Old Boys Collegians on top at National Club Champs

Old Boys Collegians 306/5 (50 overs) won by 27 runs (Revised) against Kaipara Flats 257 all out (44.1 overs) – Target was 282 for 46 overs

Eastern Suburbs 255 all out (48.1 overs) lost by two wickets (Revised) to Kaikorai 182/8 (34.3 overs) – Target was 179 from 35 overs

New Plymouth Marist United 174 all out (44.2 overs) won by 74 runs against Parnell 100 all out (28.4 overs)

Old Boys Collegians stand alone as the only unbeaten team after two rounds of the National Club Championships at Cornwall Park, recording a 27 run victory over Kaipara Flats today.

The Christchurch side scored 305 from their 50 overs, with  Paul Knight (84), Todd Astle (90) and Joel Abraham (64*) all making significant contributions with the bat. Kaipara Flats  target was then revised to 282 from 46 overs, after rain forced players from the field in the afternoon. Opener Brad Wilson backed up his century from yesterday with 52, but was unable to stop his team from collapsing and being dismissed in the 45th over. A three wicket-bag from Matt McEwan led Collegians, while Theo van Woerkom also chipped in with two wickets.

It was a close encounter between Eastern Suburbs and Kaikorai, but the latter were eventually able to record their first win of the tournament when they reached their revised target of 179 with three balls remaining. Wellington side Eastern Suburbs posted 255 in the first innings, with Andrew Fullerton-Smith top scoring with 53. They were however undone by one man while defending their total, with the Otago side buoyed by an unbeaten century from Iain Robertson (100*). His innings featured nine fours and four sixes and saw his side to a two wicket victory.

The final match of the day saw New Plymouth Marist United defeat Parnell, successfully defending 174 thanks to a five wicket bag from Ryan Watson. Ryan Bridgeman’s 36 top-scored for Marist United in the first innings, before the Central Districts side were dismissed after 44.2 overs. Surprisingly, it turned out to be enough, with Watson ripping through Parnell’s batting line-up and finishing with astonishing figures of five for 18 from 9.4 overs. His efforts helped see the Auckland side dismissed after 28.4 overs.

Round three begins Thursday at 10:00am.

All matches are live scored on http://www.blackcaps.co.nzwww.blackcaps.co.nz

Round 3 schedule:
Eastern Suburbs v Kaipara Flats, Cornwall Park No.3, 10:00am
Old Boys Collegians v Parnell, Cornwall Park No.2, 10:00am
Kaikorai v  New Plymouth Marist United, Cornwall Park No.1, 10:00am