South Canterbury Cricket News Section

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Centuries carry South Canterbury sides to victory

CENTURIES to Rowen Milburn, Alex McKenzie and Harry Millar set up representative cricket wins for the South Canterbury women’s, under-19 boys and under-15 boys teams respectively last Sunday.

Rowen Milburn who's century 116 set up a win for Sth Canterbury against Dunedin in the Aotea Cup.
The women, playing the third round of the Aotea Cup at Aorangi, recorded their second win after batting first and scored 211-3 from 40 overs against Dunedin.

Milburn’s 116 was the stand-out performance as she and Bridget McMaster (29) added 165 for the first wicket. Courtney Buckman scored 12 while Kim Cotton and Megan Linton both finished 18 not out.

In reply Dunedin started well, scoring 93 runs before the fall of the first wicket, but after the run out of their top batsman for 66 it was a steady procession back to the tent for the Dunedin batsmen with Libby Stuck taking 2-35. Milburn capped off a great day with 2-20 while Grace Kerridge and Megan Linton picked up a wicket each.

Alex Mckenzie who compiled a superb 170 runs for South Canterbury.A 170-run innings, including 17 fours and three sixes by McKenzie in the under-19 match against North Otago was the outstanding contribution to that match. McKenzie was the dominant batter in the first of three partnerships which were all in excess of 90 runs. He was also well supported by Tom Bouch (31), Liam Crowley (30) and Hayden Matthews (33) as South Canterbury set an imposing total of 337-6 from their 50 overs.

North Otago set about the chase well adding 94 before the fall of a wicket, but after the loss of their top three (B Cant 61, J Shields 47, S Conlon 41) and the introduction of Phil Lill (3-44), Mckenzie with 2-29 and Bouch 2-9, the North Otago innings faltered as they lost their last six wickets for the addition of only 55 runs and were eventually all out for 236 in the last over.

South Canterbury under-15 played Mid Canterbury and after winning the toss batted first.

The first wicket fell early before a superb unbeaten 122 from Millar and 80 from Josh Dick added more than 170 runs for the second wicket allowing South Canterbury to reach 265-4 from their allotted overs.

Mid Canterbury were always behind the required run rate in the chase, especially against the steady bowling of all the bowlers used, with Josh Rooney with four overs, two maidens, eight runs and two wickets leading the way.

Robbie Mulvena had a good spell also, taking 1-25 off his 10 overs.

Most of the other bowlers also shared the spoils with a wicket each.

Wicketkeeper Matt Brown showed his class by taking two good catches standing up to the stumps and eventually South Canterbury won with Mid Canterbury still more than 70 runs short – finishing at 192-7.

These successful South Canterbury teams will now be hoping to continue this form on into their various tournaments over the next month.

SC beaten in rare match against Nth Otago

SOUTH CANTERBURY hosted Hanan Districts neighbours North Otago at the weekend in the first cricket match to be played between the provinces in more than 10 seasons, even though North Otago are one of South Canterbury’s closest neighbours.

Since the Hawke Cup was re-formatted some years back, the two associations generally only have contact in age-group cricket.

This match, played at Aorangi Oval, provided an ideal chance to cement more pre-Hawke Cup season matches on a regular basis for both teams, especially now that Christchurch Suburban may no longer have a competition next season as they move back fully under the Canterbury umbrella.

North Otago won the toss and then set the game up with a solid first wicket partnership of 120 from 27 overs between James Cutt (45) and Duncan Drew who batted superbly, especially when driving down the ground or through the covers on his way to the game high score of 72 before he was bowled by Craig Davies.

SC then got back into the game as captain Todd Elliotte decided to take the pace off the ball, introducing more spin with Ben Millar cleaning up the middle order with 4-39 while Davies and Elliotte both grabbed two wickets each.

The medium pacers and quicks toiled away mostly for no reward as Elliotte used nine different bowlers, but a late flurry by Glen Paterson (47) helped North Otago post a very defendable 220-9 from 50 overs.

David Sewell bowling for NZ.Former New Zealand opening bowler David Sewell has lost little pace and may have improved his accuracy as he kept the South Canterbury scoring to a minimum, but was unrewarded despite conceding only 19 runs from his 10 overs.

