Angus Jemmett took a five-wicket-bag for Mid Canterbury against Buller this week at the South Island Under-17 cricket tournament in Christchurch. Photo Robyn HoodMid Canterbury’s under-17 cricketers have produced a mixed bag of results this week at their Canterbury regional under-17 tournament in Christchurch.

Day one of the tournament was a tough one for the young Mid Canterbury side, losing both of their opening games.

Playing in a 20/20 format on the opening day, Mid Canterbury’s bowlers stood out and put them in good a position, but they weren’t able to chase down the runs in both games.

They played Christchurch Metro Red in game one and restricted them to 129/4 with Harry McMillan taking 1/13 off his four overs and Archie Redfern taking 2/31.

Openers Isaac Bazley and Devon Flannery started Mid Canterbury’s reply well and at the fall of the first wicket at 32 off 5 overs Mid Canterbury were well set up, but they couldn’t keep the momentum up and ended up 94/9 from the 20 overs.

Flannery top scored with 26 and Angus Jemmett added 18.

In game two against the fancied Canterbury Country, Mid Canterbury’s bowling unit did well to have them 41/3 after the first 10 overs, but a few missed chances in the field let them get away to 122/6.

Standouts with the ball, were Tom Middleton 2/15 and Will Copeland 2/13.

It was a gettable target, but Mid Canterbury never really got in the race. Bazley once again led from the front with 22 and was assisted by Thom Graham with 19, as Mid Canterbury ended up at 71/8.

Day two was much improved though, with Mid Canterbury taking on Buller and scoring a massive 209/7 off their 20 overs, before bowling the Buller boys out for 61.

A wet start to the day meant the 50-over game was reduced down to a 40 over a side match, and after winning the toss and electing to bat, Mid Canterbury performed well with only one batsman failing to make double figures.

Archie Redfern put together a superb captain’s knock of 52 with some hard hitting at the back end, and was supported by Bazley (19), Graham (24), Flannery (30), Tom Middleton (16), Aiden Bennett (22) and Tim Hartford (12).

The partnership at the end of Bennett and Hartford of 36 in quick time finished off Mid Canterbury’s innings well and set a formidable target for Buller to chase.

Buller’s batting started strongly and at 32/2 Mid Canterbury had a fight on their hands.

But then it became impossible to take the ball away from Jemmett and he ripped through the Buller middle order to take 20/5.

Copeland was also near-unplayable taking 3/9, while Liam Sullivan chimed in to take a crucial wicket and Middleton took a spectacular outfield catch.

Mid Canterbury were due to take on Christchurch Metro Black in a 50-over contest on Wednesday but play was washed out, and yesterday they played South Canterbury.

Today is the final day of the tournament.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 14 December 2018