Hat-trick in a burgundy bonanza

NZCT NATIONAL CLUB CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIP 2018

DAY FOUR

Burnside West (Canterbury) v North East Valley (Otago)

Scores

It was an absolute wicketfest on Cornwall's number two ground when the two teams in burgundy, North East Valley and Burnside West, went head to head in a reduced 45 overs match, both trying to get their first win on the board and avoid relegation to the wooden spoon playoff on Sunday.

Burnside had copped a narrow loss to Cornwall the previous day while North East Valley had collapsed against Onslow, on the receiving end of a hat-trick that day.

Now North East Valley looked to have been off to a magnificent start after winning the toss, rolling Burnside for 123 — before Burnside returned the favour, knocking over the lads from Dunedin for just 70 to claim a thrilling 53-run victory.

After their strong showing the previous day, the Burnside batting line-up had been in all sorts of trouble, crumbling to 39 for seven early doors.

Matt Fisher with an incredible haul of 5-6 at the top was the chief destroyer for the southerners in a devastating opening spell for his side, which included the second hat-trick of the tournament in as many days, split across the second and fourth overs, and yet another wicket just two balls later, and he would go on to interim figures of five for one!

With their side in dire straits, tailenders Matt Farrant (29) and Scott Inglis (37) battled hard for Burnside pride, taking their side from the brink of embarrassment to finish 123 all out — runs that would prove all important.

With a modest total to defend, the Burnside bowlers came out with real intent, and it was game on after they had reduced the North East Valley batting line-up to a startling 21 for seven.

Opening bowlers Farrant (3-32, below) and Inglis (4-7) continued their day in the sun with an outstanding display with the ball.

The pair just about single-handedly dismantled the North East Valley batting line-up, opener Will Kindley (49) the only batsman to show some fight.

Eventually the boys from Otago were bowled out in the 21^st over for 70 to hand Burnside their first win of the 2018 NZCT National Club Cricket Champs.

UPDATE

Rain has washed out Saturday's Round Five matches.

Sunday's national finals will be:

1v2: Onslow (Wellington) v Napier Technical Old Boys (CD)

3v4: Cornwall (Auckland) v Burnside West (Canterbury)

5v6: Pukekohe Metro (ND) v North East Valley (Otago)