A conclusive Christchurch Boys’ win and a miraculous tie for Napier Boys’ will see the two unbeaten sides face off for the 2024 First XI Cup title tomorrow.
NBHS managed to escape with a draw against Westlake Boys’, scoring 5 runs off the final over to equal WBHS’ total of 161/10.
After falling to 75/5 in the chase, it was NBHS tail-enders Joshua Young (32 off 51) and Daniel Geange (21 off 38) who would dig in to get their side to the target.
Geange was agonisingly run out off the final ball of the match, in what was yet another First XI Cup nailbiter.
Monty Field (5-32) picked up a bag for the boys in blue, while Nishil Patel (2-28) and Oliver Davies (2-13) were both impressive for Westlake.
Christchurch Boys again looked dominant in their 90-run victory against Hutt International.
CBHS openers Blake Robinson (71 off 68) and Harry O’Loughlin (44 off 65) laid the foundation for a big total, the pair amassing 128 runs before the loss of a wicket.
Contributions from the rest of the order seeing CBHS to a solid 273/6.
HIBS were able to get off to a strong start thanks to Fin Hourigan (37 off 39) and the in-form Lewis Jeffreys (49 off 55), who combined for 81 runs.
CBHS leg-spinner Sam Frame (5-32) then took over through the middle overs, combining with off-spinner Brennan Malta (1-29) to restrict HIBS to 183/10.
Sam Frame of CBHS en route to a five-wicket haul - NZC
St Paul’s Collegiate were able to notch their first win thanks to a match-winning Max Makeham (102* off 115) century.
Makeham was well supported by lower-order batters Finn Bell (41 off 52) and Lucas Hale (26 off 28), who helped SPC chase down OBHS’ total of 251/10 with just four overs to spare.
There were plenty of positive signs for OBHS, who started the day with a 95-run opening stand between Ollie Turnbull (63 off 101) and Ashton Hansen (57 off 46).
OBHS captain Luke Marsh (56 off 72 and 2-37) stood up with both bat and ball, Makeham (4-30) impressing with the ball for SPC.
