While WTTU stuttered somewhat in getting home against an improving Wakatu at Victory Square, the main story of Round 2 of the local NCA, was the dominant performance of playing through champions Stoke Nayland.
At Marsden Rec, Nelson College were demolished by an outstanding home team.
Darius Skeaping tormented the schoolboys for the second week in a row, the venerable Kurt Pahl added his usual mature touches and skipper Brendan Hodgson iced the innings with seven boundaries and four sixes in his fifty-four-ball knock.
Their attractive batting allowed them to declare with a creditable and easily defendable total after just 37 overs.
Leg spinning Finn Restieaux and his younger medium paced brother Ronan, were the pick of the beleaguered College bowlers.
The run chase was always going to be trying at best.
Opener Ili Tugaga picked up the treats with the wickets, but every individual put their hands up to maintain the pressure on the visitors batting.
College batted 38 overs for their meagre total and even if the injured Jonty Raxworthy had of been able to bat the target would never have been tested. Kaleb McKay was the top scorer, but it was always a mountain too high.
Stoke Nayland 230/6 (Darius Skeaping 81, Brendan Hodgson 65, Kurt Pahl 23, Finn Restieaux 3/34, Ronan Restieaux 2/34)
Nelson College 95 (Kaleb Mckay 35, Ili Tugaga 3/8)
Stoke Nayland won by 135 runs.
At Victory Square the fixture was probably tighter than would have been anticipated.
Wakatu amassed its best batting performance of the season as they produced 183.
Tom O’Neill was the pick of the bowling with a tight and dangerous effort in his five-wicket bag. In his characteristic manner Joey O’Connor anchored the WTTU innings as they won with four wickets to spare.
Wakatu 183/7 (Tom O’Neill 5/38)
WTTU 184/6 (Joe O’Connor 82*)
WTTU won by 4 wickets
