Falcons manage win, but miss TPL semi-final spot

The JT Contracting Falcons have narrowly missed out on a spot in the Tasman Premier Cricket league semi-finals, despite battled their way to victory over Marlborough-based rivals the Dolphins today.

Sitting in fifth place going into the final round of preliminary matches, the Falcons needed a win in the local 50-over derby and for Nelson-based rivals Wakatu to be beaten by Stoke Nayland.

Although Falcons did the business at Horton Park, winning by 21 runs in a low-scoring encounter, fourth-placed Wakatu were much too good for Stoke, prevailing by 123 runs to clinch the final qualifying spot for the forthcoming play-offs.

Falcons gave themselves a chance to participate in the business end of the season with a gutsy effort in the field, after registering a paltry 107 from 36 overs batting first. Cooper Roberts with 23 from 36 balls was the pick of the Falcons’ batters, although Nick Weaver, Tim Petrie and Tom Leonard helped the tail wag long enough to post a total that proved defendable.

Hunter Ruffell, Joseph Timms and Josh Poole all picked up a brace of wickets in a Dolphins attack that was consistent throughout.

Medium pacers Sam Boyce and Weaver did the early damage with the ball as Dolphins set about the chase. They lost wickets regularly and were unable to put together a partnership of substance, their best effort being 25 runs from Blair Timms, who top scored with 16, and Tom Sutherland.

Weaver finished with a well-earned 5-26 from 8.2 overs, Boyce 2-17 from eight as Dolphins were dismissed for 86 in the 25th over. Spinners Matthew Stretch and Petrie both picked up valuable scalps down the order, their team-mates backing them up well with some sharp, committed fielding.

Next weekend the senior rep side, fresh off their thrilling win over Nelson, travel to Westport to meet Buller in their second Hawke Cup qualifying match.