Expert Turf premier cricket wrap

50-over semifinals
Expert Turf 50-over semifinal matches are set to go ahead this Sunday, with a wet weather watch looming over the matches.

Top qualifiers Nag N’ Noggin NPMU will host Stratford at Lynmouth Park, while second-placed Civil Quarries Inglewood hosts Merit RV NPOB at Karo Park.

The two home sides are in the box seat in the case of rain, and will advance to next Sunday’s final should their match finish without a result.

With a forecast for rain turning heavy over the day, there will be plenty of nervous eyes on the skies.

Matches start at 11am. Full details including live scoring are available here at PlayHQ: Home and Away competition fixtures | PlayHQ

Two-day round one matches resume
Meanwhile Day 2 of the first round of two-day matches are on track for Saturday.

After a boil over on day one, which saw Whitaker Civil FDMC take a convincing first innings lead over Marist, the return of the ‘big brother’s’ rep players to the side should ensure an intriguing day play out at Lynmouth Park. FDMC are 0/8 in their second innings, with a 61 run lead over Marist after they skittled the home side for just 75 in their first innings. Day one was notable for the inclusion of All Black Jordie Barrett in his old school colours, and a fighting half century for Asher Ryan (52 not out) to help his side through to 125 which was enough to take the day’s honours.

Inglewood’s match against Metcalfe real Estate Hawera is evenly poised at Karo Park. Having been sent into bat, Hawera worked its way through to 236 with opener Liam Fowler top-scoring with 60. Inglewood are 6/127 in response with captain Troy Chilcott (61 not out) and Richard Clough at the crease, but with several rep players likely to return to the side.

The NPBHS First XI will resume their second innings at 1/1 and in a spot of bother against Stumble Inn Woodleigh at the school’s Top Field. The school side trail by 96 runs, having batted first and made 86, before the visitors responded with 183 in their first innings. Zac Betteridge impressed with the ball for Woodleigh, taking 4/18 off close to 14 overs.

The final match has Stratford battling for the match with NPOB having taken day one honours at Western Park. Batting first, NPOB would have been disappointed not to have made the most of a strong start which saw Richard Kelly (50) and Josh Borrell (54) make half centuries before dropping away and being all out for 170. Stratford in turn started strongly, with opener Ross Forrester (62) getting the side underway nicely. Once Forrester was gone though, the remaining batters showed little resistance and the side were all out for 90. NPOB resume on 2/135 with opener Jack Parker on 74 not out and the side enjoying a 210-run lead.

Full details can be found here at PlayHQ: Home and Away competition fixtures | PlayHQ