South Otago
Jerrym Frost hit his second century of the season to guide his Milton King Crabs side to a sevenwicket win over the Owaka Bandits in their game in Milton.
The Bandits batted first after winning the toss and scored a respectable 189 for nine off their 40 overs. Josh Huddleston led the way with 58. Tony Miller (34) and Quentin Gare (22) were the next highest scorers. The wickets were shared around the King Crabs bowlers. Dylan Greer, Jerrym Frost, Rhys Mathieson and Braden Adams all picked up two apiece.
Milton chased down the total with two overs to spare, for the loss of only four wickets. Frost opened the innings and timed his knock of 108 not out to perfection. He played some nice shots along the ground and hit some big boundaries when required. He was backed up nicely by Ben Cameron (33) and Braden Adams (23).
Francis Parker took two for 25 off five overs for the Bandits. Quentin Gare and Jeremy Gray were the other bowlers to take wickets. Both sides have locked in a semifinal spot and, with one round remaining, are even on points. Frost has surely put his name forward for Otago Country selection.
The Kai Kings cemented their place at the top of the table, beating the Clutha Comets by six wickets in Kaitangata.
The Comets batted first in a game reduced to 35 overs. They scored a tidy 156 for six. Heath Culbertson topscored with a fine 43 not out.
Opening batsman Rhys Harrold scored 28 to give his side early runs. Jason Young took two for 32 off seven overs for the Kings. Roger Pennell bowled a tight seven overs and returned figures of one for 21.
The Kings’ reply started in the worst possible way, losing three wickets in the third over of the innings to parttime off spinner Caleb Carson. This brought Mark Shepherd to the crease and he bludgeoned 77 runs to take the game away from the Comets. He hit seven fours and five sixes.
He was backed up nicely by Blair Benington, who carried his bat through the innings with 45 not out and is another putting his hand up for Otago Country selection. The Kings finished the game in the 27th over to seal the bonuspoint win. Caleb Carson was the best of the Comets bowlers with three for 24 off seven. The Comets are now out of finals contention.
The Waihola Swans moved back into second place, beating the Valley Stingers by 11 runs in Tuapeka. The Swans batted first and scored 212. Tim Grant topscored for Waihola, with 60. Dylan Bungard was next highest, with a solid knock of 45. Tony Omelvena was the pick of the Stingers bowlers, with three for 26 off six overs. Bevan McCall was useful also, with workmanlike figures of two for 35 off eight.
The Stingers fell just short of the target, bowled out in the 38th over for 201. Dave McCall held the Valley innings together with a wellplayed 59. With useful contributions from Lachie Johnston (33) and Morgan Culbertson (30), it seemed the Valley side was cruising to victory but some rash shots and lack of runs from the lower order brought the home side its eighth loss of the competition. Craig Gordon was the best of the Swans bowlers, taking three for 36 off six overs.