The newly formed HNCC 2nd Division side knew that they were going to face a real test against last year’s finalists Napier Pirates in their first game of the season at Anderson Park. Winning the toss and batting, although HNCC lost two early wickets two excellent stands between Jerome Webby (41) and Tristan Mudaly (16) and Dan Fridd (33 in 34 balls), got Havelock to a strong position of 108 for 3 off 27 overs. Unfortunately, some ‘early season rustiness’ from the middle order meant that Havelock were bowled out for 149 in 38 overs.
It took the first change of Tristan (2 for 12) to make the breakthrough and the experienced Andy Reeves (3 for 34) to have Napier Pirate wobbling at 89 for 6 after 23 overs. However, Havelock were unable to maintain the pressure and a couple of dropped catches and lusty blows from the Pirates late middle order ensured they got over the line comfortably with under 9 overs to spare and with 3 wickets remaining. The pick of the bowlers was the unlucky Sophie Pyott who bowled with good accuracy for her 1 for 22 off 7.4 overs.
With a few more weeks of practice and more confidence with bat and ball the 2nd Division side shows every sign of being a competitive side and not far away from some good wins.