Falcons fly again

Tasman Premier League cricketers the Falcons rebounded from last week’s loss to the other Marlborough-based team, the Dolphins, to score an important away victory on Saturday.

Their 31-run win over Nelson College at Ngawhatu Park leaves them in fourth position in the eight-team competition.

Falcons batted first and put a moderate total of 173 on the board, being dismissed in the 46th over.

Leading the way was the experienced Andrew McCaa with a patient 54 from 89, consolidating the visitors’ innings after they were 3-17 in the early stages.

An unbeaten 30 from Sam Boyce down the order helped give Falcons something to bowl at and they obliged.

Joel Lavender picked up three quick wickets at the top of the College order to set the tone, then his fellow Falcons bowlers ensured no decent partnerships developed as the home side were bowled out in the 46th over for 142.

Sam Boyce claimed 2-17 from nine, McCaa 2-15 from five, Matthew Stretch 2-22 from 10 and Lavender 3-9 from four.

Top scorer for the College was number six Fynn Roberts with 33 from 56.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins found the going tougher in Brightwater.

Up against the Wolves they also put a below-par score on the board but, unlike the Falcons, were unable to defend it.

The Dolphins scored 157 in 40 overs after electing to bat first, their top three batsmen providing the vast bulk of the runs. Aidan Conroy scored 36 from 50, Kirk Nicholas 23 from 26 and Fred Sululoto a hard-hit 53 from 61. Joseph O’Connor and Sean Neal both bagged three wickets.

Opener Andrew Beatson anchored the Wolves chase, scoring 50 at the top of the order and, although the Dolphins regularly picked up wickets, the home side staggered to their target, reaching 158-8 in the 32nd over.

Piers Landon-Lane was the pick of the attack, claiming 5-27 from 5.2 overs of spin.