NZCT NATIONAL CLUB CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIP 2018
DAY FOUR
Pukekohe Metro (ND) v Onslow (Wellington)
On Cornwall's boutique number three ground, Onslow were out to secure their second win on the trot while Pukekohe Metro was keen to make hay while the sun shone, having taken a first-up hit the previous day.
Onslow won the toss and continued the trend of bowling first on the green decks in the weather-affected national tourney.
Pukekohe Metro started reasonably well, however, and at 70 for two after 13 overs was looking in a dominant position to kick on for a big score.
However, the Onslow bowling attack was once again on song through the middle overs, taking regular wickets to stunt the other green team's progress.
Wellington Firebirds rep Malcolm Nofal (3-28) was once again in the wickets with the standout figures as Onslow bowled Pukekohe Metro out for 189 in 36 overs.
Jonathon Keen (39) was the best of the South Auckland batsmen while number 11 Stan Skinner (31, below) chipped in with some valuable lower order runs.
The Onslow reply was measured as they chased down the middling total in 35.3 overs.
First drop Nofal with an unbeaten 68 was in the runs, as was Calvin Harrison (55).
Reid Somani (3-36) was the best of the bowlers from Pukekohe Metro, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat as Onslow chalked up its second victory of the tournament by four wickets, leaving them one of the two remaining undefeated teams, alongside CD's Napier Tech Old Boys.
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)
