The game was played at the Greendale Domain near Darfield, a fantastic cricket setting.
South Canterbury won the toss and batted first. The weather was hot with a NW wind blowing, which gusted at times, occasionally troubling the bowlers.
South Canterbury progressed steadily with opening batsman Brett Walker playing a solid role before he was the fourth wicket to fall when out for 27, but the team total had reached 97. Liam Beck top-scored with 30 and most of the lower order reached double figures helping South Canterbury through to 176 from their 50 overs.
In reply the South Canterbury team fielded very well for the entire innings. Conor Scott and Brett Walker were quick to the ball and prevented numerous singles and Brett affecting a run out early in the innings. James Hawkey and Henry Race took two catches each. Unfortunately Jamie Trezise had to leave the field after 10 over’s and Jack Woodley took over the gloves, continuing the trend as both players kept well, with no byes conceded.
Jack Green with 3-26 led the bowling attack and was well supported by the others as Mike Lees, Nick O’Brien and Henry Race all picked up wickets too.
SC looked to have the match under control when Canterbury Country’s eighth wicket fell in the 44th over and the score at 132, but a ninth wicket partnership saw them come within two runs of victory, eventually finishing on 174-8 when their 50 overs were up and conceding victory to South Canterbury.
Every South Canterbury player contributed to a good team effort, and this discipline and effort paid off in the end with SC only giving away 21 extras while earlier Canterbury Country gave away 48 extras in their bowling innings.