The match between the Kings and the Owaka Bandits was scheduled to be played in Kaitangata, but their outfield and pitch was deemed unplayable, with the match being moved to Owaka.
Kaitangata asked Owaka to bat and, after the loss of an early wicket, Owaka fought back through opener Jeremy Gray and first drop Jethro Melville.
They took the score to 46 before Kings co-captain Mark Shepherd took a one-handed screamer off the bowling of Daniel Sutherland to dismiss the in-form Gray for 24.
Two overs later, it was Sutherland’s turn to pull off an audacious catch to dismiss Melville for 16.
The remainder of the Bandits batters struggled to find the boundary and, after their allotted 20 overs, the home side could only muster 90 for four.
Sutherland returned figures of two for 22 on his Kings debut.
In reply, the Kings lost an early wicket as they looked to take the aggressive route early.
Opening batter Orry Young struck some lofty blows, surviving two dropped chances in one over and contributing 37 important runs for his side.
Owaka’s bowling attack fought their way back, but the experienced Jason Young showed a cool head to get his side over the line with an over remaining.
Gray took two for 19 in another strong all-round display.
The Milton King Crabs posted their first win of the season as they beat the Valley Stingers by four wickets at Tuapeka Mouth.
Milton asked Valley to bat and consistent wickets and some tight lines through the middle of the innings restricted Valley, who could only muster 68 as they were bowled out in the 19th over.
Milton’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Corey Bradley, who was extremely difficult to get away. He returned figures of four for 14 off 3.4 overs, which included a hat-trick as Valley’s last three batters were dismissed in consecutive balls.
Michael Johnston top-scored for the home side with 17 and Marc Phillips was next best with 12.
In reply, some early runs from openers Jacob Jenkins (18) and Tim Martin (11) got Milton off to a strong start.
Valley fought back with an outstanding spell of bowling from Harjinder Singh, but the total was too small to protect, and the visitors claimed the win in the 13th over.
Singh’s four-over spell was a special one, as he recorded his first five-wicket haul for the home side, finishing with five for 23 off his allotted overs.
Milton top-order batter Dylan Greer was the glue in the innings and finished unbeaten on 24.
The Clutha Comets defaulted to the Waihola Swans.
- Francis Parker
