After a roller coaster round robin Kaipaki have done enough to secure a place in Waikato Valley’s premier competition against St Paul’s Collegiate.
 
Game: Kaipaki  vs Otorohanga CC
Venue: Kaipaki Oval (Artificial)  
Date: Saturday 12th March 2016
Weather: Sunny
Toss: Kaipaki won the toss and elected to bat first.
Format: 106 overs format
 
Kaipaki Team: Corey Hyde, Hugo Bothma, Doug Cookson, Ben Strang, Matt Lowe, Doug Bradley, Adam Flegg, Dylan Griffin, Brenden Flegg, Dean Busch ©, Guy Swikkard, Carl Schwarz
 
Result: Kaipaki won by 3 runs
 
Match Statistics:
 
Kaipaki 225 all out in 53 overs
Kaipaki Batting: Douglas Bradley 53, Hugo Bothma 49no
 
Otorohanga 222 all out in 46.5 Overs
Kaipaki Bowling: Dylan Griffin 3 for 37 off 8 overs
 
Match Summary
Kaipaki have won a cliff hanger at Kaipaki Oval over Otorohanga CC to secure a place in the Champions Trophy final. Kaipaki needed a victory to earn themselves a place in the final and did so in dramatic circumstances.
 
Winning the toss Kaipaki elected to bat and put scoreboard pressure on Otorohanga. This plan back fired however as Kaipaki wilted under the pressure that was put on them in the field by Otorohanga. The Otorohanga opening bowlers bowled for a long and sustained period of good line and length. Kaipaki found themselves 113 for 6 at one stage and battling to stay in the game. However, Kaipaki have lost 3 strike bowlers this season due to injury and have replaced those players with batsman. So Kaipaki have batting depth right down to 11. This proved to be beneficial for the home team and they were able to muster a competitive score of 225 all out. The pick of the batsmen were Douglas Bradley (53), and Hugo Bothma (49no).
 
Otorohanga looked to be cruising to the total and were 183 for 5. However as Kaipaki have shown all season they dug deep and got crucial wickets when it mattered. The score was 202 for 8 and anyone’s game with 8 overs to go. It got down to Otorohanga needing 4 runs for victory with 1 wicket in hand. With small boundaries and on an artificial pitch it seemed a lost course for Kaipaki. However, the Otorohanga tailend batsman slogged at a delivery and skied it to Dylan Griffin who took a great catch low to the ground to win the game.
 
Kaipaki will play St Paul’s Collegiate First XI at St Paul’s Collegiate in a two day game over Saturday and Sunday this week. It is a straight final with the winner of the game winning the championship.

Kind regards,
Kent Currie
Kaipaki Cricket Enthusiast
021 944 710

Tempers flared at the Kaipaki Oval on Saturday during a Waikato Valley Champions Trophy club cricket match between Kaipaki and Otorohanga.
The home side won a thrilling final-round match by three runs to book a meeting with St Paul's Collegiate School in this weekend's two-day final, but there were farcical scenes which put a blight on the contest.
Waikato Valley Cricket is awaiting an umpire's report on the incidents - most notably the one which saw  an Otorohanga batsman swipe a Kaipaki bowler in the face when the former was given out lbw.
It was the worst of several unsavoury incidents on the park, with both teams not shy of firing verbals.
READ MORE: Finalists all but confirmed
Otorohanga captain Leighton Parsons said it was disappointing that such an exciting game was overshadowed by one incident, and that his side absolutely don't condone such behaviour.
"There was definitely contact to move him out of the way," said Parsons, who was at the non-striker's end at the time.
"I'm sure something will come of that, because contact with another player is completely against everything the game's [about]. That's that emotion boiling over with the occasion.
"He'll be disappointed, definitely, with how much he over-reacted at that. Well he is, I know that for a fact. So whatever the consequences may be, I'm sure he'll accept, and take on the chin I suppose."
A Facebook post from the Otorohanga Cricket Club hinted at the incident.
 
" A number of controversial decisions led to boil over in emotions from both teams as the game went to the wire," it said.

