Lachie Jemmett was in amongst the runs for the Mid Canterbury Under 15 side last week at their regional tournament. Photo Doug BovettThey might not have figured at the pointy end of the competition, but the Mid Canterbury Under 15 cricket side at least walked away from last weekend’s Regional tournament with their heads held high after a strong win to finish the week.

The tournament, which saw sides from South Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, Canterbury Country, Buller and two Christchurch Metro sides was held in Timaru throughout the course of last week and apart from an abandoned game early in the competition, all other games were completed.

The Mid Canterbury side had a tough start to the week, losing first up to Metro Red.

Chasing 124, they were all out for 70, with only two players managed to reach double figure scores.

They then took on the host region, South Canterbury and despite a handy effort with the bat from Lachie Jemmett (73) and Jack Irwin (30), who posted a 110-run partnership, they were unable to get the win on the board.

Their match against Buller was abandoned due to the inclement weather before they took on neighbours, Canterbury Country, in what turned out to be a gripping match.

Mid Canterbury batted first and posted a competitive 174 with the bat, with Toby Robinson (58) and Patrick Currie (29) contributing well with the bat.

In the Country run chase, the Mid Canterbury bowlers did their job well but were unable to get that last wicket, with Country chasing down the target with one wicket to spare.

Hugh Sanders was the pick of the Mid Canterbury bowlers, taking 3-35 off his five overs.

It was another close affair in the match against Metro Black.

Again Mid Canterbury batted first and posted 184.

Jemmett (63), Robinson (47) and Currie (51) were all in on the runs again but just like their previous match, the Mid Canterbury bowlers were unable get the wickets on the board with Metro chasing down the target with five wickets remaining.

Nicholas Stringer was excellent with ball in hand, taking 2-25 off five overs.

Mid Canterbury rounded out their tournament week in style though by beating Buller on the last day of the competition.

Batting first, Mid Canterbury made the most of their opportunity scoring an imposing 210 all out.

Again, Currie was in the runs, scoring 82 to round out the week as Mid Canterbury’s leading run scorer, while Seb McMillan was also in on the action scoring 33.

He then turned around and did the damage with the ball as well, taking 3-26 off six overs, while Sanders and Jack Middleton each took a brace as Buller were rolled for 141.

By Matt Markham © The Ashburton Guardian - 22 December 2019