Rep cricketers beat Buller

The Marlborough senior men’s rep cricketers ended their Hawke Cup season on a positive note at the weekend, notching a morale-boosting first innings win over Buller in Westport.

After losing to both Nelson and Canterbury Country in their 2025-26 zone three qualifying campaign, the trip west offered a chance for late redemption.

Batting first, Marlborough put 223 on the board in 80 overs. Skipper Joel Lavender anchored the innings from opener with a patient 85 from 169 deliveries, his second wicket partnership with Luke Holdaway, 61 from 123, producing a vital 108 runs, which set up a decent total to bowl at. Benji Nation chipped in with 30.

Overnight, Marlborough had the home side reeling at 3-26 from 18 overs and pushed their advantage home on Sunday, bowling Buller out for 151 in 52.4 overs. Leading the way was player/coach James Bell with 4-38, Griffin Carter with 2-10 and Aidan Lavender with 3-16.

After securing the first innings points, and a 72-run lead, Marlborough struggled initially in their second turn at bat. The loss of early wickets saw them precariously placed at 5-44, before Holdaway, 36 from 83, Carter, 44 from 49, Will Anderson, 44 from 37, and Ben Stewart, 28* from 38, spent time at the crease and formed healthy partnerships to guide them to safety and a total of 191-8 when stumps were pulled at the Buller High School ground.