Kaipaki captain Dean Busch confirmed the contact wasn't a punch and played down the rest of the ill-feeling during the match, which seemed to be escalated by players disagreeing with decisions of the player umpires at square leg.
"All of your standard player-umpire-type incidents, and nothing that wouldn't have happened week in and week out on cricket fields all around the country," he said.
Both skippers said the good thing was everyone shook hands and had a drink together afterwards, with any tension left on the park.
It was a game which ebbed and flowed and came to a stunning finish.
Kaipaki posted 225 all out in 52.3 overs, leaving Otorohanga 53 overs to chase their target.
Parsons (70) had his side on track but when Dylan Griffin (3-37 off eight) trapped Shaun Beattie to make it 183-6, it triggered a collapse, where Otorohanga lost 3-3, with Griffin also taking the wicket of Parsons.
Otorohanga's No 9 Bryan King (19) and No 10 Kaylam Singh (15) hung in for a 34-run stand to put their team within just four runs of victory, and when King was bowled by Brendan Flegg it was 222-9 and the tension ramped even further.
No 11 James Teki joined Singh, and with all nine fielders sent to the boundary Singh constantly hit to the men, before slicing one to Griffin at deep point to end the drama.

Kaipaki Win Two Dayer And Secure Crucial Competition Points
Solid first innings batting performance on a tricky pitch the catalyst for victory.
 
Game: Kaipaki  vs Morrinsville CC
Venue: Morrinsville Recreation Ground (Grass)  
Date: Saturday 20th & 27th February 2016
Weather: Sunny and VERY VERY HOT
Toss: Morrinsville Won Toss and Elected To Field First
Format: Two Day Game
 
Kaipaki Team: Corey Hyde, Hugo Bothma, Doug Cookson, Joshua Jaques, Ben Strang, Dom Grover, Bradford Leonard, Jerem Wylie, Matt Lowe, James Mitchinson, Doug Bradley, Ross Laidlaw, Adam Flegg, Dylan Griffin
 
Result: Kaipaki won by 4 wickets
 
Match Statistics:
 
Kaipaki 300 all out in 77 overs
Kaipaki Batting (1st Innings): Carl Schwarz 76, Jerem Wylie 74, Joshua Jaques 51
 
Morrinsville CC (1st Innings) 155 all out in 43 Overs
Kaipaki Bowling: Adam Flegg 3 for 20 off 8 overs
 
Morrinsville CC (2nd Innings) 244 all out in 52 overs
Morrinsville Batting: Rhys McCarthy 126
Kaipaki Bowling: Dylan Griffin 3 for 34 off 9 overs
 
Kaipaki 100 for 6 in 24 overs
Kaipaki Batting (1st Innings): Carl Schwarz 19no
 
 
 
Match Summary
Kaipaki have beaten Morrinsville in a two day fixture and take full competition points at the Morrinsville Recreation Ground. The win means that Kaipaki have been able to accumulate a full 15 competition points and put pressure on first placed Cambridge going into the final two rounds of the Champions Trophy.
 
On the first day Kaipaki were sent into bat on what looked like a very green and moist pitch. The pitch proved tricky to bat on and the Kaipaki batsmen had to dig deep and show resolve that hadn’t really been seen this season. Kaipaki made 300 which was a score well above par. Carl Schwarz showed good poise and control to notch up an important 76 while Jerem Wylie bludgeoned the ball to all parts of the ground to get 74. Joshua Jaques again impressed and he scored a well compiled 51. Jaques has been a fine addition to the Kaipaki batting line up and his experience and quality has shown through in his first 3 games for the club.
 
Late on Day One Kaipaki picked up 6 crucial Morrinsville wickets to have them reeling. Morrinsville finished Day One on 86 for 6 still needing 114 to make Kaipaki bat again.
 
The start of Day two brought frustration for Kaipaki. Needing 14 wickets to secure victory they were hampered by the side strain that Dom Grover picked up in his 3rd over of the morning. Grover couldn’t take any part in the match which left Kaipaki short of bowling options after Adam Flegg was ruled out at the bowling crease because of recurring shin splint troubles. Kaipaki found unlikely penetration with the ball through Corey Hyde who picked up 2 very important wickets that helped Kaipaki knock Morrinsville over for 155.
 
