Canterbury edge ahead as Auckland lose at U19

Canterbury remain the only unbeaten team at the National Under 19 tournament in Auckland, beating Central Districts today to extend their lead over Auckland – who suffered their first loss at the hands of Otago.

Canterbury bundled Central out for 171 in the 46th over with Logan Van Beek taking three for 35. Josh Poole top scored with 39 for Central. In reply Canterbury made surprisingly hard work of the chase – overhauling the target with just a wicket to spare in the 49th over, Van Beek backing up his bowling effort to anchor the innings with an unbeaten 60.

Auckland looked to be well placed after putting 287 runs on the board in their 50 overs, with Michael Barry scoring 108 and Brad Chemaly 60. But Otago attacked the target and with well-paced contributions from captain Michael Bracewell (81), Ash Simpson (69) and Daniel Power (65), knocked off the winning runs with four balls to spare.

In today’s other clash Northern Districts overwhelmed Wellington. Brett Sorrenson top scored for Northern with 72, helping his side through to 232 for eight. Northern’s bowlers then took Wellington apart – Mattie Thomas and Andrew McLean both getting four-wicket bags, to dismiss Wellington for 216.

Canterbury is now five points clear at the top of the table with one more round of group play to go, before the finals on Monday.

The New Zealand Under-19 squad to play in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand next month will be announced tomorrow evening.

Scorecards:

Central Districts 171 in 45.5 overs (J Poole 39; L Van Beek 3/35) lost to
Canterbury 173/9 in 48.4 overs (L Van Beek 60no; B Wheeler 3/31) by one wicket.

Northern Districts 232/8 (B Sorrenson 72, J Hickey 50; M Taylor 3/60) defeated
Wellington 126 in 34.3 overs (M Taylor 30; M Thomas 4/24, A McLean 4/36) by 106 runs.

Auckland 287/8 (M Barry 108, B Chemaly 60, C Cachopa 46; B Soper 3/56) lost to
Otago 288/8 in 49.2 overs (M Bracewell 81, A Simpson 69, D Power 65; D Grey 3/50) by two wickets.

Points Table (end of Round 4)

P W T L NR Pen Bonus Pts NRR
Canterbury 4 4 0 0 0 0 3 19 +0.94
Auckland 4 3 0 1 0 0 2 14 +1.74
Otago 4 2 0 2 0 0 0 8 -0.40
Central Districts 4 2 0 2 0 -0.5 0 7.5 -0.84
Northern Districts 4 1 0 3 0 0 1 5 +0.18
Wellington 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 -1.51
* CD were penalised for a slow over rate on Day 1.

Draw for Round 5, Sunday 20 December:
All games at Te Atatu Park, Auckland

Auckland v Canterbury
Wellington v Central Districts
Northern Districts v Otago