Tapper and Nelson shine in convincing victory over Westlake Boys High

The toss was crucial on a cloudy morning and Westlake had no hesitation in bowling first on a juicy looking track. With rain prevailing over most of the days leading up to his match, the wicket had to be covered for longer than was preferred and the ball dominated the bat in the opening spell. Incidentally, this match was played on the No 2 pitch as the No 1 wicket was underprepared due to the previous week’s weather. Watching the 1^st XI playing on the No 2 wicket was a unique experience for both players and supporters.

The openers Karl Wallace and James Nelson could not get underway as the Westlake opening attack enjoyed the best of conditions making the ball do all sorts of magic. Wallace was watchful and expertly left balls whilst Nelson played and missed regularly but it was the former who blinked first and was caught behind off a wide delivery, in the 6^th over, with a mere 4 runs on the board. Morgan Tapper lasted 8 balls and was dismissed with the score on a paltry 13, in the 9^th over. The skipper, Nick Tapper then consolidated with Nelson, and they put on a magnificent 143 run partnership off 184 balls (4.6 RPO) to dig their team out of trouble. Tapper was dismissed at 156/3 whilst trying to up the run rate and this allowed Josh Olliver to join the fray. Olliver struck some lusty blows and was always on the lookout for runs before he was caught, going for another boundary with King’s having reached relative safety at 221/4. Nelson opened up after reaching a very patient century and with overs running out both James Wilson and Liam Denny played out the remaining balls for King’s to post 236/5.

 After lunch Westlake got their chase underway in pursuit of an achievable target of 237 runs which would have been their highest score this season. The opening pace quarter of Jonty Willis, Nick Tapper, Jack Priddy and Liam Denny were difficult to score off. The visitors got off to a sluggish start and none of their top 6 batters imposed themselves on the King’s bowlers. Wickets fell regularly and Westlake were all at sea with the score on 81/5 when their opening bowler Spike Ruffell came in at No 7, an unusual position for him, and immediately took control of the run chase. He went on a frenzied attack was threatening to turn the game on its head. Samar Singh and Liam Denny were shown no mercy. Ruffell added almost 40 runs in a partnership for the 6^th wicket and it took a superb catch by Nick Tapper to bring his cameo to an end and calm the nerves in the King’s camp. After Ruffell’s dismissal the remaining partnerships did not cause alarm and the skipper, Tapper rotated his bowlers intelligently to secure a 60-run victory which was well-received by the large contingent of parent and sibling supporters, this being the final home game for six of the Year 13 leavers. Freddie Brewis had a memorable match, being involved in four dismissals, including one stumping off Justin Nori. James Nelson also enjoyed a special day highlighted by his maiden century for the

1^st XI to join Karl Wallace as the only other centurion this season. Nelson also claimed two wickets in his five overs to go with his baggy that was awarded for reaching a milestone, today. Jack Priddy was the other baggy recipient – another well-deserved accolade for a wonderful servant of the 1^st XI.

Next week the team travels north to take on Auckland Grammar and would cherish an outstanding result to farewell Tapper, Olliver, Priddy, Wilson, Wallace and Willis (pictured below) who will be playing their final match in the cherished maroon strip.

 Baggy: James Nelson; Jack Priddy

 King’s win by 60 runs

 Video link to this match kindly provided by Sumit Grover and Westlake BH parents.

 https://cricheroes.in/scorecard/4764380/College-Sports-Auckland/Kings-College-1st-XI-vs-Westlake-Boys-High-School