2nd Test: New Zealand vs Cricketweb XI
at Napier
Cricketweb XI took an unbeatable 2-0 lead as they overcame a spirited New Zealand side and the rain to record a comfortable nine wicket victory in the second test in Napier. The highly rated visitors could be forgiven for their rusty performance in the first test after more than a year away from the international circuit however a similar type of performance wasn't going to be tolerated this time around.
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat and put together several reasonable partnerships but they lacked that one or two big scores in attempting to post a big first innings total. Neil Broom playing in his second test top scored for the hosts with 78 while star batsman Ross Taylor also posted a half century, the pairs 116 run partnership was the highlight of the Kiwi's total of 265. Mike Wilson continued his impressive bowling form as he took 3/45, despite taking two wickets seamer Greg Thomas was again taken to town by the home side's top order in going for 88 runs from 16 overs.
Cricketweb XI's reply was brutal and decisive, Will Kerr announced himself on the world stage as a truly great batsman with his maiden test and first class double century, his 217 included 29 fours and 2 sixes, Kerr shared in a 189 run stand with in form number 3 Andrew Cloete who contributed 134 runs of his own in what was his 23rd test match century. A smashing 85 from 72 by all rounder Mike Wilson put the match beyond reach for New Zealand as the Webheads were dismissed for 585. Brent Arnel again showed good talent in taking 6 wickets, James Franklin also took 3 but like his team mates was far too expensive.
With plenty of rain around the New Zealand second innings was interupted no less than six times as the hosts began to feel a draw was a real possibility. Despite slumping to 102/6 the lower order dug in and ensured the visitors would have to bat again to win the match, Daniel Vettori made his second contribution of the series with the bat as he made 63, James Franklin backed up his effort with the ball to top score with 64. A total of 346 meant Cricketweb XI were left with 27 to win. David Kennett had his best innings of the series with 3 wickets while Greg Thomas also again took wickets.
Again it started raining and the umpires called for an early tea break on day 5, but the visitors wouldn't be denied. After Hakon Mork fell for 8 it was left for Dan Smith and Andrew Cloete to knock off the runs which they did with ease.
New Zealand 265
NT Broom 78, RL Taylor 55, BJ Watling 42, MW Wilson 3/45, NS Pickup 2/23
Cricketweb XI 585
WA Kerr 217, AP Cloete 134, MW Wilson 85, BJ Arnel 6/181, JE Franklin 3/191
New Zealand 346
JE Franklin 64, DL Vettori 63, DR Flynn 40, DM Kennett 3/56, GM Thomas 3/112
Cricketweb XI 27/1
DP Smith 12*, H Mork 8, DR Tuffey 1/8
Cricketweb XI won by 9 wickets
Man of the Match: WA Kerr
