CAMERON BURNELL/FAIRFAX NZ
AIRBORNE: New Plymouth Old Boys pace bowler David Loake in full flight during the Taranaki Twenty20 cricket final against New Plymouth Marist United at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park yesterday. United won by 13 runs.
New Plymouth Marist United claimed the Taranaki Twenty20 cricket title beating New Plymouth Old Boys by 13 runs in the final at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park yesterday.
Batting first, United made 148-4 thanks to a patient 59 from opener and captain Ryan Fleming and a well-hit 56 not out from Jarred Cunningham.
The fireworks started quickly in the run chase with Old Boys batsman Ken Roycroft whipping the first four deliveries to the boundary. A dot ball followed and then United bowler Josh Barrett had his revenge claiming the wicket.
Kent Jordan powered his way to 49 with three sixes in the mix, with Matt Shaw scoring an unbeaten 24 including one six but the target proved just too far away for Old Boys as they finished with 135-7 off their 20 overs.
"Patience was the key," said Fleming afterwards. "Both batting and in the field. We were content just to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The plan was for me to bat through and have the hitters around me. JC (Cunningham) is built for Twenty20, he's hard to bowl to and good for sixes. He can paddle it around."
Fleming said his side's work in the field was outstanding.
"We cut down the ones. Stopping singles and stringing dot balls together builds pressure. We did that well."
Fleming admitted though there were a few nervous moments as Old Boys tried to chase down the total.
"It could have gone either way. One ball going for a six or a four being cut off could have changed things a lot."
Fleming singled out spinner Shreyas Debur for special mention. "He was outstanding. He bowled tight at the start and tight at the death.
"Two for 12 off four overs, outstanding. He thrives on it and loves to bowl.
Article Supplied by Taranaki Daily News; www.taranakidailynews.co.nz