Congratulations to the New Plymouth Boys' High School First XI who are off to represent CD at this year's Gillette Cup nationals!

After a big victory over last year's champion Lindisfarne College on Day One of the CD regional playoffs in Palmerston North, NPBHS backed up with a tight win against Nelson College in the 1v2 Final to secure the CD title.

NPBHS will be up against the five other regional First XI champions at NZC's 2020/21 national Gillette Cup tournament, later this summer.

Having eliminated Palmerston North Boys' High on the previous day, Nelson College won the toss and batted on a weather-affected day at Fitzherbert Park, but was bowled out for 155 in the last over.

The bowling hero of the previous day for NPBHS was Chris Logan with a five-wicket bag against Lindisfarne, but today Logan had to settle for just one late wicket as the wickets were shared around the attack.

Teammate Braydon Baker put himself on a hat-trick as he rustled up 3-30 off just 4.4 overs, crucially - as it would later prove, helping restrict the late order. Earlier, Jason McGrath, Fianlay Barnes and Liam Carr had all picked up a brace.

For Nelson, Jonty Raxworthy top-scored with a half century at first drop, but he would lose too many partners en route to his 54 to be able to capitalise before he eventually departed, having got his team to 103 for six in the 40th.

NPBHS made the better start with the bat, Sebastion Lauderdale-Smith and Sam Darth sharing a 49-run stand for the opening wicket.

Keeper-batsman Darth soldiered on for a very patient half century, his 51 coming from 131 balls as he anchored what proved a tricky chase.

It was the side's best score as Nelson fought back with the ball, chipping out regular wickets, with Jonty Raxworthy's twin brother Finn Raxworthy picking up a five-wicket bag (5-47).

A rain delay at the 26-over mark with still 60 runs needed and five wickets left only added to the nerves of both sides.

After a lengthy break, NPBHS found themselves needing to hang onto their wickets at 151 for eight, but would get home comfortably enough with 3.1 overs to spare.

New Plymouth Boys' High will travel to Lincoln for a shot at the national title from December 10-14 2020.

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2020 CHAMPIONS!

Article added: Tuesday 03 November 2020