An unbeaten century from Otago Volts star Sam Wells helped Dunedin’s Albion club set up an imposing tally on the second full day of action at the 2017 NZCT National Cricket Club Championships.
Historic Albion and Wellington’s Eastern Suburbs now remain the only undefeated sides at the tournament, Wells’s unbeaten 116 off just 54 balls (8 x 4, 9 x 6) against Mount Maunganui the second ton of the side’s innings after opener and batting partner Taylor Cumberland was the first to chalk three figures.
Together they ensured Albion piled on 306 for five off 45 rain-reduced overs, Taylor having shared an 83-run partnership with recently minted Otago Volt Josh Tasman-Jones (44) before number five Wells put the foot down for the entertaining 161-run fourth wicket stand that was broken with just 16 balls remaining in the first innings, Cumberland finally dismissed on 109.
Mount Maunganui’s Peter Drysdale (above) set off on a run-a-ball 65 in reply and shared a lively 79-run stand for the second wicket before spinner Teja Nidamanuru put himself on a hat-trick en route to a bag of 5-55 that clinched a whopping 113-run victory.
Scorecard
Easts were meanwhile up against Auckland champion Takapuna in another 45-over affair next door on the number one ground. Opener Ben Orton led the way with a top score of 59 in the Wellingtonians’ 212 for six, Lauchie Johns adding the icing with an unbeaten 48 off just 25 balls.
Takapuna's Jordan Sussex
It proved more than enough as only one of Takapuna’s top six broke into double figures in reply — veteran leg-spinning Easts captain Lance Dry snaffling 3-14 as he helped wrap up a 93-run victory, while Peter Connell, Ricky Joseph and Jamie Gibson had all picked up two-fors.
Scorecard
Christchurch's Old Boys Collegians meanwhile bounced back from yesterday’s loss to Takapuna by brushing aside Palmerston North's United club by five wickets.
David Wakefield of Old Boys Collegians
United's innings on the smaller number three ground would not go the distance, all out for 169 in just the 39th over, their side crumbling away after the removal of the top order and OBC's Mohit Marya picking up a useful four for 12.
United keeper Ma'ara Ave
OBC got off to a stuttering start of their own, but strung enough partnerships together to chase down the low target with more than 11 overs to spare, Jeff Case finishing unbeaten on 54.
Scorecard
United and Mount Maunganui will each be looking for their first win when they face each other tomorrow (Saturday) while Albion and Easts still need a victory tomorrow to be assured of a place in Sunday’s 1v2 playoff for the national title; Easts up against OBC on the penultimate day & Albion to play Takapuna.
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