3. Christchurch Boys won the toss and elected to bat looking to heap pressure on Tauranga. They did just that with an outstanding 2nd wicket partnership of 107 runs between Henry Workman 46 and the outstanding innings of the tournament to date to Ben Hartland who was dismissed for 101. Surprisingly the first 100 of the tournament being played on some outstanding Manawatu wickets. That platform allowed Christchurch Boys to post a daunting 286 from their 50 overs. The standout bowler for Tauranga was Imanpreet Singh who achieved figures of 4-63. Tauranga would have their work cut out chasing that down. Try as they might, Tauranga were never in the run chase. They never recovered from early wickets and at 77-6 it was a mountain too high. Christchurch never let up in their pressure and dismissed Tauranga for 114 in the 35th over. Wickets were shared across the bowlers but Oliver Lewis was the standout with 3-10 from 5 overs. Christchurch Boys are now on the verge of victory with just the final round game against struggling Palmerston North Boys.
ROUND THREE
Rosmini College 275-7 (T Barham 87, F Delaney 42) beat Tauranga Boys College 189 all out off 46.4 (I Singh 42, L Buxton 3-29), Fitzherbert Park 1
After the disappointment of missing out on chasing down Christchurch Boys in round two, Rosmini College had the chance to make amends against the unbeaten Tauranga Boys College. Winning the toss and batting first gave Rosmini the chance to flex their batting fire power and they did just that. Excellent contributions from their top order especially Thomas Barham with 87 from 85 balls including 3 well struck sixes and Finn Delaney who scored 42 helped Rosmini through to an excellent 275-7. Wickets were shared across six Tauranga bowlers as runs were hard to contain on Fitzherbert Park 1. In reply Tauranga made a steady start but as the run rate required increased, wickets fell and the pressure of the challenging chase got the better of them. Tauranga were dismissed for 189 in the 47th over. Tight bowling from Rosmini made the challenge that much harder and were well lead by captain and opening bowler Luke Buxton who returned figures of 3-29. With victory Rosmini join Tauranga with one loss and will be looking for a victory against Palmerston North tomorrow to maintain pressure on Christchurch Boys. Tauranga Boys have the challenging of taking on the form Christchurch Boys High School.
Christchurch Boys’ High School 241-8 (S Yorston 56, M Hay 51, M Kennerley 4-54) beat Hutt International Boys School 128 all out off 45.1 (C Sidey 3-26) Manawaroa Park
On Manawaroa Park leaders Christchurch Boys took on Hutt International Boys School who were still looking for their first win of the week. On a pitch that was becoming more difficult to score run in its third day of cricket, Christchchurch showed their quality pacing a fantastic inning well retaining wickets for a late charge to get themselves up to a very respectable 241-8. Both Simon Yorston and Mitchell Hay scored better than a run a ball half centuries. The best of the Hutt International bowlers was McArthur Kennerley who claimed 4-54 from his 10 overs. Hutt International have struggled all week with their batting, chasing and setting targets. On a slowing wicket this was going to be a challenging total. Hutt International made a slow and steady start looking to conserve wickets and build into their innings. As they worked into the innings and Christchurch placed more and more fielding pressure on the batman wickets started to fall. Partnerships and a key contribution from the bat were missing and Hutt International were dismissed for 128 in the 46th over. A learning experience for the young Hutt International, while Christchurch continue their drive towards the retention of their crown.