Kaipaki enforced the follow on. Rhys McCarthy for Morrinsville showed all his class, grit and determination to almost deny Kaipaki a victory. He scored a disciplined 126 and blunted the Kaipaki attack to the point where Kaipaki were almost about to wave the white flag. Kaipaki at tea only had 4 wickets and still needed 6 wickets plus runs to win this match. However, as proved against Te Awamutu the game before you can never be too sure of the outcome in cricket. Kaipaki somehow rallied and rolled the last 6 Morrinsville wickets for 23 runs and then set themselves up for a run chase which they needed 100 off 26 overs. Kaipaki didn’t really show great discipline in their second innings but did enough to get the required runs and win the match. After the final runs were scored it rained heavily…
 
This was a good two day match and one that Kaipaki played particularly well in. Kaipaki are again starting to mould themselves into a good team which is great for the future of the club. Next week the boys will take on Hinuera in Matamata.
 
Kind regards,

Kent Currie
Kaipaki Cricket Enthusiast
021 944 710

Corey Hyde’s century and Dom Grover’s 5 wicket haul are also highlights against a gritty Te Awamutu team.
 
Game: Kaipaki  vs Te Awamutu Sports
Venue: Kaipaki Oval (Artificial)  
Date: Saturday 13th February 2016
Weather: Sunny and VERY VERY HOT
Toss: Kaipaki Won Toss and Elected To Bat
Format: 106 over game
 
Kaipaki Team: Kent Currie ©, Corey Hyde, Brenden Flegg, Hugo Bothma, Doug Cookson, Joshua Jaques, Ben Strang, Dom Grover, Bradford Leonard, Jerem Wylie, Matt Wynn, Matt Lowe
 
Result: Kaipaki won by 177 runs
 
Match Statistics:
 
Kaipaki 371 for 7 dec in 53 overs
Kaipaki Batting: Corey Hyde 116, Bradford Leonard 65, Ben Strang 48, Matt Lowe 37no, Joshua Jaques 36, Kent Currie 30no
 
Te Awamutu 194 all out in 52.3 Overs
Kaipaki Bowling: Dom Grover 5 for 53 off 13 overs, Doug Cookson 4 for 42 off 10.3 overs
 
 
Match Summary
Doug Cookson has sensationally bowled a hat trick in the last over of the day to bowl Te Awamutu out and secure a crucial outright victory for Kaipaki in a Champions Trophy fixture at Kaipaki Oval. Te Awamutu had shut up shop early in their innings and looked for all money to have secured a draw going into the last over of the day. Kaipaki needed 3 wickets going into the last over to win the game and with little ball movement, tired bowlers, tired fielders (after battling ridiculously hot temperatures) and a very worn ball the odds were stacked against the home team. However cricket is a very strange game. Cookson got the 8thwicket with his very first ball of the 106th over of the day. Then his next delivery was a beautiful inswinging yorker that was bowled with good pace that sent the middle stump cart wheeling. The game had taken a dramatic turn and now Kaipaki only needed 1 wicket with four balls remaining to the number 11th batsman. Cookson with a spring in his step and fielders surrounding the bat charged in with new found energy. He again went for an inswinging yorker. The batsman was beaten for pace and the ball again sent the middle stump cart wheeling. Cookson was mobbed by his delighted team mates.
 
Earlier in the day Kaipaki, who were again utilising their rotation selection policies and as a consequence had 7 usual regulars not playing, took the opportunity to bat first after winning the toss. Opening batsman Corey Hyde scored a disciplined 116 to set Kaipaki up for a big total. His innings was chanceless and it was a timely confidence booster for last years Kaipaki Cricketer of the Year. Bradford Leonard playing his first game of 2016 was in belligerent form scoring 65 in rapid time.. Ben Strang, Joshua Jaques and Matt Lowe were other beneficiaries against an under strength Te Awamutu bowling attack.
 
Although Te Awamutu were chasing a massive score they took the smart option and tried to bat out for a draw. They were dogged and determined in their approach. Their batsman showed good discipline and blocked the straight deliveries while leaving balls outside off stump.  They made Kaipaki work for every single wicket and it proved to be a frustrating time in the field for them. Kaipaki were able to pick up crucial wickets gradually throughout the Te Awamutu innings. Dom Grover did the majority of the damage picking up a 5 wicket haul – he toiled hard into a slight breeze.
 
