Isaac Bazley in action. Photo supplied.Ashburton College’s first XI cricketers begin day two of their final match of the season against St Thomas of Canterbury’s first XI today in a strong position.

The visitors hold a first innings lead of 100 runs in the Canterbury youth grades competition two-day match in Christchurch, but at the mid-stage of day one that didn’t look like being the case.

Ashburton College batted first and made 120 all out, with Isaac Bazley batting well for his 56 and Devon Flannery adding 27.

In reply, St Thomas looked to be cruising and with a bit of luck looked like easily surpassing Ashburton College’s score at 72/1.

But the Ashburton bowlers had other ideas and produced a stunning few overs to see St Thomas lose their final nine wickets for just 18 runs.

They were all out for 90 runs.

Ben Middleton ended with the figures of 3/8, while Angus Jemmett took 3/18 and Will Copland took 2/8.

Ashburton began their second innings with a 30-run lead and by the end of day one that lead was 100, with Jemmett 40 not out and Jonty Small 7 not out.

Day two gets under way today in Christchurch at the St Thomas of Canterbury fields.

By Erin Tasker © The Ashburton Guardian - 30 March 2019