NPMU Defeat Auckland’s Champions

New Plymouth Marist United (Central Districts) 174 (Ryan Bridgeman 36) DEFEATED Parnell (Auckland) 100 (Ryan Watson 5/18).

The fighting qualities of New Plymouth’s Marist United shone through at the 2012/2013 edition of the National Club Champs in Auckland on more than one occasion. On the number 3 field the Minotaurs claimed the scalp of Auckland champions Parnell after winning the toss and batting first.

In trouble at 73 for 6 the Minotaur tail rallied late to post 174 before being bowled out after 44.2 overs. A 41 run stand for the ninth wicket between Ryan Bridgeman and Sam Wells were crucial to a competitive total.

From there they took a strangle hold on the match, led by New Zealand U19 representative Ryan Watson who took 5 for 19 with his accurate pace bowling. Parnell could only score 100 before being bowled out in the 29th over. This left the Minotaurs needing to beat Kaikorai from Otago to keep a live a spot in the 1v2 playoff match at the 2012/2013 National Club Champs.