This was a valuable game for Kaipaki and many learnings I’m sure took place. One is to never underestimate any opposition they play and the other is that twists and turns can happen very quickly in cricket and perseverance eventually pays off.
 
Kaipaki will now look ahead to a two day game against Morrinsville at Morrinsville Domain starting next Saturday.
Kind regards,
 
Kent Currie
Kaipaki Cricket Enthusiast
021 944 710

Kaipaki have been completely outclassed by a rejuvenated Cambridge cricket team who are now frontrunners to win Championship.
 
Game: Kaipaki  vs Cambridge Cricket Club
Venue: Cambridge Town Square, Cambridge (Grass)  
Date: Saturday 30rd January 2016
Weather: Sunny and VERY VERY HOT
Toss: Kaipaki Won Toss and Elected To Bat
Format: Two Day Game
 
Kaipaki Team: James Mitchinson, Corey Hyde, Carl Schwarz, Fraser Kilgour, Adam Flegg, Brenden Flegg, Hugo Bothma, Chris Hurren, Doug Cookson, Joshua Jaques, Ben Strang, Ross Laidlaw, Harrison Bolli, Dom Grover,
 
Result: Cambridge Won By 10 Wickets
 
Match Statistics:
 
Kaipaki (1st Innings): 190 all out in 43 overs
Kaipaki Batting: Ben Strang 40, Adam Flegg 31, Joshua Jaques 30
 
Cambridge (1st Innings): 309 all out in 78 Overs
Kaipaki Bowling: Doug Cookson 2 for 44 off 13, James Mitchinson 2 for 10 off 5, Brenden Flegg 2 for 41 off 10
 
Kaipaki (2nd Innings): 180 all out
Kaipaki Batting: Doug Cookson 47, Corey Hyde 46
 
Cambridge (2nd Innings): 62 for 0
Kaipaki Bowling:
 
 
Match Summary
Kaipaki has been given their heaviest defeat for a number of years at the hands of local rival Cambridge in a two day game played at the picturesque Cambridge Town Square.
 
Two Day cricket is a new concept for the Champions Trophy and the experiment has been hugely successful. Kaipaki won the toss on what was thought to be a batting friendly pitch. Kaipaki were boasting a very strong batting line up on paper and were confident of a big first innings score. However, Kaipaki’s discipline was very poor for a team of this quality – too often batsmen were not willing to do the hard yards and gifted their wickets away. The only way Kaipaki were going to be competitive in this game was if they scored in access of 300 in the first innings and unfortunately they pulled up well short of that score. Cambridge were rewarded for bowling a consistent line and length which suffocated the Kaipaki stroke makers. Kaipaki were bowled out for 190.
 
Kaipaki showed some resolve in the field and they battled hard throughout the Cambridge innings. Kaipaki were unlucky not to have both openers in the shed early as there were big appeals for caught behind which were turned down by the player umpires. Cambridge ended the first day on 210 for 7.
 
Kaipaki started the second day poorly by dropping a catch off the very first ball of the day. Kaipaki needed everything to go their way on day 2. The bowlers bowled well but without any reward or luck. 40 runs on the second morning were scored down to the third man boundary. Cambridge who have a dogged approach to the game battled hard throughout their innings and taught Kaipaki a lesson on how to apply themselves at the crease. Cambridge ended with 309 which was a 119 run first innings lead.
 
Kaipaki needed to get away to a good start in the second innings. However, the complete opposite happened. They were 50 for 6 and a complete embarrassment looked on the cards. However Doug Cookson who is in the team as a bowler dug deep and grounded out an innings that almost saved Kaipaki from defeat. He batted for 3 hours and 34 minutes. It was a tremendous exhibition of determination and pride from the tail ender.
 
His efforts went unrewarded though and Cambridge knocked Kaipaki over for 180 which meant they only needed 62 runs for victory off 11 overs which they did no wickets down and in a canter.
 
This defeat has sent shockwaves through the Kaipaki team who now face a massive challenge if they are to repeat last years final’s appearance. They play the Indian Aroma Raiders on Saturday which should be a good way to get their campaign back on track and a great opportunity to accumulate precious competition points. However – the weather forecast might not allow any play at all…if this is the case that would add salt into injury…
 
Kind regards,
Kent Currie
Kaipaki Cricket Enthusiast
021 944 710

An unbeaten 118no by Fraser Graafhuis leads Kaipaki to victory over a strong Auckland team.
 
