Devon Hotel Central Stags 109 all out in 18.3 overs (Will Young 36, Jeetan Patel 4-11, Luke Woodcock 3-24) lost to Mighty Ape Wellingon Firebirds 111-4 in 16.5 overs (Michael Pollard 28, Stephen Murdoch 28, by six wickets.
The Devon Hotel Central Stags were bowled out for 109 in the nineteenth over of the first innings, losing their way against a Mighty Ape Wellington Firebirds side enjoying an inspired day in the field. That allowed the home team to cruise to the win in the 17th over, sealing second place in the table with two wins from three in their home games.
Jeetan Patel opened the bowling for the Firebirds and removed George Worker with the third ball of the innings, as he tried to hit over the inner circle, only to be caught by James Franklin at mid-off for a duck. Jamie How soon joined Worker in the shed, caught by Patel this time from Luke Woodcock's bowling for eight.
The Stags came back steadily, if not speedily through Will Young (36) and Kruger van Wyk (28), but when they lost Kieran Noema-Barnett for eight at 4-75 it sparked a run of wickets that saw them lose their last five wickets for just 34 runs to be all out in the 19th over, thanks to some great catching in the deep and around the circle by the Firebirds.
After being left out of the side on Friday evening, Jeetan Patel remarkable figures of 4-11 from four overs, having a big say in reducing the Stags to their low total.
In reply the Firebirds were under little scoreboard pressure, and despite none of their batsmen making big runs they were able to get home comfortably.
Michael Pollard (28) and Michael Papps (21) both found the boundaries regularly, going over and through the field with ease. Stephen Murdoch (28) was not out when the Firebirds got home in the 17th over, a result that put the 'Birds into second place on the table and a much improved run rate.
