The touring Crusaders Cricket Club from Victoria were beaten yesterday in a close match by the CCA Lincoln Scholarship XI.

The match was reduced to 35 overs per side and was only really possible after heavy morning rain due to the efforts of Hagley Oval Turf Manager, Tom O'Carroll.

Batting first the Crusaders made their way to 138 off their 35 overs after a very slow start. It was only thanks to the last three partnerships putting on 50 runs, that they managed to reach a competitive total. Bowling for the Lincoln XI, Andrew Ellis took 2-10, Paul Petrowski 2-5, while Rowan Foulds, James Biddick and Josh Coll also picked up wickets.

Lincoln got off to a solid start with Biddick (24) and David Fulton (18) adding 50 for the first wicket. Four wickets were then lost for 10 runs before Petrowski (18) and Brad Lockhart (22 not out) steadied the ship with a solid 30-run partnership. With six overs remaining the equation was down to a run a ball, but some explosive hitting by man of the match Ellis (36 not out) saw the total reached with 11 balls to spare.

It was the second time these two sides have met and it is hoped that this fixture will become an annual event on the cricket calendar.

© Canterbury Cricket Association