Cricketers get job done in Westport

An outright win over Buller in Westport today has earned Marlborough a place in the Hawke Cup zone three qualifying final, for the fourth season in a row.

Although there is one more match to be played in the qualifying group stages, with Marlborough hosting Canterbury Country at Horton Park next weekend, those two teams are assured of contesting the final, with just the venue to be decided by the outcome of the final match.

After their first innings win over Nelson, Marlborough needed to maintain momentum this weekend and they did just that against Buller, claiming the outright points by nine wickets.

After winning the toss at the Buller High School ground on Saturday, Marlborough inserted the home side and bowled them out for 101 in 43 overs.

Marlborough’s batting reply was shaky at times, but they battled their way to a 98-run lead, and vital first innings points, before being dismissed in just 51 overs for 199.

At the close of play on day one Buller were 43-2 in their second innings, and they struggled to improve their situation today.

They were eventually dismissed for 154 in 61.5 overs, leaving the visitors with just 57 runs needed for maximum points. Marlborough’s top order got the job done securely, MBC student Cooper Roberts’ unbeaten 33 guiding them to 57-1 and a deserved victory by early afternoon.

Sam Boyce was the chief wicket-taker in Buller’s second innings, grabbing 4-24 from 18 overs on the artificial pitch, while Jaden Adams marked his Marlborough debut with 3-40 from 11 overs, giving him five for the match.

Marlborough head coach Jarrod Englefield was happy with how his charges had handled what is a typically-testing trip to the coast.

“When you play on artificial that always takes it out of you, especially the bowlers. The pleasing thing was that this win was a really good team effort. Matthew [Stretch] captained the team well, he continued his batting form, Tim Petrie put together an important partnership with Sam Boyce, that was awesome. Corey Bovey batted well in partnership.

“The bowlers bowled nice and straight and were rewarded for it. Joel Lavender, who came back to the crease against Nelson, continued his good work, which was very pleasing after him being out for so long with shoulder injuries. He got five wickets, as did Jaden Adams on debut. He made a good contribution, along with Nick Weaver and Sam Boyce, who was outstanding today.

“It was just a good team effort and really pleasing.”