Advantage Karori as big two square off

BY SAM WORTHINGTON

Karori have qualified top for the Pearce Cup final against Eastern Suburbs, meaning the eight-time defending champions will have to win the match outright to extend their reign.

The fierce rivals have proved themselves easily Wellington's two best clubs this season and Karori overtook Easts at the top of the table by beating relegated University by an innings.

Easts beat Taita by 22 runs but it was hard work, Chris Tait hitting his maiden premier century in Taita's first innings of 259-2 declared.

Karori captain Simon Baker said his side had ticked all the boxes heading into the three-day final starting on Friday at Barton Oval.

"They [Easts] set a pretty high bar," Baker said.

"I hope weather doesn't play a part but if it does, that's what the points system is for. The team that finishes top is the winner so that's why it was so important to us."

The final was initially pencilled in for Karori Park but Baker was relaxed at the shift to a neutral venue.

"I'm not too worried about it. It is a little bit disappointing that all of the supporters of both teams have to travel 50km or 60km to watch the final. But we'll play anywhere."

Karori are pushing to have sightscreens erected at Barton Oval but Baker said the club didn't have any other rabbits to pull out of their hat.

Injured Black Caps fast bowler Andy McKay would not be fit for the final.

"We're not going to rush him back," Baker said. "We've got where we are with the team that we've got, so it would be a bit of a shame to make somebody miss a game. I don't think that's what we're about."

Easts captain Lance Dry said it was disappointing to concede first place heading into the final but was optimistic test spinner Jeetan Patel and maybe Wellington opening batsman Josh Brodie, who is recovering from a broken hand, would be available to play.

"The test finishes on Wednesday and the final is not till Friday so it'd be obviously good to have Jeetan," Dry said.

"It may just be a bridge too far for Josh, but you never know. He's getting it reassessed again this week so we'll just see."

Meanwhile, Jesse Ryder provided the standout club innings on Saturday.

Ryder's swashbuckling century (114 off 67 balls) led Naenae Old Boys to a six-wicket win over Onslow.

Chasing 202, Naenae was 29-3 when Ryder walked to the crease.

He took 41 balls to score his first 50 and just 22 more to reach his ton, all up whacking 16 fours and four sixes.

North City won their match against Hutt District by an innings.

In the Hazlett Trophy, Collegians defeated Upper Hutt by an innings to ensure top place heading into the three-day final starting on Friday.

Their opponents will be Petone-Riverside, who beat Karori B.

Johnsonville drew their game with relegated Wellington College.

Bizarrely, Luke Woodcock finished with 99 not out after a scorer's error, having earlier raised his bat and walked off the field being told he was on 111 not out.

- © Fairfax NZ News