The annual cricket matches between Christchurch Metropolitan 2nd Grade and Presidents teams and Christchurch Suburban Emerging Players and Presidents were played last weekend. Christchurch Metropolitan were the eventual winners of both matches, however both games went to the penultimate ball, which reflects the quality of cricket in both games.

In the first game the Christchurch Metropolitan 2nd Grade side batted first and reached a total of 265 off 50 overs. The highlight of the innings was a score of 106 from Darren Thomason, and 68 from Kieran Williams. In reply Suburban Emerging players made the best possible start with an opening stand of 109 in good time between Simon Bell and Mark Hume. However a steady succession of wickets slowed the run rate, and the eventual equation was six runs required off the last ball of the day. This did not eventuate, and Christchurch Metropolitan won the game. Simon Bell (69) and Andrew Win (51) were the standout performers for the Suburban Emerging Players. Bruce Cameron bowled well for Christchurch Metropolitan, finishing with figures of 10 overs, 3 wickets for 55 runs.

In the second match between the respective Presidents teams of both associations, Metropolitan selection first. The top order was in good form for the Metropolitan Presidents scoring 228 for 4 off the teams allocated 40 over. Tom White (51), Les Robinson (55), and Peter Kennedy (39), were all scoring at a run-a-ball. In reply, Suburban Presidents were well on track with the required run rate, with Gary Hooper looking like reaching the entire total himself. His 93 was well supported by Dave White (25), however as in the first game the last ball of the innings was to decide the final outcome of the game. Suburban Presidents required 4 runs off the last ball for victory, but could only manage 2.

Summary of scores: Metropolitan 2nd Grade: 265/5. D. Thomason 106, K. Williams 68, B. Larter 31. P. Harrison 2/52. Defeated Suburban Emerging Players: 260/8. S. Bell 69, A. Win 51. B. Cameron 3/55. Metropolitan Presidents: 228/4. L. Robson 55, T. White 55 (retired hurt), P.Kennedy 39. D. Boreham 2/34. Defeated Suburban Presidents: 225/6: G. Hooper 93. D. White 25. S Chambers 2/21.

© Canterbury Cricket Association