Allenton’s purple patch in cricket’s shorter format has continued.

The club’s Progressive Livestock side completed their fourth win in the local T20 competition on Wednesday, beating Lauriston by four wickets.

Angus Jemmett eyes up a delivery. Photo supplied.In the penultimate week before the Christmas break, the visitors nudged past Lauriston’s total with five balls to spare in the 18-over match-up.

The home team posted 112/8 from their allotted overs, centered around Alex Hooper’s ante-upping 31 from 15 balls.

Coming in at 51/3, Hooper cleared the rope four times before his 20 minute walk-on ended at the hands of Lachie Jemmett.

He may have got his side past the 100-run mark, however the hosts were unable to kick on over the final two overs with only a further eight runs added following Hooper’s late departure.

It was a steady start for Allenton in response, with Devon Flannery in good touch at the crease.

His fellow opener Jordan Bird vacated for 9 in the fifth over, before Liam O’Connor claimed the key wicket of Angus Jemmett moments later.

The Lauriston bowler kept his side in the hunt with key strikes at the top, adding the wickets of Flannery and Matt Tait during a productive four-over spell in the middle.

However the Meyrick brothers Tom and Jack – the latter coming off a mammoth 100 the previous week – consolidated the pursuit.

Tom was trapped in front for 13 with another 18 still required from 19 balls to give the hosts a glimmer.

However Jack and Sam Clarke guided the visitors home, reaching the target with the first ball of the final over to complete their fourth win of the competition.

By Adam Burns © The Ashburton Guardian - 11 December 2020