By Peter Jones
The Newman Shield is heading back over the Whangamoas after the Nelson Griffins were soundly defeated by Marlborough yesterday.
After losing the toss and being asked to bowl on a batter-friendly wicket Marlborough showed discipline, perseverance and skill to bowl the home side out for 240 in the 48th over.
Opener Jonty Raxworthy, who scored 57 from 74 balls ensured Nelson made a steady start, while a hard-hit 76 from 61 balls from Harsh Visavadiya provided the later impetus as they registered a moderate yet defendable total.
Nick Weaver, who bagged 2-33 from 7.3 overs, Bailey Andrews-Kennedy, 2-49 from nine, and off spinner Matt Stretch, with 2-22 from six, were the main wicket-takers.
Marlborough’s reply was based around the efforts of opener Chris Bartholomeusz, who batted for 40 overs and scored 77 from 111 balls, ensuring solidarity in the visitors’ innings.
He teamed with No 3 Cooper Roberts to put together a 63-run partnership for the second wicket, then joined forces with Andrew McCaa, who ended with an unbeaten 80 from 91 deliveries, to produce a match-winning 107-run third wicket partnership.
Marlborough ended with 244-4, the match concluding with 14 deliveries to be bowled.