Fellow left-armer Paul O’Dell with 2-25 kept the pressure on, but once again it was the spin of Jordan Horrell that had the most success as he took 3-47.

South Canterbury were always behind as they regularly lost wickets and couldn’t build partnerships.

Despite having to bat with a runner after injuring his foot, James Laming was the best of the SC batsmen with 39, but every time things were on the improve a wicket fell.

Luke Taylor was out just as he was getting on top of the bowlers for 24, and by the time Jordan Morrow (22) and Kevin Teahen (31), batting nine and 10 respectively, got together, their 49-run partnership for the ninth wicket was too little too late and eventually South Canterbury were dismissed for 177, still 44 runs shy of victory.

There is a break next weekend before the Hawke Cup gets under way the following weekend, and South Canterbury will be looking for a lot more consistency.

Score Sheet

Teams need to pick up the pace

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.

South Canterbury Retain Ron Biggar Memorial Trophy 3rd Year Running

The South Canterbury Senior Cricket side travelled to Ashburton on Sunday for the Annual Ron Biggar Trophy exchange 50 over match. After going missing, the trophy was reinstated 3 seasons ago, and like the Ranfurly Shield, SC does not plan to let it go easily.

Mid Canterbury won the toss and batted on what turned out to be a low and slow pitch. Opening batsmen Lyall Jemmett spent over 3 hours at the crease as he compiled a solid 52 but apart from a 50 run partnership with Robert Madden (29) for the second wicket none of the Mid Canterbury batsmen were able to help him much and he was eventually the ninth wicket to fall and Mid Cant were all out for 142 in the 49th over.

All six South Canterbury bowlers returned good figures as partnerships were broken regularly especially after the introduction of Dan Laming (2-24 off 10) and Craig Davies’ off-spinners (4-19 off 8). The fielding also improved from the previous outing with 8 batsmen dismissed to catches.  

In reply, South Canterbury got away to a solid start with both Craig Davies (12) and Ben Millar (19) hitting the ball into the gaps, rotating the strike and keeping the score moving along with singles and the odd two. With the score on 23, Davies edged one to slip and soon after Miller departed leaving South Canterbury 2-40.

Englishman, Mathew Barnes (32) then joined the in form Dan Laming (55) who scored his second fifty of the weekend and together they along with Grant Brookland (12no) took the game away from Mid Canterbury. South Canterbury passed the total needed for victory for the loss of only 4 wickets in the 45th over.

The next representative match is against North Otago at Aorangi Oval this Sunday and then South Canterbury play their first game in the Hawke Cup campaign against West Coast in Greymouth on 29th/30th November.

Scoreboard:

Mid Canterbury Innings

No Batsman How Out Bowler Runs
1 L Jemmett Ct Mealings b Elliotte 52
2 L McLeod Ct Taylor b Teahen 5
3 R Madden Ct Taylor b D Laming 29
4 J Naish Ct Brookland b D Laming 0
5 B Houston Ct Mealings b J Laming 5
6 D Thomas Ct Teahen b Davies 16
7 B Ravenscroft Lbw b Elliotte 11
8 S Morgan Ct Millar b Davies 1
9 R Cockburn Stp Taylor b Davies 0
10 D Stoddart Ct J Laming b Davies 0
11 J Morrison Not out   2
B 5      LB 5         W 4        NB 2    
      Extras 16
      Total 142
FOW: 9,66,70,78,115,128,129,131,133,142    
Bowler Overs Maidens Runs Wickets
C Hinton 7 1 25 0
K Teahen 8 4 21 1
D Laming 10 1 24 2
T Elliotte 9 1 23 2
C Davies 7.3 2 19 4
                   

South Canterbury Innings

No Batsman How Out Bowler Runs
1 B Miller Ct Thomas b Morgan 19
2 C Davies Ct Madden b Morgan 12
3 M Barnes Ct Cockburn b Jemmett 32
4 D Laming Ct McDowell b Thomas 55
5 G Brookland Not out   12
6 J Laming Not out   1
B       LB 3         W 9        NB    
      Extras 16
      Total 142
FOW: 23, 40, 117, 132    
Bowler Overs Maidens Runs Wickets
W McDowell 7 1 9 0
J Morrison 7 0 22 0
S Morgan 5 2 12 2
D Thomas 7.3 0 34 1
R Cockburn 10 1 24 0
L Jemmett 9 0 39 1

