01/02/2026
The final match of the T20 series saw the Black and Gold sides of Wanaka going head to head. With Black being undefeated and Gold with the one loss, and coming off a very solid win in the morning match it setup as an exciting showdown.
The Black side batted first, with Campbell (6 off 25) holding down an end with Sunil (14 off 7) going for a blast. Corey had a patient but classy 14 off 16, but Marco (0 for 29 off 4 including a maiden) and Dom (1 for 29 off 4) had them tied down early. Josh Sellars (2 for 30 off 4) and Richard (1 for 17 off 4) kept the pressure on through the middle overs. Skipper Jacob (23 off 26) tried to keep things ticking along with Blayne (25 off 15), however both fell victim to the quality and skill that came from Josh Shackleton (2 for 20 off 2). Batters that faced him were heard saying that it was almost an unplayable spell of bowling. Luckily Hardik (39 off 24) managed to get few shots away to get the Black side to a respectable total.
Black kept the scoring pressure on almost right the way through their innings. The openers for Black Ryan (0 for 15 off 2) and Sunil (0 for 17 off 2) had great spells to get things going. Richard (15 off 15) battled hard for his runs. Harris (31 off 24) played some nice shots to keep Gold in the picture. Captain Sam Harper (11 off 11) fell to the skills of veteran Matty A (1 for 28 off 3). His counterpart Jacob (1 for 6 off 2) arguably under bowled himself and potentially cost his side the match. Hardik (1 for 27 off 4) and Isuru (1 for 8 off 2) did their job in the middle to late overs to maintain the scoreboard pressure. That was all released when Marco (59 off 35) took Blayne (1 for 31 off 2) for 30 off his first over. Some in the crowd asking why on Earth Blayne was bowling, with the ball clearing the rope on 4 occasions. It was smooth sailing for the Gold side from the on, with Black taking what many were calling the loss they needed to have.
All in all an enjoyable match of cricket played in good spirits! Enjoy the Waitangi long weekend, we will still be training this week down at the Rec Center, Tuesday and Thursday at 530. It's not too late to sneak in for a game, all are welcome.
