SLOW over rates by some teams on a hot day and without the benefit of official umpires to push them along meant that two games didn’t finish until nearly 7.30pm as teams played on to meet the new requirements of overs to be bowled in a day.
The extension from 90 to 100 overs to be bowled in a day was brought in to enhance the chances of outright results in the Tweedy Cup but not every day will have as good light as this weekend to play in and the purpose of the change may well be negated on days where the weather is not as conducive unless teams pick up the pace.
It was noticeable too that although bowlers generally got through their overs in the three minutes allocated, a lot of time was wasted in the changeover and field placing and the captains will need to be more aware of this.
However, Star did make the most of the long day in their match against Waimate establishing an 80-run lead by stumps after moving to 18 without loss in their second innings.
The match see-sawed in terms of dominance after Star batted first and while Tom Bouch (27) and Nathan Tubb (34) continued their good form, the team lost wickets in pairs at crucial times. Waimate were seemingly on top with Star 122-9 before player of the day No 11 Craig Hinton chimed in with 25 not out to see Star through to 159.
In reply Waimate were level pegging with Star’s efforts when captain Nathan Sew Hoy scored a typically attacking 38, but after being 86-3 they collapsed to be all out for 94.
Mark Evans set it up for Star with 4-19 before Hinton returned for a devastating second spell to take 5-13 from his 11 overs.
Celtic will also be pushing for outright victory in their match after declaring their first innings closed at 349-7 but will need to dismiss Geraldine (currently 60-1) twice on a good batting strip. Opener Craig Davies struck a sound 70 while James Laming hit a solid 58 and Dan Laming continued his rich vein of form with his third consecutive fifty before being caught for a 54 that included 11 boundaries.
All the middle order reached double figures for Celtic.
In the match between competition leaders Temuka and Timaru quick runs or quick wickets will be the order of the day if either team is to gain the edge and push on for an outright result.
Winning the toss and batting first, Willie Stone (26) and Julian Danby (35) kept home team Temuka’s score moving along before Dillon Lees with an unbeaten 57 was joined by new player Justin Kneehoff (26) and they added 52 for the last wicket to see Temuka through to 201.
Kane Whiteley took 4-34 with his leg-spin while Kris Howes picked up 3-40.
In reply Timaru are 151-7 after opener Gerald Piddock (39) and all-rounders Howes (23) and Jordy Morrow (31) kept Timaru in the match.
Full scoresheets will be available after Day 2.