Nelson cricketers on top; second grade final ends in tie

Nelson are firmly in the driving seat after day one of the Hawke Cup zone three qualifying match in Blenheim today.

The visitors won the toss and sent Marlborough in to bat, eventually dismissing the home side for just 156 in 57.4 overs.

By stumps on the first day Nelson had pushed past Marlborough’s score, reaching 216-5 as they bid for an outright result.

Marlborough’s batting was again disappointing, the only bright spot being a first half century in Marlborough colours for wicketkeeper/batsman Lachie Munro who opened the innings.

Unfortunately, support was hard to find with only Griffin Carter, 30 from 29, Joel Lavender, 26 from 40 and Luke Holdaway, 17 from 56, hanging around as Nelson’s attack held sway.

Leading the way was newcomer Cameron Neame with 3-24 from 10, while spinner Matthew O’Sullivan picked up 3-43.

Driving the Nelson batting effort was openers Carl Quinn, 68 from 80, and Jonty Raxworthy, 61 from 102, while skipper Michael Olsen was unbeaten on 39 at the close.  Carter’s 2-34 from seven led the Marlborough bowling effort.

Final all tied up

Meanwhile, on the adjoining ground, Renwick wrapped up the pre-Xmas second grade 40-over competition after their final against Celtic Green ended with the scores level.

Batting first Renwick were soon in trouble, losing wickets regularly despite 31 from 56 from opener Andrew Marshall. A late flurry of runs from Dane Winstanley, 35 not out from 35, and Cody Golding, 44 from 27, enabled them to post a defendable total of 202-8 from their 40 overs.

Liam Young was the pick of the Celtic attack with 3-46 while his father, Wayne Young, claimed 2-27 from eight.

In reply, Celtic set a strong platform. Opener Logan Robinson scored 39 from 42, and Young 43 from 49, but it was number four Andy Fitzpatrick who was the mainstay of their innings, ending unbeaten on 63 from 87 balls.

With the final over to be bowled Celtic needed 10 runs but, despite their best efforts, could only manage nine, leaving their score at 202-6.

Tim May took 2-35 while Winstanley was economical, bowling his eight overs for just 15.

With the match tied up on the scoreboard, it was decided that Renwick, who were the top qualifiers for the final, were the victors.