Stonecutters 125/9, W Herbert 3-23 (4), G Hampton 2-9 (4), K Thompson 2-14 (2)
Wildcats 127/6, K Thompson 29* (33), D Croft 20 (19)
https://www.crichq.com/#matches/458703/2nd_innings
It was a tough opening clash with Danny Rood's new Karori T20 team. The Stonecutters brought the heat, but the Wildcats held their nerve.
The Cutters got off to a quick start with Vaughan sprig-less first over seeing him tumble around a bit before he found his radar. We were unlucky not to break the partnership early-on, and the Stonecutters capitalised.
Will struck with his first delivery at the start of the 6th, putting them on 63-1. George took that catch, which arrived from a very high-angle. At the other end Bobby bowled great channels and was rewarded with an LBW. Will picked up two more scalps at the start of his second over and with his final ball.
With wickets falling on the regular the Stonecutters weren't able to build run-scoring momentum. Very accurate bowling from George was instrumental in restricting the Cutters, and George picked up two wickets, LBW and bowled. The other Stonecutters opener looked like he might carry his bat, but our Mr Thomson kurt-ailed that in the 16th over. Bobby held a catch a short third man, giving Kurt his second. Not wanting to miss out Nando hit off stump with a dropping outswinger.
All in all the Wildcats put on a robust display in the field and did well to keep the Stonecutters to 125.
Our chase started very smoothly, with Crofty and George accumulating 38 runs in 5 overs before Crofty departed (20 from19). Alex and George put the foot down with some aggressive running until George was bowled (15 from 20) and Alex's luck ran out with a run-out (14 from 8).
At 63-3 from 8.1 we were humming along ahead of the run-rate. We also brought together a well-engineered partnership of Will and Kurt. Unfortunately it was over too soon, and when Vaughan and Bobby departed shortly after, we were looking a little dicey at 96-6 from 13. It also looked like the Stonecutters were preparing to remove the stone of shame, and attach the stone of triumph. (obligatory Simpsons reference)
Thankfully Kurt was having a good hair day (GHD), especially above his lip. Together with Nicholls' ring-in (Matt), he steered the Wildcats ship safely home with 1.3 overs and 4 wickets in hand.
