Medbury School of Christchurch, have today beaten John McGlashan of Dunedin in the South Island final of the 35-over Milo Cup cricket competition.

Playing their second game in as many days, Medbury ended the game strongly to take the final seven John McGlashan wickets for 24 runs, winning the game by 14 runs.

Batting first on a low, slow pitch Medbury started well and after 10 overs had reached 40/1. Sam Deans (14) and Christopher McGoldrick (22) put on a solid partnership for the second wicket and then Matthew Groom (18) combined with McGoldrick to push the score on towards 60.

John McGlashan came back well with the ball, mainly thanks to an inspired spell of three wickets for one run by Ben Qau Qau. He was well supported by James Ross who took two for seven. Medbury were eventually bowled out for 105 in the 31st over.

In reply, John McGlashan started well and after 16 overs were 55/3. Angus Taylor batted solidly for 22 and was well supported by Jesse Simpson who made 19. Wickets then fell regularly and John McGlashan were eventually bowled out for 91 in the 32nd over. Patrick Ryan was the pick of bowlers, who polished off the tale and ended with three for 10. Nick Rennie also bowled well at the death, picking up two for 16.

Medbury coach Duncan Trafford was ecstatic with the win and commented: "Although we won the game by 14 runs it could have gone either way. Our tactic of getting runs on the board and defending a score has been successful in the past and has worked again today. The boys have worked extremely hard and will continue to do so between now and the final."

Medbury will now go on to play in the National Final to be held in Palmerston North on Thursday, December 12.

© CricInfo