New Zealand Under-19 vs Cricket Web Under-19
1st Youth Test
at Goffmouth Park
Jack "MaccaMonaro" McNamara trapped Hamish Bennett lbw and pumped his fist in the air in a classic celebration of a dramtic victory for the Cricket Web Under-19s. McNamara claimed the final two wickets to fall and sealed the win when it looked like the brilliance of Derek de Boorder was set to steal the game away for New Zealand.
The game was packed with tosses and turns and individual class, but de Boorder's innings was almost the highlight of it all. New Zealand U-19 were struggling at 2/3 then 37/4, chasing 236 for victory.
It seemed the Webheads had swung the game decisively their way after a hard grudge match over the first three innings. Different thoughts were on the mind of de Boorder, however, and even as New Zealand fell to 88/7 he never gave up hope.
Instead he batted with the assured support of number nine, Roneel Mira, then Jason Donnelly. The Kiwis moved ever so much closer to the target, much to the frustration of the Webheads.
Just when it seemed the victory push took momentum with the New Zealanders, McNamara struck twice to breathe relief.
New Zealand U-19 chose to bowl on the first day and reaped the success of the decision, as Cricket Web surrendered for 239, with Bennett claiming 4 wickets. Dauth and Smith showed promise in the top order at 125/1, but wickets fell consistently throughout the day from that point onward.
The Kiwi response was significantly more composed. Todd Astle was off to a flyer, but Borcich made him the first of a stunning 7-wicket haul. Astle's partner, Guptill continued on in fine style, and played the defining innings 100 in a total of 329 all out.
Having been hammered all innings long, Greg Thomas finished the innings with a quick couple of wickets.
The Webheads faced a deficit of 90, but rather than play cautiously, they launched into a counterattack. Thamba Mamesh was the main man with a fiery hundred at the top of the order. Nick Scott contributed with a classy half-century, but the aggressive mindset backfired and the score was later 246/7.
Borcich had earlier starred with the ball, but found responsibility with the bat and grabbed it with both hands. With his captain at his side, the young man scored a crucial 40 runs. McNamara grafted for an equally important 24 at the other end, and they scratched the total to 325.
The target of 236 looked more than sufficient when Borcich quickly removed Astle and Ellison, then Wilson bowled Guptill for a duck. Wilson returned later for two more wickets, but could procure no further damage and drama ensued.
Cricket Web U-19 1st Innings 239 all out
New Zealand U-19 1st Innings 329 all out
Cricket Web U-19 2nd Innings 325 all out
New Zealand U-19 2nd Innings 213 all out
Cricket Web U-19 won by 22 runs.
Man of the Match: NA Borcich
Looking forward to the challenge, hopefully I can make a difference.
