South Canterbury got off to a good start at the South Island Primary Schools Cricket tournament in Alexandra yesterday, with a win over West Coast.
While the 14 teams from around the South Island are meant to be playing in Alexandra, heavy rain over the weekend means the only play in the town is on artificial wickets.
Teams travelled as far as Wanaka and Ranfurly yesterday to play on suitable grounds, a situation which is likely to continue for a couple of days, said South Canterbury team manager-coach John Threlkeld. In spite of the very cold conditions yesterday, West Coast and South Canterbury did manage to get in a full day’s play.
West Coast won the toss, putting South Canterbury in to bat. South Canterbury were all out for 153. Top scorer for South Canterbury was Alastair Harvey on 48.
South Canterbury looked to be in a bit of trouble at lunch on 109 for 7, but a good innings by Conor Scott put 20 runs on the board.
West Coast were all out for 39 with South Canterbury player Nic O’Brien taking 3 for 9, Liam Cosgrove 3 for 10 and Brett Walker 1 for 1 off four overs.
South Canterbury enforced the follow-on, with West Coast achieving 54 runs for six wickets before running out of time. Scott took 3 for 14, O’Brien 2 for 4 and Harvey 1 for 11.
South Canterbury took out a first innings win.
South Canterbury are due to play Southland Country in Wanaka today.