DAY FIVE
Napier Tech Old Boys (Central Districts) v Manukau City (Northern Districts)
Napier Tech Old Boys 395/9 (Indika Senarathne 145, Christian Leopard 76, Jurgen Andersen 52, Craig Herrick 38, Matt Edmondson 36; Jarryd Halliday 3-70) beat Manukau City 186 (Nick Kelly 59; Ash Vodnala 3-36) by 209 runs
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Totals of more than 350 are more commonly seen on Cornwall’s number three ground, but supreme hitting from Napier's red hot "Texans" saw them come close to posting 400 on Cornwall number two.
Central Stags dynamo Indika Senarathne smoked 145 off just 87 balls at the top. The innings included 16 boundaries and eight sixes.
Senarathne is famous for his mercurial hitting ability and his talent was well and truly on show today.
Jarryd Halliday had dismissed Senarathne's partner for a golden duck. NZC
He seemed not at all worried about losing his opening partner, who lasted just one delivery — carrying on with his business as he enjoyed strong partnerships with Matt Edmondson and then young Christian Leopard.
Up and comer: Christian Leopard (right) has had a fun tournament. NZC
Up and coming Leopard, a New Zealand Under 19s World Cup rep this season, continued his excellent spurt of form at the championships, finishing with 76 more runs.
A tough week
Manukau City have had a challenging run at the tournament, and their monumental chase got off to a familiar difficult start.
Dion Joll lost his wicket in just the second over. Scott Allison wasn’t far behind as Manukau struggled to gather momentum.
With all the psychological advantage, Napier Tech looked to rotate its bowlers and was able to claim regular wickets. Nick Kelly was one of the few Manukau players able to offer any kind of stern resistance.
The SKYCITY Northern Knight (above) who had impressed with his big hitting in Georgie Pie Super Smash earlier this season again showed his class in reaching 59.
However, he lacked another batsman to stay with him to help Manukau anywhere near Napier’s impressive total.
Texans: job done
The heavy loss leaves Manukau with a bleak week’s record heading into Sunday’s wooden spoon encounter, where they will take on Dunedin’s Kaikorai looking to finish on a better note.
Points Table after day 5
St Albans – 12
Eastern Suburbs – 12
Napier Old Boys Tech – 9
Suburbs New Lynn – 9
Kaikorai – 3
Manukau City – 0