Pagan leads Geraldine to stunning victory

Stephen Pagan returned to a Geraldine team deep trouble at 55-7 overnight and batting at number 10 compiled a fine 77 not out as Geraldine gained a first innings lead and eventually outright victory over Star, while a moving tribute by the Timaru and Celtic players for former Timaru player Rowdy McLachlan who lost his life in a tragic accident last week set up an intriguing match played in his honour that he would have been proud to be part of.

In the third senior match in the first round of the Tweedy Cup despite the efforts of Matt Devlin with a half century there was no fairytale finish for Waimate who were beaten outright by Temuka with Kevin Teahen picking up his first 10 wicket bag of his career.

Celtic resumed the chase for first innings points on 121-4 but soon found that Hitesh Angrish’s off-spin was proving difficult to score from as he picked up 4-26. A 40 run partnership between Matt Mealings and Luke Taylor (39) looked likely but the loss of quick wickets left Celtic still needing 40 runs with the last pair at the crease. Ants DeJoux showing form that hasn’t been seen for some seasons struck the ball powerfully as he tried to get Celtic over the line for the 6 points on offer, but was left not out 33 when the No 11 was bowled with Celtic 4 runs short.

Batting a second time Timaru regularly lost wickets and looked like undoing all their good work, but Hayden Butler with 40 and a good partnership between of 73 between Zane Sanders (48) and Kane Whiteley (28) took up time as well as steadying the innings.

Eventually Timaru were all out for 157 with the standout performance for Celtic coming from their captain Dan Laming with 7-52 well supported by Sam Carlaw with the other 3 wickets to fall giving him his first senior 10 wicket bag for a match.

Needing 162 runs from only 14 overs to win outright Celtic entered into the spirit of the match and set about the task, but as wickets fell all round him Dan Laming was again left to shoulder most of the burden, and with the other batsmen unable to feed him the strike his task grew out of reach as the run rate required spiralled upward and Celtic finished 89-6 with Laming unbeaten on 53 to give him a fine double for the day, while for Timaru, Angrish picked up 4 more wickets to give him 8 for the day. This meant that Timaru take the honours and a first innings win from the match.

Geraldine’s trump card Pagan could not have changed the match outcome without the solid support of Tom McKnight at the other end as the pair put on 89 for the 9th wicket and saw them pass the Star first innings score of 129.

Batting a second time Star could only manage 160 runs from 49 overs as Hamish Drennan and young English spinner Chris Esh picked up 4 wickets each. Only Hamish Dickson (31) and Mark Evans (26 no) of the Star batsmen went on after making a start.

This left Geraldine the unlikely task of scoring 141 runs from 21 overs against a medium pace attack including 3 current or former rep players.

Someone forgot to tell Geraldine and Pagan and Ben Millar set about the task steadily if not spectacularly putting on 43 for the first wicket. Geraldine all ran well between the wickets and as the pressure went onto the fielders the target became more and more realistic. A third wicket partnership of 63 between Millar until he was out for 59 and Guy Metcalf who finished 37 not out got Geraldine to within 16 runs of their target and then although they lost another wicket managed to gain an outright victory with all the time in the world to spare (2 balls actually) and proving that anything can happen in a game of cricket.

Waimate would have felt better about their first innings effort after converting 45-8 overnight into 102, but would have wanted a far superior second innings after Temuka asked them to follow on. Early breakthroughs by Kevin Teahen and Dillon Lees soon put paid to that idea as they fell to 10 for 4 before the middle order put up some resistance with Alan Reid, Matt and Sam Devlin and Jason SewHoy all spending time in the middle.

However Temuka weren’t going to be denied as Teahen picked up 4-22 to give him 10-46 off 38 overs for the match and lead his team to outright victory by an innings and 21 runs.

Click here to see scoreboards

SC Cricket mournes loss of Andrew ‘Rowdy’ McLachlan

Andrew 'Rowdy' McLachlanThe Timaru Cricket Club and South Canterbury cricket will not be the same after the tragic death of Andrew ‘Rowdy’ McLachlan in a car accident.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be made but the article as printed in the Timaru Herald can be read below.