Game: Kaipaki  vs North Bombay Cricket Club
Venue: Clifton Cricket Ground (Artificial)  
Date: Saturday 23rd January 2016
Weather: Sunny and VERY VERY HOT
Toss: Kaipaki Won Toss and Elected To Field
Format: 30 over innings
 
Kaipaki Team: Michael Clayton ©, Bradford Leonard, Jerem Wylie, Nick Binnie, Fraser Graafhuis, Alan Ford, Roddie Sim, Marc Severinson, Dan Fenwick, Kent Currie, Wayne Clifford,
 
Result: Kaipaki Won By 2 Wickets
 
Match Statistics:
 
North Bombay CC: 225 for 6 in 30 Overs
Kaipaki Bowling: Wayne Clifford 2 for 46 in 6 overs.
 
Kaipaki: 231 for 8 in 30 overs
Kaipaki Batting: Fraser Graafhuis 118no
 
 
Match Summary
Kaipaki against all odds have won an epic battle against the North Bombay Cricket Club who are based out of Auckland. The game was billed as the game of the Clifton Cricket Carnival as both sides had playing rosters with great depth.
 
Kaipaki won the toss and elected to field as they wanted to chase whatever Auckland chucked at them. The Aucklander’s got away to a flyer and at one stage a score nearing 300 looked realistic. Opening batsman Gardiner for North Bombay scored a belligerent 95 and hit the Kaipaki bowlers to all parts of Hawkes Bay. However the running between wickets wasn’t great and Kaipaki through some agile fielding and accurate throws picked up 3 run outs – this kept Kaipaki in the game and halted any momentum that North Bombay had created. Kaipaki made a very fine comeback in the last 10 overs and restricted North Bombay to 225. North Bombay felt that this was probably 20 runs shy of what they needed.
 
Kaipaki started their innings cautiously and their aim was to have 10 wickets in hand by the 10th over. They achieved this goal through dogged batting by left hander Roddie Sim and a measured approach by Fraser Graafhuis. Both openers took the score to 76 before the first wicket. Kaipaki then stumbled between the overs of 13 and 20. They couldn’t sustain their momentum and found themselves well behind the required run rate with 10 overs to go. Kaipaki need 113 runs for victory off 10 overs. Kent Currie joined Graafhuis at the crease and the pair of them put on a partnership of 76 runs in very good time. Both players put the foot down and there was a flurry of boundaries that unbelievably put Kaipaki ahead of the game with 5 overs remaining. However, once Currie left there was another mini collapse and Kaipaki only had 2 wickets in hand and still 17 runs to get off 3 overs. The run rate wasn’t the issue but wickets all of a sudden was. However, the experienced Fraser Graafhuis expertly showed his composure and class by taking over the majority of the strike and guiding the Kaipaki team to a monumental victory. Wayne Clifford’s contribution in the last few overs cannot go unmentioned – his experience and cool headedness also deserves accolades. Kaipaki ended getting the runs with an over remaining.
 
As far as individual performances are concerned for Kaipaki this century from Fraser Graafhuis is right up. His innings had a great mix of power hitting and finesse. He knew when to hit big but also noodled the ball around to accumulate one’s and two’s.
 
This game has began an exciting rivalry one feels….
 
 
Kind regards,
Kent Currie
Kaipaki Cricket Enthusiast
021 944 710

Former Black Cap Matthew Sinclair’s 63no no match for Jerem Wylie’s powerful hitting.
 
Game: Kaipaki  vs Wellington Wanderers
Venue: Clifton Cricket Ground (Artificial)  
Date: Saturday 22nd January 2016
Weather: Sunny and VERY VERY HOT
Toss: Kaipaki Won Toss and Elected To Field
 
Kaipaki Team: Michael Clayton ©, Bradford Leonard, Jerem Wylie, Nick Binnie, Fraser Graafhuis, Alan Ford, Roddie Sim, Andy Wylie, Dan Fenwick, Kent Currie, Wayne Clifford,
 
Result: Kaipaki Won By 6 Wickets
 
Match Statistics:
 
Wellington Wanderers: 143 for 3 in 20 Overs
Kaipaki Bowling: Wayne Clifford 1 for 35 in 4 overs.
 
