Union won the Dick Hunt Rosebowl for the first time in six years, and the 12th time overall, defeating Albion by 4 wickets in a low-scoring final.

After Albion won the toss and elected to field, they made a steady if slow start. Captain Jonty Naylor 15 and Amal Asok 30 put on 42 for the 2nd wicket and looked like they were setting an ideal platform for their team to launch in the final overs. But when Asok was dismissed in the 14th over, with the total at 81, Albion struggled to start hitting out and the last 6 overs only saw 24 runs added. Albion’s final total was 111/7.

Blake Martin returned the best figures for Union taking  2-16 of four overs.

Defending a small total, Albion looked to apply the pressure by keeping the runs to a minimum. This paid dividends as they took two early wickets to leave Union 22-2 in the 5th over. Blake James 26 and Jessie Valpy 17 looked to solidify the innings combining for 37 runs, but with the required rate creeping up to more than a run a ball, an exciting finish was in prospect.

Seventeen runs would come in the 18th over, leaving 10 runs required off the last 12 balls. Daniel Martin 15 then hit a six, the only one of the game, then a four two balls later to help his side to a 4 wicket win. Most Albion bowlers returned some very economical figures, Albert Francis taking  2-28 of 3 overs.

In the Club20 Saturday afternoon Holiday Competition, Oamaru took the honours beating Valley by 27 runs.

Next week will see the return of the two school 1st Xis as Borton Cup cricket recommences.

Albion 111-7 ( A. Asok 30, J. Naylor 15, T. Beardsmore 15, R. Lalia 15, A. Kumar 11, B. Martin 2-16 )
Union 112-6 ( B. James 26, J. Valpy 17, D. Martin 15no, T. Shields 14, B. Martin 13, B. Fleming 12no, A. Francis 2-28 )
Union won by 4 wickets
Full scorecard for the match