Auckland take unassailable lead at National U18's

Otago win twice to occupy second spot
Auckland recorded Twenty20 wins over Central Districts and Canterbury to move four points clear of the field at the National Under 18 Tournament at Lincoln today [26 January]. Otago also impressed today, beating Northern Districts and Wellington to remain in second spot but with just three points up for grabs on tomorrow’s final day they will not be able to overtake Auckland.

The leaders started their day with a resounding 10-wicket win over Central after reaching 139 in 11.4 overs in pursuit of Central’s 137 for seven. Auckland opener Michael Chapman was particularly brutal, lashing and unbeaten 65 off 29 deliveries while fellow opener Ben Horne smacked 64 off 43. Their second win over Canterbury was also impressive as they restricted the opposition to 87 for nine before hitting 90 for five off 15.2 overs.

Otago’s first match of the day saw Tom Griffin hit 51 to help them through to 163 for seven before some exceptional fielding helped kept Northern Districts to 145 for six and led to an 18 run win. The team completed three run-outs while Jacob Duffy picked up the vital wicket of Northern’s Tim Seifert for 71. The second win was set up by Josh Renton who struck 60 as Otago made 172 for six. Michael Rae and Duffy then ran through the Wellington line up to ensure they recorded a comfortable 20 run win. Duffy was particularly difficult to get away, finishing with figures of three for 10 while Rae ended with three for 40.

In other matches, Northern beat Central by 19 runs and Wellington beat Canterbury by 20 runs.

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

First round of Twenty20 matches:

Canterbury v Wellington - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1371/scorecard.aspx
Northern Districts v Otago - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1372/scorecard.aspx
Auckland v Central Districts – http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1370/scorecard.aspx

Second round of Twenty20 matches:

Wellington v Otago - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1378/scorecard.aspx
Central v Northern - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1379/scorecard.aspx
Auckland v Canterbury - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1377/scorecard.aspx


Points

Auckland - 31
Otago - 27
Central Districts - 24
Canterbury – 21
Wellington – 11
Northern Districts – 9