Stratford White Cricket

4th February 2010

THE Stratford White 3rd grade cricket side has continued its unbeaten run by winning the South Taranaki 3rd Grade, 20/20 Competition.
In the South Final against Normanby, Stratford opted to bowl first. They soon looked to be regretting their decision when Normanby posted a competitive 155-7 off their 20 overs. Wicket takers for Stratford were Aaron Moore (3), Greg Hughes (2) and Jason Nightengale (3).
In Reply, Stratford lost regular early wickets in fading light and were in trouble at 3-50 before an unbroken 108 run partnership between Aaron Moore (58 n/o) and Andrew Jolly (40 n/o) saw Stratford coast to victory in the 15th Over.
The team then followed this up with the Taranaki 3rd Grade 20/20 final on Sunday January 24.
Playing against Merrilands of New Plymouth, Stratford again won the toss and opted to bowl. Again, Merrilands got off to a flier before the old campaigner Ian Patterson showed his experience and class to take 3-10 off his 4 overs. Regular wickets and tight bowling from all bowlers saw Merrilands all out for 117 in the 20th over with Aaron Moore 3-24 and Andrew Jolly 2-26 cleaning up the tail. Stratford got off to a flier with Ali Wicksteed clearing the fence in the first over and throughout the innings they were never in trouble.