Defending champions make strong start

Stoke/Nayland have made the perfect start to its championship defence with another resounding win in round three of the Nelson 110-over competition today.

Stoke/Nayland’s bowlers again blew through the top order at Marsden Rec, Nelson College finding themselves in dire trouble at 4-4.

Dylan Egington, Billy Guyton and Timothy O’Connor took all nine wickets between them, each claiming three apiece.

Only Ronan Restieuax and Kaleb McKay managed to reach double figures, the latter top scoring with 23 coming in at eight.

In reply, Stoke were under pressure at 51/6 before some lower order contributions from O’Connor (44) and Liam Clarke (23).

At Jubilee Park, Waimea Toi Toi United defended 143 for victory against Wakatu.

The hosts were dismissed after 51 overs, Sam Baxendine scoring 43 off 102.

Greg DeFu was the best with the ball taking 3/36 off 12.

Fergus Hughes top scored for Wakatu with 12, his side crumbling to just 51, Josh Newport claiming the impressive figures of 5/16.

Meanwhile, at Lower Ngawhatu, Wanderers/Motueka defeated Athletic College Old Boys by one wicket.

After a solid start, ACOB were bowled out for just 57, Harsh Visavadiya taking three wickets while in reply Wanderers scored 157/9, Visavadiya top scoring with 75.