Auckland beat Otago to move top at National U18's

Auckland were too good for Otago in the top of [the] table clash with a commanding seven wicket win in the 50-over match to see them vault into first place at the National Under 18 Tournament in Lincoln [yesterday]. Central Districts remain in second spot after accounting for Northern Districts while Canterbury now have a share of third place after beating Wellington.

Batting first, Otago could only muster 117 with Auckland reaching 118 for three in 33.3 overs. Shaun Hicks was the most impressive of the Auckland attack, picking up one of the openers before ripping through the tail to finish with figures of five for 24 off eight overs. The bulk of Auckland’s runs came from Sachin Variath who struck 53. Otago paceman Jacob Duffy bent his back and was rewarded with two wickets for 23 runs.

Sam Chamberlain snared four for 45 to help Canterbury defend 202 and claim a 13 run win over Wellington. Canterbury’s total was held together by captain Leo Carter who made 52 with a number of other players getting starts but not kicking on. Wellington’s Will Brunton was impressive taking five for 41 and completing a run-out. In reply, Sam Keegan top scored for Wellington with 54 as they made 189 in 49.3 overs.

Central Districts managed to edge past Northern Districts total of 180 to win by three with just three balls to spare. Byrnn Cleaver struck 49 to get the Central reply off to a decent start before James McDougall’s guided them home with a superb 87, including the winning boundary, as they made 182 for seven. McDougall also did a great job with the ball taking three for 35.

Results, full scorecards and full match reports - http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/domestic/National-under18/120/schedule.aspx