CRUCIAL CONTRIBUTION: Nick Galwey took three wickets to help Timaru to a 51-run win over Roncalli/Celtic.
Celtic and Timaru will do battle in the senior one-day cricket final after contrasting wins in the latest round on Saturday.
An unbeaten 18-run 10th wicket stand between Paddy Farr and James Blackstock helped Celtic chase down Temuka’s 239 with three balls to spare at Celtic Sports Grounds.
Timaru mustered a 51-run win over Roncalli/Celtic at Ashbury Park 6 thanks to many contributions from the top-order, with opener Dan Murari leading the way with 53.
A 95-run fifth wicket stand between Simon Murphy and Jarred Stringer helped Waimate to a 83-run win over Star at Knottingley Park.
Temuka looked to have set a winning total after Curtly Slatter made a well compiled 88 and Johnny Geddis continued his consistent form with 56.
The pair added 100 for the second wicket.
While the middle and lower-order largely failed with only Vaughan Tarrant (20) and Adrian Cunningham (10) making double figures, 239 appeared a daunting total for the defending champions who were missing several players through representative duty.
Former South Canterbury opening bowler Glenn Matthews took three for 41 by bowling well down on his pace of old, while Tom Pavletich and Nigel Caple also grabbed three wickets each.
An experienced batsman with youth on his side lead the chase.
Jacob Naylor compiled 65 before being bowled around his legs by talented Temuka leg spinner Nick McGuire.
Handy contributions at the top of the order from Andy Scott (42) and Phil Johnson (31) helped lay the platform.
The Celtic tail wagged just long enough to get them across the line.
McGuire took four for 34 to set up a tense finish, while Phil Lill also took two wickets.
Murari’s innings at the top of the order anchored Timaru’s win over Roncalli/Celtic His half century and handy contributions from Brad Leonard (33) and Prabodha Arthavidu (35) who suffered from a back injury during his innings, helped get then to 217 batting first.
The total could have been larger had it not been for three run outs which stifled the momentum late in the innings.
Liam Beck and Grant Watt took two wickets each.
The Roncalli/Celtic run chase never gained the momentum it needed.
Ben de Joux batted bravely to make 42 before being the last man out.
Anthony Walker made 25 opening the innings but the major contribution that was needed never came.
The home team was all out for 166.
Nick Galwey and Sam Porter took three wickets each.
Simon Murphy (70 not out) and Jarred Stringer (52) rescued Waimate from a struggling 71 for four against Star.
Their 95-run stand helped the home team to 202 for seven from its 45 overs.
Alex McDuff took three for 45 but Star were exposed with their lack of a genuine fourth and fifth bowling option. Reuben Allen then ripped through the Star batting order.
Opener Henry Race was the only resistance to the visitors’ collapse with a determined 42.
Allen finished with six for 25 as Star were all out for 119 after 31 overs.