Disappointing bowling and fielding at Anderson Park meant that the Havelock North 2nd Division side failed to achieve back to back victories after last week’s win. After being put into bat by Napier Old Boys Rugby, Havelock got off to a disastrous start being 7 runs for 4 wickets after just 4 overs. A fine fifth wicket stand of 87 between Jame Rainger (52 no) and Robert Fridd (50) helped recover the innings through to drinks. With good support from Max Devonshire (29) and Sophie Pyott (12), Rainger Senior carried his bat through the Havelock innings which closed on a respectable 177 for 8.
The NOBM Rugby batsmen came out attacking and were firing at over 8 an over after the first 8 overs. Josh Lawson was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets for 30 runs including consecutive wickets in two balls that pulled NOBM Rugby back to 66 for 3. Tristan Mudaly bowled well and had success (1 for 17) but too many loose deliveries and several crucial dropped catches meant that the pressure never went back on to the away side and they got over the line winning by 6 wickets and with over 16 overs to spare.