Seamer steams ahead

KENT BLECHYNDEN/Dominion Post

SWING OF THINGS: Easts batsman Scott Golder hits lustily to the leg side, watched by Karori wicketkeeper Simon Allen during the one-day match won by Easts by 41 runs.

Relevant offers

Local sport

Matthew Bell ends lengthy innings Ellis back on the pitch despite agonising condition Joseph Parker a heavy-duty hero in waiting Weepu hopes to back up this week All Whites have chance to go one better Orcas capitulate and miss out on a place in final Best yet to come for shot put golden girl MSP victory would have special significance Union feels the pinch after posting another deficit Captain optimistic despite daunting semifinal challenge

Josh Stuart's return to the bowling crease is picking up steam with the tall seamer helping Eastern Suburbs to their familiar position atop the Wellington premier standings.

In a match that revisited last year's testy three-day final on Saturday, Easts beat Karori by 41 runs in the one-dayer and Stuart was the star by taking 4-22.

Karori will be kicking themselves. Easts' top scorer was extras, with 45, including a staggering 39 wides.

Even with the gifts, Easts could reach only 171 batting first as paceman Sunnie Chan (4-30) and spinner Jarrad Sewell (3-43) helped keep them in check.

Karori looked to be making short work of the chase, reaching 44-0, before Stuart and Black Caps spinner Jeetan Patel (3-17) took charge as Karori slumped to 69-7 and the eventual loss.

Easts manager Gordon Dry said Stuart was resurrecting his bowling after being plagued with injuries in the last two seasons.

Good enough to be Wellington's 12th man in 2005, Stuart had lost a yard of pace but was making up for it in line and length.

"He's just getting it in the right channels and he'll only get better from here as he gets more bowling," Dry said. "He hasn't bowled a lot in the last couple of seasons."

Stuart removed good players on Saturday – Karori's entire top four of Marc Ellison, Stephen Murdoch, Chris Spring and Harry Boam.

"He bowled well, tightly and nicked a few guys out," Dry said. "I know he's been bowling in the nets to the Firebirds and his fitness is getting better all the time."

Despite playing on artificial wickets, runs were even scarcer elsewhere in the premier grade.

Defending one-day champions Hutt District beat University by 33 runs despite scoring just 97.

Hutt seamer David Twigg had the outstanding figures of 4-9 off 9.5 overs.

North City destroyed Naenae Old Boys by seven wickets, taking only 12.1 overs to chase down Naenae's paltry 69.

Norths' left-arm quicks Fraser Quarterman (4-14) and Dewayne Bowden (3-17) were both on song.

Taita had a similarly easy seven-wicket victory against Onslow, who were bowled out for 105.

Runs were more plentiful in the senior competition, as Luke Woodcock (40 and 3-15) steered leaders Johnsonville to a 44-run win against Taita B, despite the best efforts of Anthony Crummy (69) and David Little (4-42).

Wellington College beat Upper Hutt in a one-run thriller, thanks largely to Chamika Gajanayake's unbeaten 102.

Karori B beat Collegians by 143 runs with Lee Edwards (88), Jono Sole (76) and James Hill (4-14) all impressing.

Norths B were similarly comprehensive, defeating Petone-Riverside by 149 runs.

Nick Walters (102) and Russell Pepperell (98 not out and 3-13) were the standout individuals.

In the women's competition, Johnsonville beat Hutt by 81 runs as Caitlin Eves (57), Sian Ruck (4-7) and Megan Wakefield (3-12) all shone.

Onslow defeated Collegians by 67 runs despite Whetu Charteris' 4-36 and Rota Vinh's 3-26, while Onslow's Laura Webster took 3-24.

- © Fairfax NZ News