Brad Fleming

An unbeaten 131 run seventh wicket partnership between Sean Conlan and Brad Fleming saw Union through to what seemed at times an unlikely victory against competition newcomers Eastern at KGP yesterday.

Chasing 177 for victory and with the Payne Tempero Cup on the line, Union slumped to 49-6 in the 18th over after an accurate spell of bowling from the Eastern bowlers knocked of the top of the Union order. Both of Eastern's opening bowlers Cameron Grubb and Matt McLelland gained a large amount of swing in the muggy and overcast conditions and were rewarded with their efforts taking two wickets each. When Fleming joined Conlan at the crease Eastern were right on top sensing a shock victory. The two would combine for the highest partnership so far this season as Fleming played the more junior partner to Conlan. Two major rain showers did not stop their scoring rate as the two were scoring at close to a run a ball. Conlan soon brought up his half century with a six, scored of 58 balls, as the pair started to bring their side back into the game. They bought up 100 runs together in the 34th over and then with 3 runs required for victory Conlan hit a six of Greg Stevenson-Wrights first ball of the seventh over. Fleming was 31 not out, a new personal best for Union, and Conlan 95 not out. A four wicket win, in what would be described later by club president and 51 senior game veteran Mike Ormandy as 'one of the most exciting games he's been involved in'.

Earlier Eastern had been bowled all out in the 47th over after some lusty lower order hitting from former North Otago rep Jeff Grubb saw the lower order tail wag. In his 53 he hit 6 sixes and 1 four as he brought up his half century in only 30 balls. He was well supported by Rodger Buckingham as the pair put on 82 for the 7th wicket before Buckingham was caught by Duncan Drew of the bowling of Paul Johnston four 31. Grubb was out 13 runs later, bowled by Glynn Cameron, going for another big shot. Earlier in the innings Greg Stevenson-Wright played some big hits as well in his 26 with 3 fours. The Union opening bowlers were rewarded with their efforts, Brad Fleming who would later star with the bat, took 2-22 of his 10 overs while Glynn Cameron took 4-20 of 9.1. Paul Johnston, who would suffer from the Grubb assault, took 3-39 of his 10 overs.

The Seniors are now top of the table, being the only undefeated team so far this season in Borton Cup cricket.

Player Pages:
Glynn Cameron | Sean Conlan | Duncan Drew | Brad Fleming | Paul Johnston |

Eastern 176 ( J. Grubb 53, R. Buckingham 31, G. Stevenson-Wright 26, R. Snell 12, G. Cameron 4-20, P. Johnston 3-39, B. Fleming 2-22 )
Union 180-6 ( S. Conlan 95no, B. Fleming 31no, P. Johnston 13, M. McLelland 2-23, C. Grubb 2-33, G. Stevenson-Wright 2-42 )
Union won by 4 wickets
Full scorecard for the match