Bowlers power LPW to two-day title
Lancaster Park-Woolston wrapped up their second two-day club cricket title in three seasons courtesy of a 37-run outright win over Burnside West-University at Garrick Park on Saturday.
There to witness the thrilling scenes were several of the club’s former players and stalwarts. Life member Gavin Royfee, 84, a former opening batsman between 1947 and 1962, was just as pleased as the players.
‘‘It was marvellous,’’ said Royfee, who scored more than 4000 runs in his 16-year career.
‘‘I don’t get to the games as often as I’d like these days . . . I can only come in if my wife drives me here.’’
LPW, who won the title in the earthquake-abbreviated 2010-11 season, were at their best with the ball. Dean Van Deventer took 5-31 while Brent Findlay, rebounding from his suspension last week, provided able support with 4-35 as they rolled Burnside for 94.
Findlay was ‘‘bitterly disappointed’’ to miss the first day of the match with BWU for abusing an umpire and said he took his punishment on the chin.
Resuming at 80-2 with a lead of 71, LPW were looking to stamp their mark on the game with a strong batting performance but it was BWU’s bowlers who took control as they picked up the final eight wickets for just 60 runs.
Matt Farrant (4-25) and Scott Inglis (3-31) were the best for the visitors while Park captain Keryn Ambler (42) provided the most resistance.
Van Deventer took 11 wickets in the match, effectively a final.
In the other games – East Shirley finished third after they beat Marist Harewood by 53 runs, spurred on by club stalwart Jason Pawson in his final senior match.
After 14 seasons, Pawson’s pair in his final game was hardly the perfect way to go out, but on cue, the wily medium pacer took 5-24 from 16 overs to help seal the win and third place.
St Albans finished their season on a high with a two-wicket win over Old Boys while Sydenham won the basement battle with Riccarton by two wickets, but still finished in last place.
St Albans took out the womens’ one day crown by 90-runs against Old Boys Collegians-Country on the back of Meg Kendal’s 94.
Saints scored an imposing 273-6 with Kendal well supported by Natalie Cox who scored 66.
OBCC could only manage 183 in reply.