By Jim Allnatt
What started out as a very promising day for the Marie Raos Ray White HPCC Premier Men finished with the home side on the back foot at Lloyd Elsmore.
Dismissing the visitors for 144 in their first innings, thanks to Rudi Botadra starring with 4/21 off 13 overs and being well backed up by Donovan Grobbelaar’s 2/35, Matt Blandford’s 2/32 and Taine Jolley’s 2/31.
In reply, The Alpacas made a solid start in its run chase with an opening partnership of 36 between Bill Walsh and Dan Young. but the next six wickets fell for only an additional 38 runs and Howick are in dire straits at 74/7, still with 71 runs to make to achieve a first innings lead.
Papatoetoe’s bowlers kept a very tight length and the fielders were right on the mark. H. Vyas stood out with 4/15 off 17 overs, well supported by L. Instead who has taken 2/24 off 17.
Both sides have it all to play for as an outright victory for either team looms.