Timaru Herald 7-Nov-2008
POLICE have confirmed that the Timaru man who died after his car hit a bridge between Albury and Fairlie was Andrew Rex McLachlan, 25.

Mr McLachlan, (or Rowdy to his friends) died when the vehicle he was driving hit a bridge on State Highway 8 near the intersection with Cricklewood Road. About 12.55am a fire was reported and emergency services found a car had struck the side of the bridge and was engulfed in flames.

Mr McLachlan’s family and friends are still coming to terms with the loss of a witty young man.

Good friend and Timaru Cricket Club team-mate Tim Mackle said his friend had obtained the nickname Rowdy because of his quiet nature.

“He was a man of few words but never said a bad thing about anyone.

“It was always Friday and Saturday nights around at the “Blue on Wilson” (Mackle’s house) watching sport until Rowdy got the remote and then it was Trackside,” he said.

Mr Mackle played representative cricket with Mr McLachlan from primary age. The pair, along with Jeremy Liddy, were selected for the Canterbury under-15 cricket team in 1998.

“He played rugby for Old Boys as well but liked league more,” Mr Mackle added.
Rowdy starred with 94 when Timaru Cricket Club won the Tweedy Cup Two Day competition for the South Canterbury Cricket 2007-08 season.
The two would take turns driving to cricket on Saturdays and often shared sweepstakes on races or rugby matches.

A spokesman from South Canterbury Cricket said Mr McLachlan had made himself available for all upcoming representative cricket games this season.

He was a talented cricketer with strong support from family and the public.

“And he was popular with his fellow team-mates,” they said.

Some more of Rowdy’s cricketing deeds can be read about here when he helped Timaru to victory in the Tweedy Cup last season

South Canterbury’s Women’s Team Victorious against Southland

The South Canterbury Women’s Cricket team played Southland in the first round of the Aotea Cup cricket competition last Sunday at Aorangi Artificial.

Winning the toss Southland elected to bat in hot conditions. Kane and Osborne got the visiting side away to a good start and the first wicket did not fall until 47 runs were scored. Mollison, batting at 4, kept the runs coming, but was lacking in partners at the other end. Her 28no was the shinning light in what was a disappointing total when the last batsman was out with Southlands score at 112.

Bowling for South Canterbury, Amber Boyce (who has been named in the Canterbury Magicians squad) with two wickets, and young Chloe Austin 4-32 bowled well.

After the early loss of Lisa Grant (11), Boyce settled into her work, and taking a liking to the shortened boundaries, smashed a typically aggressive 85no. South Canterbury winning easily with the loss of only 2 wickets.

South Canterbury’s next game is against Dunedin in Timaru on 16th November.

South Canterbury out-batted by Suburban’s Fielding

CHRISTCHURCH Suburban batsman Matt Fielding stole the game away from South Canterbury with an unbeaten 139 from only 141 balls, despite batting with a runner for almost his entire innings, as Suburban scored the 8 runs required off the last over to seal victory.

Liam Crowley batting for Sth CanterburySouth Canterbury won the toss and batted at Aorangi Oval but was soon regretting the decision with the loss of Craig Davies on the first ball and Matt Barnes 2 runs later.

Dan Laming joined Grant Brookland to steady the ship as they saw the score through to 51 before Brookland was out. Shortly later Laming whose innings had begun to grow was annoyed with himself after skying a drive to backward point when he was on 37.

Ryan DeJoux followed run out soon after leaving the youthful pairing of Matt Mealings and Liam Crowley to resurrect the innings. Mealings was circumspect to begin with, but with the support of Crowley (17) his innings blossomed as they added 61 runs for the 6th wicket with Mealings showing real maturity on his way to 63 including 9 fours.

Skipper Todd Elliotte added 21 before Luke Taylor with an attacking 43 not out from only 34 balls added 58 runs with Paul Arkinstall for the ninth wicket and helped SC to post a competitive 238-9 from their 50 overs. For Suburban the honours were shared amongst 6 bowlers.

