Third time’s a charm as Kaimai Cricket Club took on Seddon Cricket Club at Matapihi Cricket Ground on Sunday. Kaimai’s inaugural fixture was a rain-affected affair back in 2022, and with a washout in our 2023 fixture, all eyes were on the weather leading up to the game. The groundsman performed a near miracle after 100mm of rain fell in the Bay in the lead-up to the game, ensuring both teams could complete the fixture.

Seddon captain Leighton Parsons called the toss correctly and had no hesitation in putting Kaimai in to bat. The Kaimai openers battled away on a tricky surface for the first 8 overs before Seddon took two wickets in two balls to rock the innings. Fluency was hard to come by, but the 4th-wicket pairing of Jono Boult (32) and Ben Warren (39) took the demons out of the pitch as they compiled a 64-run partnership. Both fell in quick succession, leaving Kaimai at 103/6 and in danger of falling short of a competitive total. Allan McMurdo (18) combined with the tail to shepherd the innings through to 131 all out in the 32nd over, out of a possible 35 overs.

Seddon’s reply started brightly, with a number of balls in the opening overs clearing the ropes, and they were in danger of running away with the chase before Nick Shoston saw his worst delivery of his spell hit straight to short third man. A further two wickets in quick succession by McMurdo reduced Seddon to 42/3 in the 10th over. Parsons (43*) and Ryan Preston (24) combined for a 50-run partnership before Boult struck twice with the score on 99. Ultimately, Kaimai were 30 runs short as Seddon chased the required 132 down for the loss of 6 wickets in the 29th over.

As ever, Kaimai CC is indebted to Neil Craig for the use of his beautiful ground. We would also like to thank Jason Dovey and Bond & Co for being our match-day sponsor.