Palmerston North Boys High School 216 all out off 47.2 overs (T Tremain 50, J Stratton 47, C Holt 3-23) lost to Otago Boys High School 219-7 off 49.1 overs (J Pryde 64, F Martin 3-38), Fitzherbert Park 2
The final game on day three was between Palmerston North Boys and Otago Boys High School. Otago Boys had had a challenging first two days and were looking for their first victory. Palmerston North won the toss and chose to bat to get some runs on the board and place pressure back on Otago Boys. The innings started well with an 88 run opening partnership, but suddenly found themselves 146-6 and struggling to bat out the 50 overs. Tom Tremain with 50 from 52 and an explosive 47 from 39 from James Stratton were the two contributions that allowed Palmerston Boys to reach their final total of 216 all out off 47.2. Otago Boys would have been happy with that target as it was looking like it would be much larger are the excellent start from the Palmerston openers. Charles Holt was the best of the Otago bowlers with great figures of 3-23. Some early wickets left the game in the balance with Otago at 104-4 and needed and excellent partnership of 88 between Jack Pryde 64 off 80 and 36 off 56 from Ben Lockrose to put them into a position ascendency. Despite some excellent bowing from Finn Martin with 3-38 and a couple of late wickets Otago Boys managed to achieve the target with 5 balls and 3 wickets to spare. Otago have their first win and Palmerston will need to pick themselves up before playing the strong Rosmini College on day four.
ROUND TWO
Hutt International Boys School 123 all out after 45.4 overs (J Harris 3-10, F Martin 3-11) lost to Palmerston North Boys High School 127-3 off 29.2 overs (J Stratton 46), Fitzherbert Park 1
Day two action of Fitzherbert Park 1 saw two teams that ended day one empty handed battling for their first victory. Hutt International won the toss and chose to bat on a good looking pitch. Hutt International were in trouble early and never recovered having lost their first four wickets before reaching 40, with three early wickets to Jack Harris. Palmerston North heaped on the pressure and some excellent bowling in the middle overs from left arm spinner Finn Martin with 3-11 off his ten overs saw Hutt International bowled out for 123 inside of 46 overs. Nikunj did his best to rescue the innings as he did in round one but was stumped on 26 when trying to push on. In reply Palmerston North were never in any danger. After being 41-3 they then cruised to Hutt International total in the 29th over with some lusty hitting from James Stratton. Stratton’s 46 came off just 40 balls and included 5 fours and 2 sixes. Palmerston North win their first game of the week and look forward to their next clash with Otago Boys in round three.
Christchurch Boys’ High School 295-8 (B Hartland 68, L Chapman 41) beat Rosmini College 266-9 (C Lowry 86, L Buxton 43), Manawaroa Park
The two most impressive teams from day one meet on Manawaroa Park in the second round. Christchurch Boys and Rosmini College were both looking to propel themselves to the top of the table and make a statement to the remaining teams and what an outstanding encounter to turned out to be. Having been put into bat Christchurch Boys quickly got into their work. A 97 run opening partnership followed by a 93 run third wicket partnership were just the foundation Christchurch Boys needed. Runs were spread across the top order but captain Ben Hartland backed up his unbeaten half century from day with a run a ball 68. Whilst looking like they would pass three hundred, some last wickets from Rosmini College kept their final total to 295. Rosmini College were confident in their chance on an outfield that provided value for shots and after a second wicket partnership of 98 were well and truly in the match. Usual number 9 batsman Cameron Lowry enjoyed his promotion to open the inning and after a slow start played well to score the current tournament high score of 86. Lowry was well supported by a run a ball 41 from Luke Buxton. Despite these excellent performances the well drills Christchurch Boys maintained pressure through their bowling and expert fielding and eventually the run rate required just grew out of reach. Advantage Christchurch Boys.
Tauranga Boys College 206 all out off 48.4 overs (J Logan 46, C Holt 3-48) beat Otago Boys High School 182 all out off 48.3 overs (B Lockrose 35), Fitzherbert Park 2
The final game on day one was between Tauranga Boys College and Otago Boys High School. Otgao were looking to make amends for the heavy loss they suffered to Christchurch Boys while Tauranga had won a tight one against the local Palmerston Boys. Tauranga won the toss and chose to bat. Some early pressure lead to wickets but the Tauranga middle order held the innings together including a fine innings from Jacob Logan who scored 46 at a run a ball before being caught behind off Charlie Marsh. The inning was complete with Tauranga all out for 206 in the 49th over when Charles Holt claimed his third wicket complete his figures at 3-48. In reply Otago started well with most of the top order making contributions, but the substantial partnership needed to push for victory never came. Wickets continued to fall regularly throughout the innings and despite 35 from Ben Lockrose, Otago fell 24 runs short of the target. Tauranga remain unbeaten and will take on the impressive Rosmini on day three while Otago shift their focus to Palmerston North Boys High School.