Now that SC had a good total to defend Elliotte was able to set semi attacking fields, especially to Kevin Teahan with 7/2 fields at times. Teahen continued his fine form of the weekend, bowling straight through, regularly beating the bat but conceded only 24 runs from his 10 overs.

At the other end Craig Hinton and Paul Arkinstall (who also bowled his 10 on the trot) each picked up a wicket in the early stages and helped to keep a tight rein on the scoring, as Suburban slipped behind the run rate required.

How often is it said that “catches win matches” and this again may have proved the case as Matt Fielding was twice dropped in the outfield during his innings. In time he made SC pay and although Elliotte only conceded 39 runs from his overs he was relying on Craig Davies and Dan Laming to bowl at the end.

What was hopefully an “inspired” bowling change turned the game Suburban’s way after Hinton was brought back to replace Davies and Fielding took the willow to him as he conceded 23 runs from that solitary over.

A return to Davies was “after the horse had bolted” and although Davies and Laming tried to control the scoring Suburban went into the last over needing 8 runs with a new batsman facing. He managed a single off the first ball and then two boundaries to Fielding gave the win to Suburban. A fine sunny day where some of the younger players gained valuable experience will bode well as South Canterbury play Mid Canterbury next weekend for the Ron Biggar Trophy

Schoolboy snaffles seven-wicket bag

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Sam Carlaw was the toast of Celtic as he took 7-99 bowling his left arm orthodox spinners against Timaru, helping to dismiss them in their first innings for 236, while in Waimate Kevin Teahen was back to his lethal best taking 6-9 as Waimate crumbled to be 45-8 at the end of play after Julian Danby had earlier scored an unbeaten century for Temuka.

Timaru won the toss and batted first looking to take advantage of the new points system in senior cricket and the short boundaries and fast outfield at Rockdale Road. An opening stand of 76 between Hayden Butler (47) and Gerald Piddock (26) saw a good start before a breakthrough by Dan Laming led to a mini collapse as they fell to 87-4 and Carlaw began to take control. In his first season of senior cricket, Timaru battled to 142-7 before Hayden Leonard arrived at the crease and set about posting a respectable score for his team. He helped to markedly increase Carlaw’s bowling figures on his way to a typically aggressive 57 not out, sharing in partnerships of 20, 28 and 46 as the tail wagged with Timaru eventually posting a respectable 236.

In fading light Celtic then set about the chase adding 75 for the first wicket off only 12.2 overs when Andy Scott was out for 37. Steady drizzle, failing light and a greasy ball led to play being halted for half an hour, but after resumption the game swung back Timaru’s way as Hayden and Chris Leonard grabbed three wickets to leave Celtic 121-4 when bad light stopped play.

Temuka batted first in Waimate, scoring runs steadily between rain breaks and sun showers as they tried to avenge their earlier loss in the one-day competition. New recruit Julian Danby soon showed his prowess on a firm track, whether driving on the front foot or pulling off the back foot, as he anchored the innings with a polished 106 not out off only 120 balls – exactly half of his team’s total of 212. He will be thankful for a ninth wicket partnership of 54 with Taj Bullivant to reach his milestone.

For Waimate, all six bowlers used took wickets with Sam Devlin 3-69 the best.

Although Kevin Teahen had his first failure (if 18 is a failure) with the bat for the season for Temuka, he soon made up for it with the ball as he routed Waimate, taking 6-9 from 12 overs. Robbie Histen and Dillon Lees grabbed the other two wickets cheaply.

Waimate will be praying for rain all next weekend as they sit poised on the end of an outright drubbing at 45-8.

In Geraldine, although the scores indicate a poor pitch, it was not the case, but rather fine bowling. Star were sent into bat and began well with Phil McGregor and Tom Bouch (42) adding 47 runs for the first wicket, but soon after there was a steady procession of players back to the pavilion. Matt Morrison had three successful lbw appeals amongst his five wickets for 39 as Star were dismissed for 129 in the 40th over.

In reply Geraldine have a lot of work ahead next week to save the match as they currently sit at 54-7, but if they can somehow get to 100 then this match may still be anyone’s for the taking. For Star all the bowlers chimed in with Jeremy Lane leading the way with 3-18 and they will be hoping to remove the remaining batsmen quickly.

