Ashburton College’s bowling and fielding was all over Christ’s College on Saturday. Photo supplied.Ashburton College’s 1st XI have defied their early season struggles in what was an impressive ambush in Christchurch on Saturday.

The team overturned Christ’s College’s top team by 7 wickets in the Ara 1st XI one day championship, following a ruthless performance with the ball.

After four defeats to open their account, the Mid Cantabrians have now gone back-to-back – the latest win easily their most dominant display of the season.

It was the Jemmett show largely, as cousins Angus and Wil pulled off a superb all-round double act.

Christ’s total of 121 proved nowhere near enough as AshColl ran it down comfortably.

The home team opted to bat first in breezy conditions with AshColl striking in the second over when Wil Jemmett had James Luxton caught.

Devon Flannery was introduced into the attack early, and had success from the outset when he trapped Caleb Manson in front for 5.

25/2 soon became 29/4 as Jemmett ran through the home side’s top order.

A few overs later and the Christchurch boys were five down with Monty Rookes back in the shed.

A sixth wicket stand of 38 between Zach Gimblett (33) and Thomas McClean (23) edged Christ’s closer to 100.

Both Jemmetts then combined to break the partnership at 19 overs, as Angus’ off spin had McClean caught by Wil to end his quick-fire cameo.

Gimblett hung in there, but lost partners far too regularly before he too fell to Angus Jemmett.

Both Jemmetts took six wickets between them as Christ’s were bowled out in the 34th over.

AshColl got off to a flying start as openers Angus Jemmett and Flannery opted to wrap the result up swiftly.

Flannery went at better than a run a ball, clearing the boundary on two occasions as the pair put on 50.

After bringing up his half century, Flannery was adjudged lbw off the bowling of Harrison Lund as the visitors lost their first wicket at 79.

Isaac Bazley lasted three balls before he too was trapped in front in the same over.

AshColl also lost Jonty Small with 36 still needed.

However Jemmett was unflappable as his unbeaten 51 guided AshColl home in the 23rd over alongside brother Lachie (10no).

By Adam Burns © The Ashburton Guardian - 24 November 2020