Kaipaki: 144 for 4 in 18 overs
Kaipaki Batting: Jerem Wylie 52no, Roddie Sim 33, Michael Clayton 32
 
 
Match Summary
Kaipaki have made a powerful start to the Clifton Cricket Carnival by defeating Wellington Wanderers in extremely hot conditions.
 
Kaipaki found it hard to penetrate through the Wanderers batting line up as Matthew Sinclair showcased all his class by anchoring the innings. Although Kaipaki couldn’t take wickets they still managed to restrict the run rate through tight bowling and committed fielding. Alan Ford was the pick of the bowlers but unfortunately couldn’t pick up any wickets.
 
Kaipaki cruised to the required target thanks to another special innings by Jerem Wylie who hit 7 massive sixes on his way to 52no. Roddie Sim and Michael Clayton also batted superbly with well measured 30’s.
 
Kaipaki now take on the Tournament favourites North Bombay CC who look to have a classy line up. They defeated Clifton yesterday by 90 runs scoring 185 to Clifton’s 95.
 
 
Kind regards,
 
Kent Currie
Director Of Cricket
021 944 710

Adam Flegg stars with a fine all round performance
 
Game: Kaipaki  vs St Paul’s
Venue: St Paul’s Collegiate (Grass)  
Date: Saturday 16th January 2016
Weather: Sunny and Hot
Toss: Kaipaki Won Toss and Elected To Field
 
Kaipaki Team: Adam Flegg, James Mitchinson, Hugo Bothma, Corey Hyde, Fraser Kilgour. Dylan Griffin, Kent Currie ©, Brenden Flegg, Wayne Clifford, Douglas Cookson, Dom Grover
 
Result: Kaipaki Won By  7 Wickets
 
Match Statistics:
 
St Paul’s: 186 all out in 41 Overs
Kaipaki Bowling: Brenden Flegg 4 for 31 off 8 overs, Adam Flegg 2 for 43 off 9 overs, 2 for 34 off 7 overs
 
Kaipaki: 188 for 3 off 31 overs
Kaipaki Batting: Adam Flegg 62no, James Mitchinson 37, Fraser Kilgour 34no, Corey Hyde 33
 
 
Match Summary
 
After indifferent performances in the One Day Competition before Christmas, Kaipaki have been buoyed by the return of several influential cricketers, that have served the team so well over the last 2 seasons. Kaipaki have introduced some quality young players into their top team and add that with the mix of experience to complement the newbies enthusiasm, they look to have a solid outfit.
 
Kaipaki made the tactical decision to bowl first on a flat track that had good even bounce. The pitch was regarded as a road by the players. Kaipaki toiled hard in the field and their seam attack worked hard to restrict the St Paul’s run rate but also picked up crucial wickets throughout the innings. Kaipaki’s bowlers were used in short sharp spells and generally bowled in good areas. Although they still gave away probably 30 runs too many it was a good effort after the Christmas break.
 
The Kaipaki seam attack of Adam Flegg, Brenden Flegg, Dom Grover and Doug Cookson all picked up wickets and returned good figures. Veteran spinner Wayne Clifford also provided a good change of pace when it was required and executed a reasonably good spell of spin bowling in the context of the game.
 
187 can be a nervy total to chase down but Kaipaki showed solidity in their batting to make the required runs with relative ease. Adam Flegg (62no) and James Mitchinson (37) had a very good opening partnership of 83 to set a perfect foundation for the middle order. Corey Hyde (33) maintained the momentum that had been created by his openers with some telling  boundaries.  Hyde set the scene nicely for the belligerent Fraser Kilgour (34no) who finished the game off. Kilgour has not played a lot of cricket this season but he reminded the ‘Kaipaki Nation’ of what a talent he is with some massive blows to and over the boundary. He hit one ball onto the pavilion, one into the swimming pool and the other one rebounded off the moon.
 
Kaipaki will take plenty of confidence into this weekend’s 2 day game against Cambridge at the Cambridge Town Square.
 