South Canterbury team to play Christchurch Suburban

South Canterbury Cricket team to play Christchurch Suburban at Aorangi Oval on November 2nd.

Practice 6.00pm Wednesday 29th Graeme Blanchard Centre.

Team:
Craig Hinton
Craig Davies
Grant Brookland
Matthew Barnes
Liam Crowley
Matt Mealings
Dan Laming
James Laming
Todd Elliotte
Paul Arkinstall
Kevin Teahan
Luke Taylor

Weather rains on cricketer’s parade

Matt Mealings loses his castle.A FINE century by Temuka’s Kevin Teahan was all to no avail as the southerly change came through to enforce an early finish to all games in the latest round of the Daily Freightways Cup one day cricket competition.

Teahan, with 104 from only 114 balls, may not be taking the wickets yet this season (he has been the top wicket taker in senior for the last two seasons) but this adds to the 50 he scored in the first round and boosts his claim of being a significant all rounder.

He was ably supported by veteran Hayden Broker (45) as they added 160 runs for the 4th wicket before both succumbing to the bowling of young Ben Millar. This saw Temuka through to a good total of 214 from their 45 overs, but unfortunately at tea the game was called off.

In Timaru the other two senior games, being played at Ashbury Park, were also abandoned early. Waimate were also ruing the weather as they appeared to be in a dominant position with Timaru 124-8 with only Hayden Butler undefeated on 45 and Hayden Leonard 20 not out thwarting the attack.

Richard Ford on senior debut had been the most successful bowler with 3-31 while Matt Sew Hoy had the soapy ball on a string with 2-16 and older brother Jason took four catches in his new role as a wicketkeeper.

Across the park, competition leaders Star and Celtic were also involved in an enthralling contest with Celtic 132-5 from the 32 overs available and on their way to setting Star a good target. Dan Laming had top-scored with 38 while Jeremy Lane and Paul Arkinstall had both picked up two wickets each.

Hopefully Laming can reproduce the form he shows in South Canterbury when he and Craig Davies play for the Canterbury Districts XI versus Canterbury in Rangiora.

This means that after three rounds of the one dayers, Star and Celtic continue to battle for top spot with 15 points each, Waimate and Timaru are only a win away on nine each and Temuka and Geraldine on three points apiece will be looking for their first wins when the competition resumes on November 29 and continues through until Christmas.

Next weekend sees the first round of the Tweedy Cup two day competition, with Celtic at home to defending champions Timaru, Geraldine home against Star and Waimate at home versus last season’s finalists Temuka.

Two SC Players selected for Canterbury Districts XI

Craig Davies and Dan Laming have both been selected to play for the Canterbury Districts XI against the Canterbury XI next week and will be looking forward to showing their skills in front of the higher level selectors whom are seldom seen at Hawke Cup matches.

We wish them both luck and hope that the runs continue to flow as they already have in club cricket this season.

Local Scorer Appointed to International Match

Muriel PennalTemuka and South Canterbury Cricket Scorer Muriel Pennal has seen her talent and dedication to the task rewarded with her appointment as one of the “official scorers” for the Blackcaps versus India ODI to be played at AMI Stadium (Lancaster Park for the oldies, and JADE stadium for the not quite so oldies) in Christchurch on 20th March 2009.

All South Canterbury cricket supporters will be wishing Muriel well and hope that it is the start of many more great ‘International’ scoring experiences.

You can read the article from the Timaru Herald here.

MURIEL PENNAL has scored an international cricketing accolade.

The Temuka woman will be an official scorer when the Black Caps play India in a one-day international matc in Christchurch on March 20.

The honour came as a “delightful surprise” for Pennal, who has been keeping score locally since the 1980s.

“I’m really excited about it,” she said.

Each cricketing season scorers are given the opportunity to apply to score international games being held across the country.

“I’ve applied a few times but this is the first time I have been selected.”

She will work alongside three other official scorers – one on a computer, one doing the electronic scoreboard and two officiating over scorebooks.

“I’m not sure what out of these I will be doing yet but I should find out soon.”

Whatever the task, she is looking forward to it, though it would be a busy day.

“There is a hell of a lot to fill out.”

Pennal, who will turn 60 next year, began scoring in the late ’80s when husband Allan was still playing cricket.

