NZCT NATIONAL CLUB CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016
Day Three
Overcast conditions having replaced the previous clear blue skies, there was a pertinent reminder overhead that weather was on the way. Rain could yet play its part in the last rounds, so today was “moving day” for all teams as they looked to shore up a healthy position on the points table.
Napier Tech Old Boys (Central Districts) v Kaikorai (Otago)
Napier Tech Old Boys 234/8 (Matt Edmondson 82, Christian Leopard 37; Hamish Robertson 3/26, Ryan Duffy 3/35) beat Kaikorai 131 (Geordie Scott 41*; Jadyn Lennox 3/17, Stevie Smidt 3/25) by 103 runs
View scorecard
It shaped on paper as an exciting match-up, but it was Napier Tech Old Boys who stepped up to the occasion with an aggressive performance against their Dunedin counterparts.
The “Texans” continued Kaikorai’s problems with another fierce display with both bat and ball, enjoying their first game on the biggest ground at Cornwall Park.
It did not daunt the star-studded Napier side.
Christian Leopard has been one to watch
Big contributions arrived from anchor Matt Edmondson (13 boundaries in his 82) and the on-fire young Christian Leopard, whose 37 flew off 48 balls and included a six.
Jurgen Andersen added late runs
The duo helped them build a very useful total of 234 before they were dismissed with just an over and a bit to go.
Kaikorai’s bowlers had shared the wickets around, but they struggled to stem the flow of runs.
That said, the Texans’ innings had been off to a wobbly start after they lost a wicket in the very first over, to be one for three, Jack Nuttall (twin brother of Canterbury’s Ed Nuttall) on his way to picking up an eventual two-for.
Kaikorai left-armer Hamish Robertson impressed with 3-26 off his 10.
Better known as a Volts opening batsman, Ryan Duffy also chimed in and emulated his younger brother with the ball by wrapping up the Texans’ innings for a return of 3-35.
But despite the early strike, it had been hard yakka and Matt Edmondson’s solid stay at the crease put things right for his Napier side.
He was supported early on by Indie Senarathne, who blasted a quick 26 at the top to settle any nerves.
Kaikorai’s chase needed to be aggressive in return, and it certainly got off to a rapid start.
But after the early fireworks, Stags spinner Indie Senarathne dismissed both openers as the Napier attack kept their heads up and started chewing away.
Stags paceman Stevie Smidt inflicted a big double breakthrough, bowling both first drop Liam Cotton and then Ryan Duffy, both for ducks. 
The Texans were building relentless pressure and then finding breakthroughs. When Smidt struck again, Kaikorai were under the pump at 43 for five in just the 11th over.
Faced with mounting pressure, none of the Kaikorai batsmen could kick on to provide the solid partnership needed to threaten the total.
Batting at seven, Dunedin’s club cricketer of the year Geordie Scott was was the only player who was able to offer some substance.
Scott whistled up three boundaries and a trio of sixes in his valiant 41, but he quickly ran out of partners as Napier chipped out the tail in quick succession.
With two wins and a loss, the victory pushed the Texans into the top three, while Kaikorai were left smarting and winless in the cellar.
POINTS AFTER DAY 3
Eastern Suburbs – 9
St Albans – 9
Napier Old Boys Tech – 6
Suburbs New Lynn – 3
Manukau City – 0
Kaikorai – 0