Kind regards,

Kent Currie
Director Of Cricket
021 944 710

Kaipaki’s season back on track with strong first up effort…….
 
Game: Kaipaki Gold vs West Ham
Venue: Kaipaki Oval (Artificial)  
Date: Saturday 9th January 2016
Weather: Warm, Dry, Humid, Sunny, Arid, Balmy , Not Wet, Not Cold
Toss: Kaipaki Lost Toss and Elected To Field
 
Team / Batting Order: T Kapadia, D. Fenwick, M. Donovan, D. Armstrong, R. Sim, M. Kapadia, D. Bellis , B. Strang, H. Baker, K. Bell, M. Mace  
 
Result: Kaipaki Won By  4 Wickets
 
Match Statistics:
 
West Ham: 177 All Out in 31.3 Overs
Kaipaki Bowling: D. Bellis 3/21 , B. Strang 3/35
 
Kaipaki: 178 / 6 in 30.3 overs
Kaipaki Batting: D. Armstrong 35, R. Sim 33, M. Kapadia 25*, D. Bellis 20
 
 
Match Summary
 
Welcome to 2016!
 
We are fast approaching the business end of the season and like the weather, form is changeable – I would have preferred to have inserted “scorching hot” here but NZ summer is fairly unpredictable.
 
Saturday 9th January saw us take on the old foes, West Hamilton – a formidable opponent and well worth the respect shown to them by the 11 that did battle on a warm day at Kaipaki Oval.
 
Highlights of the day include;
 
Donny’s driving (on the way to the game) – Howard Baker must have mistaken Saturday for Sunday given the leisurely speed he cruises the open road at!
 
Fielding by Kaipaki was definitely a big difference – albeit Mitch Mace did his best to increase the target & try to make a game of it by helping one shot over the fence with some sportsman like boundary riding fielding.
 
West Ham kicked off to a very quick start (64/0 after 8 overs) until H. Baker undid the first opener with a combination of spin, flight & pace and knocked his poles over. Hard to coach great off spin bowling like the Bakers of this world.
 
The West Ham danger man Louie was able to compile a well put together 38 until he spooned a full toss back to Bellis – never underestimate the power of the full bunger – its undone many a good batsman and several of them were used to our advantage on Saturday.
 
Ben Strang (no relation to Blair aka Rangi of Shorty Street) & Deane Bellis dominated with the ball and really choked the life out of West Ham in the crucial mid-section of the batting innings – both these guys also made contributions with bat in hand. Probably both contenders for Man of the Match however as Dan Fenwick was picking and he didn’t get a bowl (despite several large hints that he was ready and eager to bowl) this may have impacted on his final decision.
 
Roddie Sim & Musti Kapadia can be thanked for bringing some sensible batting to the crease and their 38 & 25 respectively were effectively what really undid the West Ham attempt to thwart our run chase.
 
Other notable highlights;
 
Deane Bellis accelerated his batting opportunity by giving Taz out LBW in what some are saying is a new world record for the fastest finger being raised (the innuendo here is too obvious to take further?) – video highlights using the super slow replay have shown the bowlers appeal for leg before was accepted as the ball left his hand – match fixing officials are looking into it as we speak.
 
Kevin Bell aka Doc had the best LBW appeal of the day – a solo effort which much to the dismay of the rest of the team was given out.
 
Bones took the Catch of the Match – a rather innocuous diving forward at gully number – some concerns over the validity of the catch – lets just say the dismissed West Ham Batsman “Woodie” won't be inviting Bones round for a beer anytime soon. However - Replays will show it was legitimate and very well held as one of 3 he took on the day.
 
The new uniforms are great, the slim fit accentuates the lower limb development for those of us not blessed with calf muscles. The pants will be great for skate boarding and wearing to the Outback Bar in the future when we go there to pick up our kids….
 
The most significant achievement of the day was the breaking of the losing streak for Donny in Kaipaki colours.
 
This duck / curse has been haunting this delicate flower of a man (with great hair) since his Kaipaki debut 2 seasons ago – Thank God we can lay that demon to rest now.
 
Cheers
 
Donny
(Manuka Honey Specialist with Great Hair)
 
Mark Donovan
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