“The first time I went along to watch a game I got handed the scorebook and it took off from there,” she said, with a laugh.

Over the years she has been the scorer for the Temuka Cricket Club, the South Canterbury Cricket team and has presided over a number of regional games.

In 2000 she was recognised with the John Budgen Award for most meritorious performance in her level three scoring exams at the time she was only the second person in the southern hemisphere to pass the grade.

Keeping the score at games was something she thrived on.

“But then I couldn’t exactly tell you why. It is nice meeting everybody and I see it as a contribution.”

While she enjoys her cricketing job, Pennal admits the “gentlemen’s game” isn’t something she enjoys watching in her spare time.

“I just can’t sit down and watch it and keep still. I have to be doing something and I can’t really keep the score of the game if it’s on TV. It’s just not like being there.

Celtic and Star sitting at top of cricket table

© Stu Piddington

THE Celtic one-day cricket juggernaut kept on a roll, comfortably beating Geraldine to sit on top of the competition alongside Star.

 

Timaru recorded their first win in cruising past Temuka while Star got home in a nail-biter over Waimate.

On their home track Celtic won the toss and compiled a tidy 222 off their 45 overs before rolling Geraldine for 127.

Celtic batted first and got to 76 before the first wicket fell and their top order ensured a decent score would be posted, with openers Craig Davies making 58 and Andy Scott 35. Dan Laming also went past 50 for the second time in two games with 55 to go with his opening day 95.

Only the bowling of Guy Metcalf, who grabbed four middle order wickets for 32, prevented a bigger score. Off-spinner Ben Millar also chipped in for the country side after his first over cost him 14 runs while Phil Chapman grabbed the first two wickets to fall. Millar backed himself and grabbed three wickets for 20 runs off his next six overs.

While Celtic were happy with the competitive total, it was not out of reach for Geraldine. The Celtic innings made interesting reading as nine of the 10 dismissals were catches, including two very good one-handed takes in the outfield.

Celtic’s opening bowlers ensured Geraldine got away to a rocky start.

Both Stephen Pagan and Metcalf had made their only scoring shots a boundary each before they were back in the pavilion and Geraldine were teetering at 13 for two. Geraldine then battled back to 106 but again lost two quick wickets.

Young English import Matthew Barnes was the shining light with a well-compiled 53, including one big six, however once his wicket fell Geraldine capitulated losing their next five wickets for 21 runs.

For Celtic, Laming’s medium pace cleaned out the middle order taking four for 27 off eight. Schoolboy Sam Carlaw was again in the action with his left-arm offspin, taking two wickets including the prized scalp of Barnes.

At the Temuka Oval, Timaru won the toss and elected to bat. They regularly lost wickets but maintained a steady momentum to make 231.

The standout was number five Grant Brookland who scored 73 while several others made handy contributions, including a good 33 from number eight Zane Saunders that featured a six.

Dillon Lees took the top off the order for Temuka and finished with three wickets while Robbie Histen also got three.

For Temuka the chase was very ordinary with only Kevin Teahen (37) and Richard Opie (34) showing any real resistance. Only one other batsman made double figures.

Kane Whitley did the most damage with the ball, claiming four for 36 off his nine overs while Saunders was miserly, giving away only eight runs off his five and and also grabbing the wicket of Teahen.

At Knottingley Park, Waimate won the toss and sent Star in to bat. The decision seemed a good one as opening bowler Sam Devlin grabbed the first three wickets and Star were 18 for two early.

Several batsmen made starts but only a gutsy 53 from number seven Tom Bouch gave the score any respectability.

Waimate must have thought they were in with a shout eventually rolling the visitors for 187 in the 43rd over.

However, they made a cautious start losing their first four wickets for 69. Hayden Matthews held the innings together with a solid 56 before Bouch had him stumped. He was the eighth wicket to fall, with the score on 129, and the game looked over.

Nathan Sewhoy, who was batting down the order because of a bad back, sparked a rearguard action and almost stole the match. Sewhoy, along Jared Matthews, put on 32 for the ninth wicket with Matthews making a cameo 15, including a six. Sewhoy was the last man to go, run out returning for a second in the 43rd over just eight shy of winning.