ROUND ONE
Otago Boys High School 154 all out after 42.3 overs (M Cormack 60, J Mariu 5-36) lost to Christchurch Boys High School 155-3 off 29 overs (B Hartland 55*), Fitzherbert Park 1
The first game of the 2017 First XI Cup on Fitzherbert Park 1 was between the defending champion Christchurch Boys High School and last year’s third place team Otago Boys High School in a battle of the south. Despite losing a wicket on the second ball of the innings Otago built a strong 88 run second wicket partnership and looked to be building around an aggressive innings of 60 by Marc Cormack. Some outstanding bowling in the middle overs put the pressure on the Otago batsman and with regular wickets falling a chance to post a substantial total was lost. The standout bowler for Christchurch boys was Josh Mariu who achieved outstanding figures of 5-36. In reply Christchurch Boys were in complete control in achieving the target in just 29 overs. Despite some beautiful left arm spinning from Ben Lockrose 2-12 off 10 overs Christchurch were in complete control and captain Ben Hartland guided his side home with an unbeaten 55, achieving the target in 29 overs. An outstanding start to the tournament for Christchurch Boys.
Palmerston North Boys’ High School 125 all out after 43.4 overs (T Tremain 58*, C Baldry 3-19) lost to Tauranga Boys College 126-8 off 48.4 overs (I Singh 30*), Manawaroa Park
On Manawaroa Park the local Palmerston North Boys took on Tauranga Boys, two teams returning to the tournament after not attending last year. Winning the toss Palmerston North used their local knowledge of conditions choosing to bat. Tauranga’s bowlers made the conditions look very challenging for batsman with early wicket and pressure. The one shining light for Palmerston North was an unbeaten innings of 58 from opening batsman Tom Tremain who batted through the innings. A team total of just 125 was less than what Palmerston North would have been looking for but excellent bowling from Craig Baldry with 3-19 from his 10 overs contained and dismissed batsman regularly through heir inning. Tauranga would have been confident of achieving this total, but Palmerston North were determined to make it as difficult as possible. The pressure told and Tauranga lost regular wickets as they slowly progressed towards their target. Wickets were shared around the Palmerston North bowlers and with four overs remaining Tauranga needed 6 runs with two wickets in hand. They limped home with eight balls to spare well guided by Imanpreet Singh who scored a valuable 30 not out.
Hutt International Boys School 220-9 (N Patel 54*, F Delaney 3-25) lost to Rosmini College 221-6 in 41.5 overs (T Barham 66), Fitzherbert Park 2
The final game on day one was between Hutt International Boys School and Rosmini College. Rosmini attending the national finals for the first time after qualifying in the competitive Auckland region while Hutt International have been a recent fixture at the national finals from Wellington. Hutt International were inserted when Rosmini won the toss and despite an excellent opening partnership of 90 Hutt International found themselves in early trouble. 90 for none suddenly became 138-6. Without a outstanding 54* from Nikunj Patel Hutt International would not have been in a position to post 220 from their 50 overs. Finn Delaney was the best of the Rosmini bowlers with 3-25 from his 10 overs in reply Rosmini lost two wickets in the first over before settling into their work. A 110 third wicket stand between Thomas Barham 66 off 53 and Finn Delaney 37 off 55. From there Rosmini were in control and cruised to victory with 8 overs to spare. Rosmini get the perfect start while Hutt International have work to do with their young team before the second round.
