Otago and Auckland close the gap at National U18's

Otago edged past leaders Central Districts and Auckland beat Canterbury in 50-over matches to tighten the gap at the National Under 18 tournament at Lincoln.

With victory in their sights Central lost five wickets for 11 runs to hand Otago a one run win. Batting first, Otago hit 215 for eight, largely thanks to their openers Gregor Croudis and Tom Griffin who struck 48 and 49 respectively. Central captain Angus Schaw was the best of the bowlers, taking three for 39 from his ten overs. The Central chase was on track with Matthew Edmondson hitting a crisp 69 and Schaw cracking a quick-fire 50. However, the Central bowling attack, led by Jack Hunter’s three for 18, ripped through the lower order to sneak a remarkable win.

Auckland were convincing winners over Canterbury, rolling them for 168 before reaching 172 for three to record a seven wicket victory. A number of Canterbury batsmen got starts but the Auckland bowlers continued to peg them back with Shaun Hicks the chief destroyer, claiming five for 13. In reply, Ben Horne struck 92 to ensure they reached the target comfortably.

Northern Districts picked up their first win of the competition, beating Wellington by seven wickets. Batting first, Wellington were kept to 204 in 47.2 overs despite Henry Walsh making a classy 96 off 107 deliveries. The Northern bowlers hunted as a pack with three bowlers taking two wickets apiece to go with two run-outs. The Northern reply got off to the perfect start as Thomas MacRury hit a brilliant 98 at the top of the order while Anish Desai chipped in with an unbeaten 52 as they cruised to 207 for five in 45.4 overs.
Results, full scorecards and full match reports - http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/domestic/National-under18/120/schedule.aspx